DAVE COLDWELL knows what it’s like to go up against Joseph Parker and laid out what kind of problems Daniel Dubois will have when he fights the New Zealander on February 22.
Dubois, 22-2 (21 KOs), defends his IBF heavyweight title in Riyadh against the former WBO champion on a bumper card.
The British fighter is in red-hot form, having beaten Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic and Anthony Joshua since his knockout defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in 2023. Dubois is brimming with confidence and is eyeing a rematch against the unified champion should he get past Parker.
Coldwell, who trained Derek Chisora for his rematch against Parker in December 2021, explained what the 33-year-old challenger possesses and the problems Dubois will have to overcome.
“It’s a completely different challenge,” he said.
“In terms of all-round boxing ability I think he’ll be the best fighter he’s [Dubois] been in with. Parker can box on the back foot, he can come at you, he can rough it up a bit, good body puncher. With AJ he knew what he was gonna get, he’s a bit more upright whereas Parker can change the levels a bit easier.”
Parker, 35-3 (23 KOs), has embarked on an impressive winning run with trainer Andy Lee that has included triumphs against Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang, making him a major player once again in the heavyweight division.
“With Parker the key ingredient for me is Andy Lee,” Coldwell said.
“When Derek was in with Parker, Parker was winning the fight but looked like he could unravel at any moment. When he went back to the corner he’d come out the next round like Superman. Andy has been a huge factor in the reincarnation of Joseph Parker. If Parker was to beat Dubois I wouldn’t be shocked.”
“Dubois is strong, he’s going to be marauding, coming forward and he’s got a beautiful jab – we know all that,” he added.
“I wonder if Parker does frustrate him early doors and if that starts having an effect. I understand, though, Dubois being favourite on the back of the spectacular win over Joshua.”
