Joseph Parker’s trainer Andy Lee has been trying to put confidence in Daniel Dubois’ mind ahead of the title defense of his IBF heavyweight belt in their co-title battle on February 22 in Riyadh.
Lee reminded DuBois (22-2, 21 KOs) that he was stopped by a kill from Oleksandr Usyk in the ninth round of their fight two years ago on August 26, 2023 in Wroclaw, Poland. Andy feels that if Dubois ever stops like that, he will “Get back to the guy” when you put yourself in the same high-pressure situation against Parker (35-3, 23 KOs).
Dubois did not explain why he came off the sting against USYK and failed to return. Daniel could only turn Having said that former middleweight champion Lee may have quit under those circumstances during his career, but he won’t.
It would be a disaster for Dubois if he drops Parker because this is a winnable fight for him. Although former WBO champion Parker has recently picked up a couple of good wins against 41-year-old Zhilei Zhang and 39-year-old Deontay Wilder, he remains vulnerable.
Busy and problematic
Andy Lee: “There’s a lot of talk about Daniel fighting Usyk, and you’ve fought him before. You went down with a jab in that fight. The fight ended with a jab. What was going through your mind at the time? If you’re in the same position with Joe , how will you face it?
Frank Warren: “I hear what you’re saying and that’s a valid point. They’re trying to get under your skin. So that’s a valid point. I get that and I get it, but you know what? You’ve got to look at the shape right now.
Daniel Dubois: “It was a completely different situation. You saw what I did to my last three opponents.”
Lee: “When you’re in the same position and under the same position, you’re going to get back into the guy. Let’s look at the fights.”
Dubois: “You might go back to the guy.”
Lee: “Ha-ha-ha.”
Dubois: “I have seen your career. I saw you fight. You probably would, but not me. “
Lee: “Any doubts people had about Daniel, he proved them wrong. He wiped them clean, and we’re going in with the best fighter in the world. I’d say he’s the best fighter in the world in the world. Well, when Joe wins, we’ll take all creditworthiness.
Who was better than this exchange?! 🤔#BeterbievBivol2 | #RiyadhSeason | February 22, live on Dazn | @Turki_Alalshikh pic.twitter.com/hdhdh4c0ne
– Dazn Boxing (@DaznBoxing) January 24, 2025
