Joseph Parker set for IBF title shot against Daniel Dubois in Saudi Arabia

By Liam Napier

Joseph Parker appears set to land his second heavyweight world title shot early next year.

Ten years on from capturing the WBO world title with victory over Andy Ruiz Jr in Auckland, Parker is expected to challenge Englishman Daniel Dubois for the IBF crown in Saudi Arabia on February 22.

Dubois (22-2) stunned Anthony Joshua by dropping his compatriot four times in a five-round demolition at Wembley in September to claim the vacant IBF title.

Joshua was initially expected to accept an immediate rematch with Dubois but has since stepped aside, paving the way for Parker to challenge for one of the four world titles not held by Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk.

Earlier this month the Herald reported Parker was on course to land another title shot and respected boxing journalist Dan Rafael today suggested the Kiwi heavyweight and Dubois would headline the February card in Saudi that is also likely to feature Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol’s rematch for the undisputed light-heavyweight crown.

Rafael reports the stacked card could feature three world title fights, with IBF welterweight champion Jaron Ennis against Vergil Ortiz in the works.

Undefeated German Agit Kabayel and Chinese powerhouse Zhilei Zhang, who Parker conquered earlier this year, are also slated for the same event.

The Herald understands no deal has yet been signed between Parker and Dubois.

While Frank Warren, Dubois’ promoter, is likely to demand a rematch clause and have everything stacked in his fighter’s favour, this is the opportunity Parker has long sought after defeating former feared world champion Deontay Wilder and Zhang in his last outings.

Dubois possesses destructive power – and has defeated Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic and Joshua in his last three fights – but Parker will fancy his chances as the better technical boxer.

In the complicated boxing world, Parker may have to forgo his interim WBO champion status in order to be ranked by the IBF sanctioning body.

Parker has been on ice, training in the background with Irish coach Andy Lee and trainer George Lockhart while patiently waiting for his next opponent, since his majority decision win over Zhang in March.

Confirmation of Parker’s title challenge against the 27-year-old Dubois is not expected before Tyson Fury and Usyk’s rematch on December 22.

But it appears Parker’s Christmas will come early as he prepares for a second shot at a treasured world crown.

This article was first published on nzherald.co.nz and is republished here with permission