As anticipation builds around the much-anticipated clash between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois, former WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker has added his voice to the ongoing predictions. Parker, who has been in the ring with Joshua himself, believes that the fight won’t go the distance. According to the New Zealand heavyweight, Joshua will stop Dubois within six rounds.
Parker’s insight comes with the weight of experience, having faced Joshua in a 2018 unification bout that saw him lose via unanimous decision. That encounter gave Parker a unique perspective on Joshua’s capabilities, and he believes that the former two-time world champion still possesses the power and precision needed to dominate Dubois.
Joseph Parker’s Experience with Joshua
Joseph Parker’s fight with Anthony Joshua was a key moment in both fighters’ careers. It was the first time that Joshua had gone the distance in a world title fight, showcasing his ability to box strategically over 12 rounds. For Parker, it was a hard-fought contest, but Joshua’s physicality and ability to control the fight from range were ultimately too much to overcome.
Reflecting on that experience, Parker has acknowledged Joshua’s punching power and technical skills as critical factors that could decide his bout with Dubois. “AJ has the power to stop anyone, and when he’s on form, he’s hard to beat,” Parker recently stated in an interview. He added, “Dubois is a strong fighter, but I think he still lacks the experience to handle someone like Joshua, especially on a big stage.”
Dubois’ Growth Since His Loss to Joe Joyce
Daniel Dubois, 26, has experienced a rapid rise in the heavyweight ranks, but he is still working to shake off the shadow of his 2020 loss to Joe Joyce. That fight, which saw Dubois sustain a serious eye injury and eventually take a knee in the 10th round, revealed some cracks in his defensive capabilities and composure under pressure. However, since then, Dubois has bounced back, capturing the WBA (Regular) heavyweight title and scoring several impressive knockouts.
While some critics argue that Dubois hasn’t faced elite competition since his loss to Joyce, Parker sees potential in the young contender but believes the jump to face Joshua might be too soon. “Dubois is strong, no doubt, but I’m not sure if he’s ready for someone like AJ at this stage in his career. He’s still learning, and Joshua will test him in ways he’s never been tested before,” Parker said.
Why Parker Thinks It Will End in 6 Rounds
Parker’s prediction of a six-round finish hinges largely on Joshua’s superior experience, power, and boxing IQ. “Joshua knows how to handle these big fights. He’s been in there with the best—[Wladimir] Klitschko, [Oleksandr] Usyk, [Andy] Ruiz. He’s had his ups and downs, but he’s learned from each fight. Dubois hasn’t faced that kind of level yet,” Parker explained.
Joshua’s punching power has been one of his defining attributes throughout his career, and Parker sees that as a key to breaking down Dubois. “I’ve been in the ring with AJ, and trust me, he can hit hard. If he catches Dubois clean, I don’t see him lasting long. Maybe Dubois will try to use his size and pressure early, but Joshua’s too smart to let that happen. I think it’ll be over by the sixth round,” Parker predicted.
This analysis reflects Joshua’s tendency to end fights early when given the opportunity. Of his 26 victories, 23 have come by knockout, and Parker believes that Joshua’s power and precision will overwhelm Dubois in the mid-rounds.
Dubois’ Puncher’s Chance?
Despite Parker’s prediction, some argue that Dubois has the power to turn the fight in his favor if he can land his devastating right hand. Dubois, known for his aggressive style and knockout power, could cause problems for Joshua if he’s able to apply pressure early in the fight. Dubois has 18 wins by knockout in his 20 victories, and his ability to finish opponents makes him a dangerous prospect in any fight.
Parker acknowledged Dubois’ power but was quick to point out that landing a knockout punch on Joshua is easier said than done. “Dubois definitely has power, but Joshua has been in there with big punchers before. He knows how to avoid those shots, and if Dubois doesn’t land early, it’ll be tough for him to come back into the fight,” Parker remarked.
Dubois will need to use his jab effectively and find a way to close the distance without walking into Joshua’s counters. If he can pressure Joshua, cut off the ring, and avoid Joshua’s uppercuts—one of his most lethal weapons—Dubois could potentially turn the fight in his favor. But according to Parker, that’s a big ask for someone still relatively inexperienced at the top level.
What’s at Stake?
For Anthony Joshua, the fight against Dubois represents more than just another title shot. After back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk, Joshua has been rebuilding his career and looking for an opportunity to reestablish himself as a dominant force in the heavyweight division. A win over Dubois would put him back in the mix for major world titles and set up potential superfights with the likes of Tyson Fury or Deontay Wilder.
For Dubois, this is a career-defining opportunity. A win over a former world champion like Joshua would catapult him into the spotlight and establish him as a legitimate threat in the heavyweight division. It would also serve as redemption after his loss to Joe Joyce, proving that he has what it takes to compete at the highest level.
Final Thoughts
As fight night approaches, the boxing world will be watching closely to see whether Joseph Parker’s prediction comes true. Joshua vs. Dubois has all the ingredients of a classic heavyweight showdown—youth vs. experience, raw power vs. refined skill, and two British fighters looking to stake their claim at the top of the sport.
While Parker believes that Joshua’s experience and power will be too much for Dubois, anything can happen in heavyweight boxing. Dubois will be eager to prove his doubters wrong and show that he’s ready to take on the best in the division. On the other hand, Joshua knows that his legacy is on the line, and he’ll be determined to make a statement in front of a packed Wembley Stadium.
Whatever the outcome, fans can expect a thrilling night of boxing, with two of Britain’s finest heavyweights going head-to-head for glory.
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