Joseph Parker’s coach, Andy Lee, was trying to create self-doubt in Daniel Dubois’ mind ahead of the title defense of his IBF heavyweight belt in their co-feature battle on February 22nd in Riyadh.
Lee reminded Dubois (22-2, 21 KOs) that he’d been stopped by a jab 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 got stopped once in that fashion, he’ll “revert to type” when put in the same high-pressure situation against Parker (35-3, 23 KOs).
Dubois didn’t explain why he went down from a jab against Usyk and failed to get back up. Daniel could only deflect by saying that the former middleweight champion Lee might have quit under those circumstances during his career, but he won’t.
It would be a disaster for Dubois if he quits against Parker because this is a winnable fight for him. Although the former WBO champion Parker has picked up a couple of good victories recently against 41-year-old Zhilei Zhang and 39-year-old Deontay Wilder, he remains vulnerable.
Jabbed & Troubled
Andy Lee: “There is a lot of talk of Daniel fighting Usyk, and you fought him already. In that fight, you went down with a jab. The fight ended off a jab. What was going through your mind at the time? If you’re in the same position with Joe, how are you going to face that?
Frank Warren: “I hear what you’re saying, and it’s a valid point. They’re trying to get under your skin. So, it’s a valid point. I get that and understand, but do you know what? You’ve got to look at the form at the moment.
Daniel Dubois: “That 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’ll revert back to type. Let’s look at the fights.”
Dubois: “Maybe you would revert back to type.”
Lee: “Ha-ha-ha.”
Dubois: “I’ve seen your career. I’ve seen you fight. You probably would, but not me. ”
Lee: “All the doubts people have had about Daniel, he’s proved them wrong. He’s wiped them clean, and we’re going in with the best fighter. I would say the best in-form fighter in the world. So, when Joe wins, we’ll take all the credit.”
Who got the better of this exchange?! 🤔#BeterbievBivol2 | #RiyadhSeason | Feb 22, live on DAZN | @Turki_alalshikh pic.twitter.com/HdHDh4C0nE
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) January 24, 2025
