By Ekpeno ASUQUO
Reigning International Boxing Federation (IBF) heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois is set to defend his title against New Zealand’s former WBO heavyweight champion, Joseph Parker, in a highly anticipated showdown in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on February 22, 2025, according to FirstNews.
Dubois, 27, has had a remarkable rise in the heavyweight division.
He secured the IBF heavyweight title in June by defeating Filip Hrgovic after Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk vacated the belt due to his ongoing rematch obligations with Tyson Fury.
In his first title defense, Dubois delivered a spectacular performance, knocking out fellow Brit and former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua at Wembley in September.
Joseph Parker, 32, brings significant experience to the ring. A former WBO heavyweight champion, Parker claimed the title in 2016 by defeating Mexico’s Andy Ruiz, though he lost it to Joshua in 2018.
Parker has been in formidable form recently, with notable victories, including a triumph over Deontay Wilder in December 2023.
He currently holds the WBO interim heavyweight title, after defeating Zhilei Zhang in March 2024.
The Dubois vs. Parker clash is just one highlight of an action-packed fight night in Riyadh, which promises to deliver a series of high-stakes bouts.
Artur Beterbiev will defend his undisputed light-heavyweight title against Dmitry Bivol in a rematch.
Beterbiev made history in October by becoming the first undisputed light-heavyweight champion of the four-belt era with a major decision victory over Bivol.
Other exciting matchups include WBC middleweight champion Carlos Adames defending his title against the undefeated Hamzah Sheeraz, who is seeking his first world title.
In the light-heavyweight division, Brits Joshua Buatsi and Callum Smith will battle for Buatsi’s WBO interim title.
WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson will face off against Floyd Schofield, while Zhang will compete against Agit Kabayel for the interim WBC heavyweight title.
With such a stacked fight card, February 22, 2025, promises to be an unforgettable night for boxing fans around the world.
The event not only showcases the best of heavyweight boxing but also features some of the sport’s biggest stars, with thrilling matchups across multiple divisions.
As Dubois and Parker prepare for their title showdown, all eyes will be on Riyadh for what is shaping up to be a spectacular evening of boxing.
|SituationReport|
