Frank Warren explains why Daniel Dubois turned down Joseph Parker fight

Parker will face Fabio Wardley next month after missing out on facing Dubois for the second time

Frank Warren has revealed Daniel Dubois was offered the chance to face Joseph Parker in his first fight back after losing his undisputed clash with Oleksandr Usyk in July.

Dubois was knocked out inside five rounds by Usyk at Wembley as he fell short in his quest to hold all four heavyweight belts.

Usyk is now sidelined with a back injury, leaving his mandatory challenger Parker to take an interim bout with Fabio Wardley instead, with the winner in line to fight the Ukrainian icon next.

Dubois was also given the option of taking on Parker, but Warren has explained how an injury setback ruled him out of contention, with the Brit now set to return in 2026.

Subscribe to DAZN now to watch over 185 fights a year

Dubois' loss to Usyk at Wembley proved a pivotal moment for the Englishman (Getty Images)

“The fight we wanted to make was one between him and Joseph Parker,” Warren told talkSPORT Boxing.

“We offered him the fight but he is now injured. So I now doubt that he will fight again this year. He will likely return in January or February next year.”

Dubois and Parker were also due to meet back in February when the former held the IBF title after beating Anthony Joshua last year.

However, Dubois was forced to pull out during fight week due to illness, with Martin Bakole stepping in on short notice to face Parker.

The Kiwi heavyweight needed just two rounds to take out Bakole but did not manage to get his bout with Dubois rescheduled as an undisputed fight against Usyk was arranged for the summer.

It has now emerged that Parker has narrowly missed out on facing Dubois again, but he remains on the verge of becoming a two-time heavyweight champion.

ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.

ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.

If Parker beats Wardley next month he will be at the front of the queue to fight Usyk. Should the Ukrainian vacate his title for a bigger payday elsewhere, Parker could be elevated to full champion.

This would leave him a strong negotiating position if he wants to revisit a showdown with Dubois for the pair to finally settle their differences in the ring.

---

DAZN is the home of combat sports, broadcasting over 185 fights a year from the world's best promoters, including Matchroom, Queensberry, Golden Boy, Misfits, PFL, BKFC, GLORY and more. An Annual Saver subscription is a one-off cost of £119.99 / $224.99 (for 12 months access), that's just 64p / $1.21 per fight.

There is also a Monthly Flex Pass option (cancel any time) at £24.99 / $29.99 per month. A subscription includes weekly magazine shows, comprehensive fight library, exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes documentaries, and podcasts and vodcasts.

For pricing in your country, more information and to sign up, click here.