Daniel Dubois to Defend IBF World Heavyweight Title Against Joseph Parker in Saudi Arabia
British heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois will put his IBF title on the line against former world champion Joseph Parker on February 22nd in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The fight is part of a star-studded card headlined by a rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol for the undisputed light-heavyweight crown.
Dubois, 27, has been riding high since his dominant fifth-round knockout of Anthony Joshua in September, a performance that stunned the boxing world. Dropping Joshua multiple times in front of a sold-out Wembley crowd, Dubois cemented his status as a world-class champion after being handed the belt when Oleksandr Usyk vacated the title.
New Zealander Joseph Parker, 32, earned his shot at the title with an impressive resurgence of four wins in a row, including victories over Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang in his most recent fights.
Parker, a former WBO champion, is no stranger to high-stakes bouts. Known for his durability, he has previously gone the distance with Joshua and has rebuilt his career with a string of high-profile wins.
Who else is on the card?
The February 22nd card is set to feature several marquee matchups:
Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol
Artur Beterbiev will defend his light-heavyweight titles against Dmitry Bivol in a rematch after their controversial bout in October. Beterbiev, undefeated and known for his devastating power, narrowly defeated Bivol, sparking debates among fans and analysts.
Joshua Buatsi vs Callum Smith
British talent will also be on display, with Joshua Buatsi taking on Callum Smith for Buatsi's WBO interim light-heavyweight title as both fighters are look to solidify their positions in the division.
Hamzah Sheeras vs Carlos Adames
Rising middleweight star Hamzah Sheeraz will challenge Carlos Adames for the WBC middleweight title, marking Sheeraz’s first shot at world championship gold.
Shakur Stevenson vs Floyd Schofield and Zheilei Zhang vs Agit Kabayel
The card also features Shakur Stevenson defending his WBC lightweight title against Floyd Schofield, while heavyweight contenders Zhilei Zhang and Agit Kabayel clash for the WBC interim heavyweight belt.
The event in Riyadh continues Saudi Arabia’s growing involvement in hosting major boxing events, offering fans a stacked lineup featuring champions and rising stars alike. For Dubois, it’s another chance to prove his worth among the heavyweight elite. For Parker, it’s an opportunity to reclaim championship glory.
Boxing fans can expect fireworks as these two heavyweights step into the ring to headline one of the most exciting cards of 2025.
