Daniel Dubois rejected huge Joseph Parker fight offer as promoter gives new update on return date

Daniel Dubois turned down a huge showdown with Joseph Parker – and is now expected to instead return next year.

That is the latest bombshell update given to talkSPORT by Dubois’ promoter Frank Warren, who recently met with the British heavyweight.

Dubois’ recently lost in a brutal KO defeat to Oleksandr Usyk, and decided to part ways with trainer Don Charles.

It was expected he would return at the back end of the year, with an eye on making a comeback and keeping his name in the world title mix.

Several opponents were being discussed for Dubois’ return, with no easy step taken.

And astonishingly Warren has revealed that a showdown with Parker was officially on the table, but he was forced to reject it after suffering a new injury.

He explained on talkSPORT’s White & Jordan: “The fight we wanted to make was one between him and Joseph Parker.

“We offered him the fight but he is now injured.”

On his potential return date and how long his recovery would take, Dubois added: “So I now doubt that he will fight again this year.

“He will likely return in January or February next year.”

Dubois had originally been scheduled to fight Parker in February of this year for his IBF world title, which he held before losing to Usyk.

But ‘Dynamite’ was forced to pull out on the fight week after suffering an illness, with a doctor pulling him out of the contest.

Ian Walton/Matchroom

GETTY

Parker and Dubois have verbally agreed to get the bout over the line ever since, but it is currently unclear now when it could materialise again.

The New Zealander will now instead fight Fabio Wardley on October 25, as he waits for his own shot at Usyk.

What is next for Daniel Dubois after losing to Oleksandr Usyk?

It has been all change for Dubois since his third career loss, as he goes back to the drawing board again.

Much was made of his build-up to the fight with Usyk, with his father Stanley having held a party just hours before the defeat, which saw him arrive late to the ring.

He later announced he’d split with trainer Charles and coach Kieran Farrell, who had orchestrated his victory over Anthony Joshua.

After drafting in replacements in Tony Sims and Sam Jones, many believe he may have made an error for the future of his career.

But Warren believes ultimately the decision has been made and he is confident Dubois’ can return to the top of the division soon.

Leigh

He continued: “I think things going forward will be different.

“He has to get to the venue on time. He needs to be relaxed and not worrying about other things.

“I don’t want it to sound like if it wasn’t for the party, it would have been different.

“Usyk was brilliant and boxed well on the night, and Daniel just couldn’t get it done despite some good early rounds.

“He’s got a new manager and a new trainer, we will see.”