The heavyweight division in professional boxing has always been filled with unexpected twists and turns. Recently, one of the biggest talking points has been Anthony Joshua’s support for Daniel Dubois’ withdrawal from his scheduled fight against Joseph Parker. This development has fueled speculation: Is Joshua genuinely concerned about Dubois’ well-being, or is he strategically supporting his rival to prevent Parker from ascending in the division? With boxing politics playing a crucial role in shaping career trajectories, this issue has sparked debate among fans, analysts, and fellow fighters alike.

Daniel Dubois’ Withdrawal: A Major Shake-Up in Heavyweight Boxing

Daniel Dubois was set to face Joseph Parker in a highly anticipated showdown, a fight that had major implications for the heavyweight rankings. However, just days before the scheduled bout, Dubois withdrew due to illness. This sudden exit sent shockwaves through the boxing world, as many had expected a competitive clash between the rising British star and the resurging New Zealander.

Dubois’ withdrawal has reignited discussions about fighter health and the pressure to compete, but it also raised eyebrows given the timing and its impact on Parker’s career trajectory. Dubois’ camp assured fans that the decision was made purely based on medical concerns, but skeptics, including some within the boxing community, have suggested that the withdrawal might have had strategic motivations.

Anthony Joshua’s Public Support for Dubois

Shortly after Dubois’ withdrawal, Anthony Joshua publicly defended Dubois’ decision, emphasizing that health should always come first. In an interview, Joshua stated, “Boxing is a brutal sport. If a fighter isn’t 100%, he shouldn’t be in the ring. It’s about longevity and making sure fighters don’t risk their health unnecessarily.”

Joshua’s support for Dubois is not surprising, given that the two have shared the ring in sparring and have maintained a cordial relationship over the years. However, this endorsement has led some to question Joshua’s true motivations. Is he genuinely advocating for fighter safety, or is there a deeper, more strategic reason behind his support?

Is Joshua Protecting Dubois for Future Business Interests?

One theory circulating in boxing circles is that Joshua sees Dubois as a more favorable opponent in the future compared to Parker. Having lost to Dubois in a shocking upset in 2024, Joshua might be keen on a rematch to settle the score and reclaim his dominance. On the other hand, Parker has been on an impressive winning streak, recently knocking out Martin Bakole and proving that he is still a dangerous contender in the division.

Joshua and his team might believe that keeping Dubois relevant by protecting him from a possible loss to Parker could be beneficial in the long run. If Dubois had fought and lost to Parker, his stock would have dropped significantly, making a future bout with Joshua less lucrative. By supporting Dubois’ withdrawal, Joshua could be subtly influencing the trajectory of the heavyweight division in his favor.

Joshua’s History with Parker and Why He Might Want to Keep Him at Bay

To fully understand Joshua’s stance, it’s essential to revisit his history with Joseph Parker. In 2018, Joshua and Parker faced off in a unification bout, with Joshua securing a unanimous decision victory. While Joshua controlled most of the fight, Parker’s durability and technical skill made him one of the few fighters to take Joshua the full 12 rounds at that point in his career.

Since that fight, Parker has improved significantly, working with renowned trainer Andy Lee and demonstrating better movement, power, and tactical awareness. His recent performances have positioned him as a legitimate title contender once again.

If Parker had fought and defeated Dubois, it would have strengthened his case for another shot at a world title, potentially setting up a rematch with Joshua or another high-profile fight. Some believe that Joshua might prefer Parker to remain outside the title picture to keep his own path to another championship less complicated.

The Strategic Landscape: Joshua’s Possible Future Opponents

At this stage of his career, Anthony Joshua is carefully picking his fights, trying to position himself for another shot at heavyweight glory. Some of his possible future opponents include:

Deontay Wilder – A long-anticipated clash that fans have been demanding for years. If Joshua wants to solidify his legacy, a fight against Wilder is almost inevitable.
Tyson Fury – While the “Battle of Britain” has been discussed for years, the timing has never been right. Fury’s future plans will dictate whether this fight ever happens.
Daniel Dubois – Given their recent fight and Joshua’s desire to avenge his loss, a rematch could be a realistic and marketable option.
Joseph Parker – If Parker continues winning, a rematch with Joshua would generate significant interest, but Joshua may not want that risk right now.

Parker’s Response and His Future Prospects

Joseph Parker, never one to engage in trash talk unnecessarily, remained professional in response to the situation. While disappointed that Dubois withdrew, Parker has kept his focus on his career trajectory.

Parker’s promoter, David Higgins, has been vocal about seeking the best fights for his fighter, including potential matchups against Deontay Wilder, Tyson Fury, and even a rematch with Joshua. Higgins has also suggested that Joshua might be deliberately avoiding Parker, stating, “AJ knows that Parker is a different fighter now, and he’s not rushing to get back in the ring with him.”

Regardless of Joshua’s motivations, Parker remains in a strong position. If he continues his winning streak, he could force a big-name fight regardless of Joshua’s strategic maneuvers.

Is Joshua Afraid of Parker’s Rise?

While Joshua remains one of the biggest names in the sport, his recent losses and inconsistent performances have led some to question whether he is still the dominant force he once was. Meanwhile, Parker’s resurgence has turned him into a genuine threat, and a dominant win over Dubois would have solidified that.

Joshua’s backing of Dubois might not necessarily be about fear, but it could be about control. In professional boxing, timing is everything. Fighters and their teams strategically navigate opportunities to maximize earnings while minimizing risk. If Joshua sees Parker as a growing threat, it would make sense for him to subtly influence the division in a way that delays Parker’s ascent.

Conclusion: A Strategic Move or Genuine Support?

Anthony Joshua’s support for Daniel Dubois’ withdrawal from the Parker fight could be interpreted in different ways. On one hand, he might genuinely believe that a fighter’s health should always come first, as he has experienced the brutal nature of the sport firsthand. On the other hand, given the political landscape of boxing, there is reason to believe that Joshua might have an interest in keeping Parker out of the title picture for as long as possible.

Ultimately, the heavyweight division remains as unpredictable as ever, with potential blockbuster fights on the horizon. Whether Joshua faces Parker again or if Dubois and Parker eventually settle their unfinished business, boxing fans are in for an exciting period in the sport’s most glamorous division. One thing is for sure: the drama surrounding these fighters is far from over.