Joseph Parker admits he finds the timing of his cancelled fight against Daniel Dubois somewhat suspicious.
Parker, who has been experiencing a career resurgence, was scheduled to challenge Dubois, known as `Triple D`, for the IBF heavyweight championship on a major fight card in Saudi Arabia this past February.
However, his opportunity to become a two-time world heavyweight champion was frustratingly lost just days before the planned bout in Riyadh, after Dubois withdrew citing a viral infection.
The 27-year-old Dubois maintains he withdrew from the scheduled clash following medical advice.
Despite this, Parker, who ended up fighting Martin Bakole instead, speculates that Oleksandr Usyk`s public challenges for an undisputed title fight might have influenced Dubois` decision to pull out.
Commenting on the cancellation, the 33-year-old Parker said: “I was kept in the dark.”
“I suppose you can`t really question him,” Parker remarked. “I mean, you have to accept his explanation.”
“He claimed he wasn`t feeling well and subsequently withdrew from the fight.”
“However, it seems odd that Usyk was challenging him publicly throughout the week, and then he suddenly pulled out.”
“And now, shortly after, this major fight has been announced.”
Dubois is now scheduled to challenge the top-ranked pound-for-pound fighter, Usyk, for all the major heavyweight titles in a significant unification match at Wembley Stadium on July 19th.
While his suspicions about Dubois` withdrawal remain, Parker stated he wouldn`t dwell on the matter.
He reiterated, “If someone says they are sick, they are sick. I have to take them at their word.”
Parker appears to be in a prime position to face the winner of the upcoming July bout, as he is the mandatory challenger for the WBO title, which he held for just under 18 months.
But he is remaining cautious, stating: “I am aware Frank Warren mentioned some possibilities about me being next in line for an undisputed unification fight.”
“There haven`t been any actual discussions,” he clarified. “Right now, it`s just talk.”
“It would be good to have something official in writing and concrete,” he added. “But currently, they are merely words.”
“If that opportunity materializes, I will be incredibly happy.”
