Daniel Dubois and Joseph Parker became a sideshow at their own news conference after fellow heavyweight Tyson Fury announced his second retirement from boxing earlier on Monday.
Briton Dubois will defend his IBF world title against New Zealand’s Parker on 22 February in Saudi Arabia, with the main event a rematch between light-heavyweight rivals Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol.
The heavyweight pair tried their utmost to promote their own fight, and one of the most talent-laden cards of recent times, but were continuously asked to field questions about former world champion Fury.
“If Tyson is ready to retire, then he should hang up his gloves and enjoy his life. He’s achieved, he’s content,” Parker said of his friend and sparring partner.
Dubois, speaking to BBC Sport in London, questioned whether Fury – who announced his retirement in April 2022 but returned six months later – will stay retired.
“He might come back. You never know with Fury. Either way, he’s a legend,” the 27-year-old said.
The attention diverted back to next month’s card as Dubois and Parker shared sometimes awkward exchanges at the top table.
Parker, 33, questioned why Dubois entered the ring to call out fellow champion Oleksandr Usyk after the latter’s win over Fury in December.
“It’s all about making noise. This is show business. That’s what I want next. First I want to get through this guy,” Dubois replied, promising a “demolition job” on Parker.
‘I’ll teach you a few things’ – Dubois tells Parker
Greenwich’s Dubois made a successful first defence of his IBF title by dismantling Anthony Joshua in five rounds at Wembley Stadium in September.
Addressing Fury’s retirement, his promoter Frank Warren said: “Daniel is the next Brit on the block coming though. He’s the guy.”
Dubois is eyeing a rematch with Usyk after being stopped by the Ukrainian in August 2023.
“You might be looking too far ahead,” Parker warned him.
Dubois and Parker shared pleasantries when they crossed paths in a hotel lobby in Riyadh last month but there was an air of tension this time.
“I’ve got my mind firmly set on you,” Dubois said.
“It better be,” Parker, who held the WBO title between 2016 and 2018, replied.
Despite three losses in a 38-fight career, Parker has revived his career with a four-fight winning streak, including solid victories over Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang.
“I’ve been boxing for a while and I feel like I’ve only just started,” the Auckland fighter added.
Dubois’ sometimes awkward demeanour does not necessarily lend to trash talk, yet he drew a laugh as he quipped: “I’ll teach you a few things in there. A few new skills.”
‘I’m not a postman’ – Bivol and Sheeraz ready for title shots
The much-anticipated rematch between Beterbiev and Bivol will headline in Riyadh.
In October, Russian Beterbiev edged a close points decision against his compatriot to become the first undisputed light-heavyweight champion since 2002.
The two pound-for-pound stars, as they often do, preferred to do their talking in the ring.
“I have no message. I’m not a postman,” Bivol said.
On the undercard, Hamzah Sheeraz will challenge Dominican Carlos Adames for the WBC middleweight world title.
“If I’m not ready now I don’t think I’ll ever be ready,” Sheeraz said.
The Londoner is tipped by many as a future star of British boxing, but was denied a first look at Adames, who was unable to make the news conference.
Beterbiev v Bivol 2 undercard in full
Artur Beterbiev v Dmitry Bivol (undisputed light-heavyweight championship)
Daniel Dubois v Joseph Parker (IBF heavyweight title)
Carlos Adames v Hamzah Sheeraz (WBC middleweight title)
Shakur Stevenson v Floyd Schofield (WBC lightweight title)
Vergil Ortiz Jr v Israil Madrimov (light-middleweight)
Zhilei Zhang v Agit Kabayel (heavyweight)
Joshua Buatsi v Callum Smith (light-heavyweight)
