Daniel Dubois and Joseph Parker Negotiating January Heavyweight Title Fight

Daniel Dubois and Joseph Parker are in discussions for a heavyweight title bout potentially scheduled for Jan. 30.

Daniel Dubois (24-3, 23 KOs) and Joseph Parker (36-4, 24 KOs) are in negotiations for a heavyweight title bout in January, sources told ESPN. Ring Magazine reported Jan. 30 as a potential date for the matchup, with London and Manchester being explored as possible locations. Dubois currently holds the WBO belt, which he retained in October following a second-round knockout victory over Fabio Wardley.

Parker has not competed since October 2025, when he suffered a loss to Wardley. Following that defeat, the New Zealander tested positive for benzoylecgonine, a cocaine metabolite. UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) cleared Parker to return in August after he served a three-month suspension. UKAD determined the positive test resulted from contamination via a nutritionist employed by Parker during his training camp.

Dubois is seeking a high-profile opponent after his two wins over Wardley this year. The 27-year-old champion previously withdrew from a scheduled February 2025 meeting with Parker in Riyadh due to illness. While Dubois was sidelined, Parker remained on that card and secured a second-round knockout win against Martin Bakole.

According to The New Zealand Herald, Parker’s team is currently evaluating the offer but remains cautious regarding the champion’s recent form. Dubois had expressed interest in unification bouts against Agit Kabayel or Filip Hrgovic, but with Hrgovic slated to face Frank Sanchez, Parker has emerged as the primary candidate for the January date.