Joseph Parker and Daniel Dubois have come face to face for their first press conference before their heavyweight world title fight next month and the Kiwi has told his opponent: "Be ready."
The media set piece, held in London before the event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on February 23 NZT, brought nearly all the protagonists together for the first time and it’s quite the collection, the Parker v Dubois fight for the IBF world championship a co-main event for the Artur Bieterbiev v Dmitry Bivol rematch for the undisputed light heavyweight world championship.
Virtually every other fight on the card is a world title bout, with one of the promoters involved, Matchroom's Eddie Hearn, describing it as the best card in history.
Dubbed "The Last Crescendo", the event is the latest in a series of high-profile fights in Saudi Arabia, and Parker took the opportunity to take a few potshots at his English opponent.
Dubois has already called out Oleksandr Usyk, the other heavyweight champion, following the Ukrainian’s points victory over Tyson Fury just before Christmas.
Dubois entered the ring uninvited while Usyk was being interviewed and various people in the sport have criticised Dubois for taking the spotlight away from Usyk immediately after going the distance with Fury and potentially disrespecting Parker.
"He might be looking too far ahead and planning big fights. I'm a big fighter. You've got a fight right in front of you right now," Parker told Dubois.
"I've got my mind firmly set on you," Dubois responded.
"I was just trying to make some noise. This is show business. That's who I want next. First, I've got to get through this guy [Parker]," Dubois said.
"I'm going to do a demolition job on him first then I want [Oleksandr] Usyk next. I'm ready for it, I'm on a roll so bring him on."
Parker said: "I've been boxing for a while, and I feel like I've only just begun now. I feel like I've got everything right now and you're in for a treat," he said.
"I'm very excited to be fighting for the championship of the world for the second time. Two-time world champion sounds beautiful."
In response, Dubois gave an unexpectedly snappy line about being prepared to teach the rejuvenated Parker a few lessons before the pair faced off for the cameras, the Englishman, who won the title by knocking out Anthony Joshua in impressive fashion, clearly having a height advantage.
Various experts believe the fight, Dubois' first defence of his title, is a 50-50 prospect, with high-profile former foe Anthony Joshua backing Parker.
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