The largest and most alarming scrap heap in boxing is in the heavyweight division, and both Parker and Dubois have flirted with the dirty pile over the last few years. The heap makes one-time contenders invisible, but Dubois and Parker have defied the odds, the science, and the sense to remain relevant.

Bakole therefore has a keen eye on the Brit’s upcoming defence against former WBO champion Parker on February 22. Both men are in top form right now. Dubois has stopped Jarrell Miller, Fillip Hrgovic and Anthony Joshua in his last three contests, while Parker is coming off points wins over Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang.

Joseph Parker will be stripped of his WBO interim heavyweight title as soon as the first bell rings for his fight with Daniel Dubois next month.

Daniel Dubois has insisted he isn't overlooking Joseph Parker, despite reaffirming his desire to fight Oleksandr Usyk after their scheduled heavyweight title bout on Feb. 22.