Anthony Joshua has fought both Joseph Parker and Daniel Dubois across his impressive career.

When ‘AJ’ took on Parker in 2018, it was to unify world titles. It was a technical fight and marked the first time that Joshua was taken the full 12 rounds by anyone. He won on points and moved on but was later dethroned by last minute stand in Andy Ruiz Jr in June 2019, before winning the rematch.

Further losses against Oleksandr Usyk left him without any belts, and his bid to become three-time champion against new owner of the IBF belt, Dubois, ended in a fifth round knockout last September.

Dubois was due to fight Parker in a second defence of his title last month but fell ill and withdrew at the last minute. Instead, Parker knocked out late replacement Martin Bakole inside two rounds.

The young Brit has been questioned by some as to how serious the viral infection was, though his team shut remains adamant they had no choice but to pull out after doctor’s advice. Many fighters have competed without being at their best and loved to regret it.

Speaking to iFL TV, Joshua was asked whether it was sensible for Dubois to pull out of the fight and he absolutely agreed with his former foe’s decision.

“You’ve got to be 100% to win and defend the title. Credit to his dad, everyone needs a father figure sometimes or someone you respect to tell you listen son, don’t get in that ring unless you’re a 100%, it’s important. You’ve got to be 100%. Having a father figure, or a father in your life, a senior figure that you respect. That could have been Dubois tonight but he’s still IBF champion so he lives to fight another day.”

Dubois now has a big choice for his return to the ring. Either chase a rematch with Usyk for the undisputed, honour the voluntary defence with Parker, or possibly take a second bout with Joshua. By all accounts, he is leaning towards the four-belt clash with Usyk.