Joseph Parker to Be Stripped of His Title After the Start of Dubois Fight

The President of the World Boxing Organization (WBO), Gustavo Olivieri, shared details regarding the heavyweight clash between WBO Interim Champion Joseph Parker (35-3, 23 KOs) and IBF Titleholder Daniel Dubois (22-2, 21 KOs).

According to Olivieri, Parker’s belt will be declared vacant once the fight begins.

"Joseph Parker, the WBO Interim Heavyweight Champion, embodies the true spirit of the sport. A consummate professional, gentleman, and champion both inside and outside the ring, Parker has represented the WBO with great honor and dignity.

In accordance with the WBO's interim title consolidation policy, we have mutually agreed that Joseph Parker will enter the ring as champion and be announced as such. However, with the first sound of the bell, the title will be declared vacant.

We express our sincere gratitude to Joseph Parker for his dedication to the sport and eagerly anticipate his continued success in his career. Best of luck in the fight against Dubois. The WBO's doors will always be open to him," wrote Olivieri.

The fight between Joseph Parker and Daniel Dubois is set to take place on February 22 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.