Boxing fans are no strangers to debate, but The Ring Magazine’s latest heavyweight rankings have lit a fire under the boxing world. With Joseph Parker ranked #3 and Daniel Dubois controversially placed above him at #2, many in the fight community are left scratching their heads—and some are outright furious.

Is this a deserved nod to Dubois’ recent form? Or a disrespectful slight to one of the most consistent and underrated heavyweights of the last decade?

Let’s break down the drama behind the rankings, the performances that sparked the debate, and what it could mean for the future of the heavyweight division.

The Heavyweight Rankings: What’s Causing the Outrage?

In the newly released Ring Magazine heavyweight rankings, Oleksandr Usyk sits as the undisputed champion, following his historic win over Tyson Fury. That part isn’t controversial—Usyk’s victory cemented his legacy.

But what caused uproar is what came next:

Tyson Fury

Daniel Dubois

Joseph Parker

Agit Kabayel

Anthony Joshua

For many fans and analysts, the sight of Daniel Dubois above Joseph Parker defies logic, especially given their recent resumes. Parker, the former WBO champion, has been on a career resurgence. Meanwhile, Dubois, though showing improvement, still has much to prove against elite-level competition.

Joseph Parker: A Comeback King Ignored?

Joseph Parker, once criticized for being too passive in the ring, has completely reinvented himself.

Since his loss to Joe Joyce in 2022, Parker has bounced back with a vengeance. Most notably, he delivered a career-best performance in December 2023, dominating Deontay Wilder over 12 rounds and winning a clear decision. That win catapulted him back into the elite conversation.

Key highlights of Parker’s resurgence:

Dominant win over Deontay Wilder (2023)

Impressive stoppage of Simon Kean (2024)

Tactical evolution: more aggression, better ring IQ

Trained under Andy Lee, a disciple of Kronk style boxing

Not only is Parker beating top-tier opponents, but he’s also evolving technically. His ability to absorb power and outbox one of the division’s most feared punchers in Wilder was eye-opening.

So why isn’t he ranked above Dubois?

Daniel Dubois: Redemption or Overvaluation?

To be fair, Daniel Dubois has shown remarkable grit in bouncing back from adversity.

After suffering high-profile defeats to Joe Joyce and Oleksandr Usyk, many questioned whether Dubois had the mental toughness to compete at the elite level. But 2024 has been a comeback year for him.

His TKO win over Filip Hrgovic in June 2024—albeit in a fight stopped due to cuts—was a career-defining moment. The win earned Dubois the IBF interim heavyweight title, and many applauded his pressure, conditioning, and improved resilience.

However, critics argue:

Hrgovic was untested at the elite level before facing Dubois

The win came via a controversial stoppage due to cuts, not a clean knockout

Dubois hasn’t avenged either of his two career losses

He has yet to beat a former world champion

While the Hrgovic win was meaningful, comparing it to Parker’s dismantling of Wilder is where many fans draw the line.

Head-to-Head Comparison: Parker vs Dubois

Attribute
Joseph Parker
Daniel Dubois

Age
32
26

Record
35-3 (23 KOs)
21-2 (20 KOs)

Notable Wins
Deontay Wilder, Andy Ruiz Jr.
Filip Hrgovic, Trevor Bryan

KO Power
Moderate
High

Chin & Durability
Proven vs Wilder, Whyte
Questionable vs Joyce, Usyk

Titles Held
Former WBO World Champion
Interim IBF Champion

This comparison underscores why so many believe Parker should be ranked higher. He has faced and beaten better opponents, shown greater adaptability, and proven himself over a longer period.

Fan Backlash: “What Are They Thinking?”

Social media exploded in reaction to the rankings.

“Parker beats Wilder and gets leapfrogged by Dubois? Make it make sense.” – one fan posted on Twitter.

“Daniel Dubois is a good prospect, but Joseph Parker is an elite veteran with wins that matter. The disrespect is insane.” – said a Reddit boxing user.

Even some analysts weighed in, suggesting The Ring may be placing too much weight on recency bias, favoring Dubois’ latest win over Hrgovic without fully crediting Parker’s consistent form and level of opposition.

Is The Ring Playing the Long Game with Dubois?

Some believe The Ring is betting on marketability and future potential with Daniel Dubois.

At 26, Dubois is younger, British, and carries knockout power that sells tickets. There’s a belief that his profile is still on the rise, whereas Parker, though performing well, may be seen as having “peaked.”

There’s also the narrative that Dubois fought valiantly against Usyk, dropping the champ in a controversial moment that wasn’t ruled a knockdown. That “moment” has stuck in the minds of some fans and possibly the panel behind the rankings.

Still, should hype override performance? That’s where the core debate lies.

What’s Next for Parker and Dubois?

If this controversy has done anything, it’s fueled demand for a Parker vs Dubois showdown.

It’s a logical matchup, and if both fighters want to solidify their place behind Usyk and Fury, it may be inevitable. Parker’s team has already hinted at their openness to taking on Dubois, especially now that he holds an interim belt.

Potential outcomes:

Parker vs Dubois in late 2024 could settle the rankings dispute

The winner may earn a mandatory shot at the IBF title

A dominant win could propel either man into a fight with Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, or a Usyk rematch

For Dubois, it’s a chance to legitimize his position. For Parker, it’s an opportunity to prove the rankings wrong in the most definitive way possible—in the ring.

Final Thoughts: Respect the Résumé

In boxing, as in life, respect is earned—not given. And while Daniel Dubois is undoubtedly a talented, powerful, and promising fighter, many feel that Joseph Parker has earned more respect than he’s currently being shown.

Rankings will always spark debate. But in this case, the stats, the history, and the eye test all suggest one thing:

Joseph Parker deserves to be ranked above Daniel Dubois.

Until they settle it inside the ropes, the boxing world will remain divided—but one thing is clear: Parker is no stepping stone, and anyone who overlooks him might be in for a harsh lesson.