A knowing smile crossed Joseph Parker’s features when IBF heavyweight champion, Daniel Dubois, described him as ‘a dinosaur’ during TNT Sport’s Face-Off show.

Parker, 35-3 (23 KOs), will be bidding to become a two-time heavyweight champion when he challenges Dubois, 22-2 (21 KOs), in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on February 22nd and despite being six years older than the Londoner, Parker believes that he is in the best physical and mental shape of his life.

“I’ve only just begun. I’ve found the formula that works for me and I’ve only just begun,” he said.

“It’s crazy to be 33 years old and be loving and enjoying it way more now. I’m a happy fighter. I’m just coming into my prime.”

Parker first claimed world title honors when he beat Andy Ruiz Jnr to win the vacant WBO belt in 2016 but the New Zealander is arguably a better, more well rounded fighter these days.

He has lost only once in six and a half years - an eleventh round stoppage to a peak Joe Joyce in September 2022 - and has recorded back to back wins over two of the heavyweight division’s most dangerous operators.

He comprehensively outboxed Deontay Wilder in December 2023 and then displayed heart, stamina and the ability to stick to a gameplan during a tense win over Chinese powerhouse, Zhilei Zhang, last March. Parker was dropped twice during the fight but retained his composure and boxed his way to a majority decision win.

Parker hasn’t boxed since but has continued to work on his craft with his trainer, Andy Lee. The two have formed a tight team since linking up almost four years ago and Parker trusts the former WBO middleweight champion to once again come up with the right tactical plan.

“My team is very small. I’ve got Andy Lee, a teacher. I’ve got George Lockhart doing strength, conditioning and nutrition. I think having a small team and having somebody like Andy who’s going to guide me in this fight with the gameplan [is important],” he said.

“It’s very important to have a good gameplan and execute it well on the night.”

Many doubted whether Dubois had the resilience and desire to ever reach the top following his stoppage defeats to Joe Joyce and Oleksandr Usyk.

His comeback has been remarkable and, after notching up three consecutive stoppage victories over Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic and two-time unified champion, Anthony Joshua, Dubois is seen as the coming force in the heavyweight division.

The 26 year-old cuts a much different character these days and his newly found confidence was on full display in the aftermath of Usky’s victory over Tyson Fury in their rematch last December.

Dubois gatecrashed Usyk’s post fight interview to demand a rematch of his own. Before being stopped by Usyk in their unified heavyweight title fight in August 2023, Dubois floored the Ukrainian with a borderline body shop that was ruled as a low blow. He was eventually counted in the ninth round, sinking to the canvas after after absorbing a solid jab.

Parker understands the way the business works. He wasn’t offended by Dubois appearing to overlook him. He has upset big fight plans before and is confident of doing so again.

“Not really disrespectful. They’re always gonna try and to set up big fights,” he said

“It was the same with Wilder and A.J. They tried to set that up and we came in and spoiled the party. As much as they want to set up big fights, he has to focus on what’s in front of him first and what’s in the present time, right now.”