Confidence, when just enough of it is used, can lead a fighter to the top of his respected division. When hubris begins to seep in, however, things get tricky.

Joseph Parker knows who he is. He also knows who he isn’t. Although he believes he can do it all, he’s well aware that he isn’t the biggest, strongest, or hardest-hitting heavyweight around, especially with Daniel Dubois pegged as the next obstacle in his way. But while all of the boxes aren’t checked in Parker's favor, he knows good and well that when you juxtapose their skill sets, he’s truly superior.

“I do believe I’m a better boxer than him,” said Parker to Sky Sports Boxing.

Boxing from the outside and transiently banging on the inside might be the recipe Parker uses against the current IBF belt holder. Just a few years ago, the thought of Parker being back in the title mix seemed like a farfetched idea. In September of 2022, The Ring’s No. 3 ranked heavy was brutally stopped for the first time in his career at the hands of Joe Joyce.

Yet, despite being left for dead, Parker (35-3, 23 KOs) pulled himself up from the side of the road and went on a run. Now, with five consecutive victories, including underdog wins against Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang, the 33-year-old is back in a position of power.

Similarly, Dubois' run might be even more impressive. Following a knockout loss against Oleksandr Usyk, Dubois (22-2, 21 KOs) KO’d his next three opponents while grabbing a world title along the way. Arguably, Dubois has never been better, something even Parker has noticed.

His reverence for The Ring’s second-rated heavyweight is at an all-time high but he won’t allow Dubois to escape on February 22nd, with that IBF title wrapped around his waist.

“I know Daniel Dubois is high in confidence and he should be with the performances he’s put on, but I’ve been working very, very hard. I’ve been waiting for this opportunity. This is my chance to be a two-time world champion.”