Daniel Dubois looks to bounce back from a loss in his first world title challenge by facing Jarrell Miller on December 23.
The 26-year-old from London stepped up to face Oleksandr Usyk in August for the Ukrainian’s unified heavyweight titles, scoring a knockdown that was deemed a low blow before being outboxed and stopped in the ninth round.
He decided against a lengthy period out by signing to face the controversial Miller – an exemplary trash-talker from Brooklyn best known on UK shores for failing anti-doping tests in the lead-up to his ill-fated bout with Anthony Joshua.
Whilst a heavy favourite with the bookmakers, some in the sport believe it’s a much tougher test for Dubois than the odds suggest. In an interview with Boxing Social, promoter Eddie Hearn said as much.
“I think it’s a very tough fight. I mean if Jarrell Miller’s got a good chin it’s a very tough fight for Daniel Dubois, because I feel like Jarrell puts a lot of pressure on, he’s got a good engine, I think he’ll try and wear Dubois down but he’s gonna have to come through some heavy artillery on the way.”
Miller promises to knock the Brit out in devastating fashion, and Hearn believes that could spell the end of a career.
“I think if Daniel Dubois loses his career might be over. I would’ve liked to see him brought back with a couple of wins, because I think he’s a really good fighter. Against Usyk, he did well. He didn’t win many rounds, but the low blow controversy et cetera. So we’ll see, but I think it’s a very tough fight Dubois and if he loses he’s not in a great position at all.”