British heavyweight duo Daniel Dubois and Joe Joyce have agreed terms to square off behind closed doors, Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions have confirmed.
The heavy-hitting pair had previously been scheduled to meet on three separate occasions in 2020, though a deal has now been reached to stage the bout without gate revenue on a date yet to be determined.
“Since the government let us know we couldn’t have an audience present in October I’ve worked day and night to ensure this fight still happens,” Frank Warren said. “It’s the biggest domestic heavyweight clash in years and it’s testament to the character of both fighters that they are willing to step up and take the fight.
“It really is winner-takes-all. You have a 23-year-old lad who most in world boxing consider to be the hottest young prospect in the Heavyweight division. If he can do to Joe Joyce what he’s done to the 15 men that came before him, he’ll be ready to go for a world title in my opinion.
“Joe might be a little older than Daniel, but in my books he’s every bit as exciting a prospect. He has so much more experience than Daniel, as an amateur, that I’d be surprised if he doesn’t go into the fight as many people’s favourite. If Joe wins, then he’ll be ready for world titles too.”
23-year-old Greenwich banger Dubois shares his promoters assessment that the winner will go on to fight for a world title, but is less willing to see the potential for a Joyce victory.
“Nothing’s changed from February when I first said I’d knock Joe out. It’s a tough fight, he’s a good fighter, but I’m looking to deliver another devastating performance and move on to fight for a world title.
“I’m just glad we can finally get it on. I know we’ve both been looking forward to it and I’m sure the British public are just as excited as we are for us to finally fight.
“Joe is going to find out just how explosive Dynamite really is.”
For his part, 35-year-old ‘Juggernaut’ is equally bullish about his chances for victory and concurs with his younger opponent’s view on what fans can expect from the scrap. He said:
“The fight is finally on and I can’t wait to get my hands on this guy. It’s going to be an explosive night.”