British heavyweight duo ‘Dynamite’ Daniel Dubois and ‘Juggernaut’ Joe Joyce will now meet at The O2 Arena on October 24.
The showdown between British and Commonwealth champion Dubois and fellow Londoner Joyce, an Olympic Silver medalist, had been rescheduled for July 11 before the Covid-19 pandemic forced its second postponement.
Government guidelines will continue to be strictly followed but, with the lockdown being gradually eased, promoter Frank Warren is optimistic that the battle, dubbed ‘Seek And Destroy’, will finally take place in October.
Joyce (10-0, 9 KOs) and Dubois (14-0, 13 KOs) are both within touching distance of a world title challenge, with the vacant EBU heavyweight title set to bolster their position.
Warren said: “It will be a fight to remember and what a boost for British boxing.
“Everyone wants to see it. Lockdown has meant a delay, but we all want the fight to take place in October and we are hopeful that the government will give us the all clear.
“What a position the winner will be in. They will be nailed on for a world title shot in 2021.”
Dubois, 22, said: “I’ll be ready to go in October, for sure. It has been tough during lockdown, but I have ticked over and I’m back in the Peacock Gym helping my sparring partner Dorin Krasmaru get ready for his behind closed doors fight on Frank Warren’s bill on July 10.
“Hopefully, in the near future, I will be able to get some good overseas sparring in. I’ll be ready for October 24, so I hope Joe is coming prepared.”
Foe Joyce, 34, is approaching the fight in bullish mood. “It was great news to get the new date so I can finally punch up Dubois,” said the Putney man. “Obviously, once lockdown started, I had a good idea we wouldn’t meet in July, but I was always staying on top of training.
“Now gyms are open for athletes, I can kick on and just keep my focus on the new date, finally settling the score with Dubois and moving on to a world title fight.”
Existing ticket holders who cannot attend the rearranged date can receive refunds from their point of purchase.