Johnny Nelson has made some frank comments regarding Daniel Dubois – stating that other heavyweights will be “licking their lips” at the prospect of facing the young Brit after his topsy turvy fight with Kevin Lerena.
Dubois was down on three occasions in the first round against Lerena earlier this month, before rallying back to stop the South African just before the conclusion of the third.
However, despite eventually emerging victorious, Sky Sports pundit Nelson told Pro Boxing Fans that he believes the stoppage win was not enough to alleviate the prior warning signs emitted by Dubois.
“After his [Daniel Dubois] last fight, many fighters will be licking their lips. I, like many others, saw something where you’re thinking ‘that’s not a good trait to have.’ ”
The trait I’m talking about is where he got hit and hurt, then he didn’t get hit but still went down. It’s something subconsciously you can’t help but do, once you get into the habit.
“Any fighter out there will be wanting to fight him. Dubois can punch – he’s a good giver. But he’s not a good taker.”
‘Triple D’ holds the regular version of the WBA world title, and is likely to be the next mandatory challenger called to face unified world champion Oleksandr Usyk, who holds the ‘Super’ belt.
However, the Ukrainian seems to have his eyes set on bigger things, with talks for an undisputed clash with lineal world champion Tyson Fury reportedly nearing completion for spring of next year.
Dubois is still thought to be a fighter on the rebuild and therefore is perhaps better off delaying a shot at one of the division’s elite.