Promoter Frank Warren believes he has the present and future of heavyweight boxing in his stable and has also expressed his dismay at Dillian Whyte’s long wait for a title shot.
Hall of famer Warren co-promotes WBC champion Tyson Fury and arguably has the division’s brightest talent in emerging star Daniel Dubois.
“At Queensberry, we couldn’t be happier with our hand,” said a bullish Warren. “We’ve got the number one heavyweight in world boxing, Tyson Fury, and we’ve got the next big superstar in Daniel Dubois.”
Warren has long championed Dubois as the future of the heavyweight division and recently illustrated his faith by saying he would match his young hope with former WBC champion Deontay Wilder now and expect a knockout victory.
“We’ve got this 22-year-old kid in Daniel Dubois and he’s Top 10 with the organising bodies, The Ring magazine have today said he’s ‘on the cusp’ of their Top Ten. He’s the hottest prospect in boxing and he’s knocking on the door of the big boys already,” said the promoter. “I’ve said it before, he’ll have a world title shot within a year or two.”
Warren would also consider WBC No.1 contender Dillian Whyte as an opponent for Dubois, but sympathises with the Brixton man’s frustration at not receiving a world title shot – a delay which has now resulted in legal action.
“It’s incredible what’s happened with him really,” said Warren. “He was ranked No.1 with the WBO for god knows how long, ranked No.1 with the WBC and he’s just not got the fights. If I were him, I’d be asking the question… ‘Why hasn’t my promoter been able to get me those fights?’
“He’s on about suing the WBC, but they don’t seem to be the problem. It’s remarkable, really. I can’t think of another British fighter who’s been left out to dry as much as him. He was in the same stable as the WBO champion and still couldn’t get a shot.
“You can see why he’s upset. He doesn’t feel he’s been looked after. At this point, Dillian must be wondering if he’s ever going to get a world title shot over there [at Matchroom].”
Warren was adamant that if Whyte was fighting under his banner, the situation would be different.
“If Dillian was with me, he would have fought for a world title by now,” stated Warren. “I had Tyson Fury fighting for a world title within six months of signing with him, we kept him nice and active and then got him the Wilder fight.
“Look what’s happened since, Tyson is an absolute global superstar on the verge of the biggest contract in boxing history. We always look to do the best job for our fighters and give them the best chance for success at world level and to make good money for them and their families.
“That’s why we think we’re in such a good place going forward.”