JUST YOU WAIT, JOE
Dubois fires warning to off-on rival Joyce
DANIEL DUBOIS has warned rival Joe Joyce the longer they have to wait for their clash the more danger he is in.
The British heavyweight pair were set to face off in April before the coronavirus pandemic struck.
Now they are due to meet on October 24 at the O2 in London but promoter Frank Warren is still awaiting news on when crowds will be allowed back.
The delay has meant both have taken fights this summer to keep the ring rust at bay, with Dubois facing Dutchman Ricardo Snijders tomorrow night at BT Sport studios.
But, at 22, Dubois (right) feels he has time on his side while the clock is ticking on 34-year-old Rio Olympic silver medallist Joyce.
“I’ve got age on my side, while he is only getting older,” said Dubois. “The delay is going to benefit me more.
“This has just given me more time to make sure I’m right on the night.
“It’s bad news for him. It has given me more ammunition, and I can add to the weapons I have. “The longer we have to wait, the better I’m going to be for the fight but I know I will beat him now so that is not good news for him.”
Joyce flattened Michael Wallisch last month while Dubois was supposed to face the German’s stablemate Erik Pfeifer tomorrow night.
But an issue with his medical forced Warren (above) to bring in little-known Dutchman Snijders, who isn’t expected to give Dubois much trouble as he looks for his 15th professional win.
“We are very, very disappointed but we are prepared for everything,” said Dubois.
“This is part of the learning process for me, we sparred and planned for someone else but then the opponent gets changed.
“I’ll be ready to put a show on though and wary of any dangers.”
This weekend’s clash may not be a fight that will test Dubois’ credentials as one of the brightest prospects in heavyweight boxing. But it is another step that must be taken, with BT Sport keen to give viewers another glimpse of the exciting young talent.
Dubois has stopped 13 of his 14 opponents with some decent moves up in levels along the way.
But Joyce will be a real test for him later this year as his team plot to have him in world-title contention by the end of 2021.
“I’m ready for world title shots but I’m not in a rush. I’m learning all the time,” Dubois said.