Daniel Dubois must not underestimate Joe Joyce

It’s fair to say that young British boxer Daniel Dubois has whipped up quite a frenzy in his blossoming heavyweight career. With 15 wins from 15 professional bouts, it’s been evident that Dubois is a man blessed with great talent. Such was his visible potential at a young age, promoter Frank Warren (who manages Tyson Fury), snapped up Dubois and convinced him to turn professional at the tender age of 19.

“I can’t tell you how excited I am to have Daniel on board with us,” Warren said at the time. “It’s no secret that I like getting involved with guys at the start of their careers and helping with their development. In Daniel I think we have a very special talent on our hands. I think the fans are going to be in for a treat with him.”

Warren’s predictions back then have certainly proved to be correct, with Dubois having proved his potential on many occasions thus far in his career. After defeating Ricardo Snijders back in August, the 23-year-old’s next fight is arguably his toughest yet, pitting his wits against Olympic silver medal winner Joe Joyce.

The latest Dubois v Joyce odds place ‘Triple D’ as the favourite, and the young man has been eager to make it clear that he expects nothing other than a victory on November 28th at the Church House in Westminster, predicting “a knockout. A devastating finish.”

“Whatever he does I’ve got an answer for it,” Dubois continued. “If he tries to move in and fight me that’ll be better for me, that’s what I want, but if he tries to box I can do that too. I’m not worried about what he’ll try and do.”

But beyond the bravado and confidence that defines any professional boxer before a major bout, it’s important that Dubois does not take victory for granted against an opponent who will pose plenty of threats to him. After all, Joyce did not enjoy such a successful amateur career for no reason, and possesses plenty of weapons that can hurt Dubois if he isn’t diligent in the ring.

Throughout Dubois’ professional career so far, there has always been a sense that he is a cut above his opponents, that his potential to do great things shines through and brings him victory. But Joyce will be an immensely tough opponent, and it will require maximum focus if Dubois is to win in the nature he is predicting.

Joyce’s record in the amateur game speaks for itself. As well as winning a silver medal at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio De Janeiro, Joyce won gold medals at the European Games and the Commonwealth Games, as well as bronze medals at the World Championships and the European Championships.

His professional record is hugely respectable as well, having won 11 fights out of 11 played, with 10 of those victories coming by way of knockout. Despite the odds being heavily stacked in Dubois’ favour, most boxing experts will know that this is a fight that could come down to the wire, and Dubois will need to be at his absolute best if he is going to dominate Joyce in the way he is predicting.

As Dubois’ professional career advances, the opponents will get tougher and tougher, and the margins for errors and complacency will narrow accordingly. For the sake of his potential legacy in the sport, Dubois will need to ensure he treats Joyce with the respect he deserves. Otherwise, the 23-year-old could be in for a nasty shock come fight night.