DANIEL DUBOIS has told the critics to lay off his former Team GB amateur team-mate Anthony Joshua.

Joshua shockingly lost his world heavyweight title to Andy Ruiz Jr at the weekend and immediately came under fire after being floored four times and stopped in seven rounds.

Dubois (11-0, 10KO) said: “I know AJ from our time in Sheffield and it isn’t nice to see the criticism he’s getting.

“It is one defeat and it is crazy that he is being told he is finished. Most boxers can only dream of what he has achieved as an amateur and professional.

“I have heard the talk of him not being right before the fight, but the only people who know if that is true are AJ and those closest to him.

Unbeaten Dubois is preparing to meet bitter enemy Nathan Gorman (16-0 11KO) for the vacant British heavyweight title at London’s o2 on Saturday July 13, live on BT Sport.

The winner will be closing in on new IBF, WBA and WBC king Ruiz, Lineal champ Tyson Fury, WBC title holder Deontay Wilder and Joshua – the division’s big four

Dubois added: “Apart from when he knocked Ruiz Jr down, nothing seemed to go right whatever he tried in the ring. He didn’t seem there.

“The third round became a very bad one for him and I am wondering if he may have been concussed from those knockdowns.

“Bottom line is Ruiz Jr did the business, but only AJ knows if he has the appetite top come back.

“I’m not far away from these guys. I just need to keep working, learning and making sure I beat Nathan Gorman next month.”

Tickets for ‘Heavy Duty’ featuring Daniel Dubois v Nathan Gorman for the vacant British Heavyweight Title, plus Olympic silver medallist Joe Joyce v Bryant Jennings are on sale now. The show also features British Middleweight Champion Liam Williams, super flyweight sensation Sunny Edwards and super featherweight contender Archie Sharp. Also returning after an impressive debut is Kent bantamweight Dennis McCann. Hamza Sheeraz, Mark Chamberlain, Jake Pettitt, Louie Lynn, Mickey Burke Jr and Florian Marku add to an exciting line up and tickets are available via AXS.com, Eventim and Ticketmaster and are priced as below:

£300 – (Hospitality)
£200 – Floor
£150 – Floor
£100 – Tier/Floor
£75 – Floor/Tier
£50 – Tier
£40 – Tier

NATHAN GORMAN has been given further inspiration to beat Daniel Dubois by new world heavyweight champion, Andy Ruiz Jr.

The Mexican looks out of shape, but that counted for nothing when he bludgeoned granite bodied Anthony Joshua to defeat in New York on Saturday night.

Gorman who admits that like Ruiz Jr he isn’t body beautiful either, challenges Dubois (11-0, 10KOs) for the vacant British heavyweight crown at The O2, London on Saturday July 13.

Gorman (16-0, 11KOs) told Dubois after watching Ruiz Jr’s stunning win: “Turns out chiselled muscles aren’t everything.”

The Nantwich boxer had already been hammered by chiselled Dubois for his shape and described by his bitter rival as “slobby”.

Gorman said: “He knows at the bottom of his heart that I am no easy fight, that is guaranteed.

“It’s a of nonsense to call me “slobby”. My slobby style is going to beat him.

“And when the referee raises my hand I will say to Daniel, ‘You lost to a slob.’

“I take it with a pinch of salt when people mention my body definition.

“If it was bodybuilding competition, Daniel would be Mr Olympia, but it is a fight and if there is one thing I can do well it is fight.

“You don’t have to be body beautiful to win a world title. Andy Ruiz Jr proved that.”

Tickets for ‘Heavy Duty’ featuring Daniel Dubois v Nathan Gorman for the vacant British Heavyweight Title, plus Olympic silver medallist Joe Joyce v Bryant Jennings are on sale now. The show also features British Middleweight Champion Liam Williams, super flyweight sensation Sunny Edwards and super featherweight contender Archie Sharp. Also returning after an impressive debut is Kent bantamweight Dennis McCann. Hamza Sheeraz, Mark Chamberlain, Jake Pettitt, Louie Lynn, Mickey Burke Jr and Florian Marku add to an exciting line up and tickets are available via AXS.com, Eventim and Ticketmaster and are priced as below:

£300 – (Hospitality)
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£100 – Tier/Floor
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BITTER rivals Daniel Dubois and Nathan Gorman are finally in agreement…..both insist that Andy Ruiz has the tools to give Anthony Joshua a hard night.

Roly-poly Ruiz challenges Joshua for his IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight titles this weekend, with many writing him off.

Gorman (16-0, 11 KOs) has been stung by criticism of his own shape with Dubois (11-0, 10 KOs) who he faces for vacant British heavyweight title at The O2, London on Saturday July 13, poking fun at him.

But peace broke out when the pair gave verdicts on the big fight at Madison Square Garden.

Gorman who has been branded “slobby” by Dubois says: “Ruiz is a typical Mexican. He gets in close, roughs you up, throws body shots, hooks and is very fast-handed.

“I am gonna back Joshua, but it wouldn’t surprise me if there is an upset. It wouldn’t surprise me because Ruiz can fight.

“I like the way he and Joshua fight. In my opinion it is a much better fight than Joshua against Jarrell Miller, miles better.”

Dubois also believes Ruiz isn’t to be underestimated when he meets Joshua in New York on Saturday night.

“I think it’ll be a good fight. I think Ruiz will give all he has got. He has nothing to lose,” said the rapidly emerging knockout artist.

“Joshua is the defending champion and it’ll be good while it lasts. May the best man win.”

Whoever wins the brilliant Dubois v Gorman match which is live on BT Sport will be closing in on the world’s best, while the loser faces a rebuild job.

“My main concentration is Daniel, but in the next 12 to 18 months I can get there,” added Gorman who admits it is hard not to think of becoming world champion.

“Being a British heavyweight champion these days you are virtually on that world door, aren’t you?

“Britain has the best heavyweights in the world so it is the perfect era to be the British heavyweight champion.”

Tickets for ‘Heavy Duty’ featuring Daniel Dubois v Nathan Gorman for the vacant British Heavyweight Title, plus Olympic silver medallist Joe Joyce v Bryant Jennings are on sale now. The show also features British Middleweight Champion Liam Williams, super flyweight sensation Sunny Edwards and super featherweight contender Archie Sharp. Also returning after an impressive debut is Kent bantamweight Dennis McCann. Hamza Sheeraz, Mark Chamberlain, Jake Pettitt, Louie Lynn, Mickey Burke Jr and Florian Marku add to an exciting line up and tickets are available via AXS.com, Eventim and Ticketmaster and are priced as below:
 
£300 – (Hospitality)
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£150 – Floor
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£75 – Floor/Tier
£50 – Tier
£40 – Tier

NORMALLY meek Daniel Dubois has lashed out at the shape of bitter domestic rival Nathan Gorman.

The unbeaten pair clash for the vacant British heavyweight title at The o2, London on Saturday July 13.

Gorman (16-0, 11KOs) has shown that looks can be deceiving impressing with his speed and skills since turning professional under trainer Ricky Hatton.

There are plenty who believe the Nantwich man can shock Dubois (11-0, 10KOs), but the Londoner snapped: “He’s a big slobby looking fighter.

“He will never be entertaining. It is just the way he is. He will never be exciting to watch and it is what it is.

“I’m pretty cold blooded and that is me. It’s a hurt business and I enjoy it.

“Every fight stirs up a bit of fight and emotion. This one a bit more and we will see on the night.”

Londoner Dubois and Gorman have been enemies since they were both on Team GB in their amateur days.

Gorman claims they sparred up to 300 rounds and always had the upper hand during their sessions in Sheffield.

Dubois says: “The sparring as amateurs means nothing. That statement can go to the wind. If that is what he thinks, fine.”

Tickets for ‘Heavy Duty’ featuring Daniel Dubois v Nathan Gorman for the vacant British Heavyweight Title, plus Olympic silver medallist Joe Joyce are on sale now. The show also features British Middleweight Champion Liam Williams, super flyweight sensation Sunny Edwards and super featherweight contender Archie Sharp. Also returning after an impressive debut is Kent bantamweight Dennis McCann. Hamza Sheeraz, Mark Chamberlain, Jake Pettitt, Louie Lynn, Mickey Burke Jr and Florian Marku add to an exciting line up and tickets are available via AXS.com, Eventim and Ticketmaster and are priced as below:

£300 – (Hospitality)
£200 – Floor
£150 – Floor
£100 – Tier/Floor
£75 – Floor/Tier
£50 – Tier
£40 – Tier

NATHAN GORMAN INSISTS he will render the judges unemployed when he makes his British title challenge against Daniel Dubois on July 13.

The young heavyweight giants collide at The O2, London on a card titled as ‘Heavy Duty’, which also features Olympic silver medallist Joe Joyce, who impressively demolished Alexander Ustinov on Saturday in Stevenage.

That Gorman is emphatically predicting a KO victory for himself might come as a surprise to some, who believe the 22-year-old to be the more technical operator who relies more on skill than bludgeoning power.

However, the protégé of Ricky Hatton believes the cards will not be called for once he and the KO artist from the Peacock Gym get down to business.

“I can’t say too much about what we’ve been working on in the gym but we’ve been doing a lot of things that will end up with you seeing a different Nathan Gorman come July 13,” revealed the 16-0 man, adding that a personal dislike between the pair could come into play.

“I don’t believe it will go to points, I really don’t. We’re rivals, he doesn’t like me and I don’t like him and we are going to get down to business.

“I think we will just get in the middle of the ring and throw bombs. He hasn’t got the style to jab and move and I want to punch his head in.”

That being said, Gorman acknowledges that he could well switch back to his customary ringcraft should the situation demand.

“Listen, I’m not going to lose that and it is still in my locker. If it comes down to that then I can revert to that, but there will be exciting moments when people will be on the edge of their seats.”

Tickets for ‘Heavy Duty’ featuring Daniel Dubois v Nathan Gorman for the vacant British Heavyweight Title, plus Olympic silver medallist Joe Joyce are on sale now. The show also features British Middleweight Champion Liam Williams, super flyweight sensation Sunny Edwards and super featherweight contender Archie Sharp. Also returning after an impressive debut is Kent bantamweight Dennis McCann. Hamzah Sheeraz, Mark Chamberlain, Jake Pettitt, Mickey Burke Jr and Florian Marku add to an exciting line up and tickets are available via AXS.com, Eventim and Ticketmaster and are priced as below:

£300 – (Hospitality)
£200 – Floor
£150 – Floor
£100 – Tier/Floor
£75 – Floor/Tier
£50 – Tier
£40 – Tier

LINEAL heavyweight champion Tyson Fury is shocked that the sensational heavyweight prospects Daniel Dubois and Nathan Gorman are meeting so early in their careers.

The young guns clash for the vacant British heavyweight title on Frank Warren’s ‘Heavy Duty’ card at The O2, London on Saturday July 13, live on BT Sport.

Dubois (11-0, 10KOs) and Gorman (16-0, 11KOs) are both tipped to reach the top by Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren, who insists he that defeat will not spell the end for the loser.

Fury who fights Tom Schwarz in Las Vegas next month is sure to be ringside and has been training alongside Gorman in Manchester.

He said: “It’s a good fight and if it was up to me, I wouldn’t let them fight each other because they are both young and unbeaten prospects.”

Also on the card is Olympic silver medallist Joe Joyce (9-0, 9KOs), another world class prospect who could face the winner later this year.

Fury added: “I study heavyweight boxing and they are all good lads. I’ve sparred with Joe, Dubois and Gorman.

“They are all unbeaten prospects and all big men. Why can’t they do it? It’s there for them to do and it’s not impossible if they dedicate and sacrifice their lives.”

Tickets for ‘Heavy Duty’ featuring Daniel Dubois v Nathan Gorman for the vacant British Heavyweight Title, plus Olympic silver medallist Joe Joyce are on sale now via AXS.com, Eventim and Ticketmaster and are priced as below:
 
£300 – (Hospitality)
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£50 – Tier
£40 – Tier

RICKY HATTON believes the mouth-watering clash between Daniel Dubois and Nathan Gorman proves the strength of British heavyweight boxing.

Dubois (11-0, 10KOs) and Hatton trained Gorman (16-0, 11KOs) meet for the vacant British championship in one of the most significant domestic fights in recent years at The O2, London on Saturday July 13, live on BT Sport.

The winner will go soaring up the world rankings. And with both men in their early twenties promoter Frank Warren insists he will rebuild the loser and get him back on the title trail.

Tyson Fury is the lineal champion and Anthony Joshua holds the IBF, WBA and WBO belts, to leave Hatton gushing:  “What a time to be a British heavyweight boxer.”

“On the world stage we’re up there and domestically there is world class potential.

“It wasn’t so long ago few people knew who a British heavyweight was. Now we have so many.

“People ask; ‘Why is Nathan against Daniel happening for a British title? It’s a little bit too soon ,’and maybe it is with the amount of fights they’ve had.

“But, if you win a British title these days it is more prestigious than it was in years gone by and that is no disrespect to anyone.

“There are British heavyweights at world level like Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, Dillian Whyte. Then you have Dereck Chisora, Dave Allen, Daniel Dubois, Joe Joyce and Nathan.

“If you win the British title you’ve earn’t it because there are so many great fighters out there.

“It isn’t just a lovely Lonsdale belt at stake, but doors will be opened for the winner.”

Tickets for ‘Heavy Duty’ featuring Daniel Dubois v Nathan Gorman for the vacant British Heavyweight Title, plus Olympic silver medallist Joe Joyce are on sale now via AXS.com, Eventim and Ticketmaster and are priced as below:
 
£300 – (Hospitality)
£200 – Floor
£150 – Floor
£100 – Tier/Floor
£75 – Floor/Tier
£50 – Tier
£40 – Tier

DANIEL DUBOIS IS well aware that he has been viewed as the silent partner when it came to calling out for a fight against Nathan Gorman.

Gorman has been vocal in expressing a desire for the fight pretty much since his former Team GB teammate and rival burst onto the professional scene, notched up 10 KOs from his 11 fights and won five title belts along the way.

Dubois, with his typical reserve, has kept his counsel, got on with his job and bashed up everyone who has been put in front of him.

That is not to say he did not want the fight and he has proved as much by signing up for a shot at the British heavyweight title against Gorman at the o2 Arena on July 13.

Dubois is ready to dance and firmly believes it will be him calling the tune when the two top young heavies meet under the lights in London.

“We’re fighters and we need each other, we need dance partners,” reflected the 21-year-old. “This is the next one so let’s get it on.”

It was thought this spicy showdown wouldn’t come about until much later in the year, especially when Dubois was put forward to fight Joe Joyce for the Lonsdale belt.

Joyce is now attending to alternative business and Dubois certainly has no issue with it being brought forward.

“Yes, very happy,” he stated. “I think it is just right and the right fight to make. It is perfect for my style and I want to get it on, I really want to get this fight on and I am looking forward to it.

“It is exciting for me and, with the mood I am going to be in on fight night, I can’t wait.”

Tickets for ‘Heavy Duty’ featuring Daniel Dubois v Nathan Gorman for the vacant British Heavyweight Title, plus Olympic silver medallist Joe Joyce are on sale now via AXS.com, Eventim and Ticketmaster and are priced as below:

£300 – (Hospitality)
£200 – Floor
£150 – Floor
£100 – Tier/Floor
£75 – Floor/Tier
£50 – Tier
£40 – Tier

NATHAN GORMAN INSISTS that he is about to seize top billing from Daniel Dubois when the young heavyweights collide at the o2 Arena on July 13.

Gorman believes Dubois is the promotional poster boy for Frank Warren’s organisation, the chosen one tipped to reach the pinnacle of the heavyweight pecking order.

Well, Gorman intends to turn the ‘Heavy Duty’ blockbuster into an episode of Trading Places by knocking the golden boy off his promotional perch.

“Of course he is,” responded 16-0 Gorman to the question of Dubois being the young heavyweight face of the company.

“Listen, he is big, he’s got a nice big six-pack. I haven’t, so he looks good in photos. When I knock him off the perch I will take it from there and I will be No.1, I will be the golden goose.

“Until then I am happy to be the underdog, which I would imagine I will be.”

So why does the unbeaten and more experienced Gorman consider himself to be the outsider in the betting?

“People just write me off, they look at the way he is built and think ‘he looks handy’,” he explained. “If it was a bodybuilding competition he would win Mr Olympia, but it is isn’t. It is fighting and one thing I can do is fight.”

Gorman went on to totally reject the suggestion that the resume of Dubois is stronger than that of his own in terms of opposition, while taking a swipe over the credentials of the Londoner’s last opponent, Richard Lartey.

“How has he? Who has he fought? No disrespect, I fought Kevin Johnson, I fought Cojanu, so we have basically fought comparable opponents.

“You can’t go off Lartey, his last opponent, who I think had to dye his beard to cover up his grey hair!”

Tickets for ‘Heavy Duty’ featuring Daniel Dubois v Nathan Gorman for the vacant British Heavyweight Title, plus Olympic silver medallist Joe Joyce are on sale now via AXS.com, Eventim and Ticketmaster and are priced as below:

£300 – (Hospitality)
£200 – Floor
£150 – Floor
£100 – Tier/Floor
£75 – Floor/Tier
£50 – Tier
£40 – Tier

NATHAN GORMAN CONCEDES that he has been the chief protagonist and driving force behind calling for a domestic showdown with Daniel Dubois, a fight he says he first enquired about as soon as he turned professional.

The two heavies are getting it on at The O2, London on July 13 – live on BT Sport – and Gorman couldn’t be happier that his call has been answered.

“It’s here now, the British title at stake and probably two of the best heavyweight prospects in the world going at it for the most prestigious belt in the world, stated the Nantwich 22-year-old with a perfect 16-0 record.

“We’ve only got two months to – that will fly by – and I am really looking forward to putting on a show, I really am.”

While Gorman was consistently vocal, Dubois was always the more considered and happy to simply KO whoever was put in front of him. Gorman insists the first name he mentioned to his trainer Ricky Hatton on joining up was that of his London rival.

“He doesn’t really say much at all, does he? Bless him. Yeah I have been chirping, but there are no lies in what Rick says in that the minute I turned pro I said this is the fight I wanted, whenever it could be made.

“They said they would let it build and obviously Frank has got it at the right time now. He has struck while the iron is hot and we’re going to be fighting for the best belt in boxing. I’d like to think so,” he added, before suggesting Dubois is not as keyed up for the occasion as he is.

“I don’t think he is bothered, he is not interested. He is what he is, Daniel. Personally I want it a lot and I am prepared to go through a helluva lot to get that belt.”

Tickets for ‘Heavy Duty’ featuring Daniel Dubois v Nathan Gorman for the vacant British Heavyweight Title, plus Olympic silver medallist Joe Joyce are on sale now via AXS.com, Eventim and Ticketmaster and are priced as below:

£300 – (Hospitality)
£200 – Floor
£150 – Floor
£100 – Tier/Floor
£75 – Floor/Tier
£50 – Tier
£40 – Tier

RICKY HATTON believes that Daniel Dubois will be seeing stars when he collides with bitter rival Nathan Gorman.

The pair clash for the vacant British heavyweight title at The O2, London on Saturday July 13 in one of the most significant domestic title fights in recent years.

Dubois (11-0, 10 KOs) has the big punching reputation, while Nantwich’s Gorman (16-0, 11 KOs) is known for his skills.

But Hatton who trains Gorman believes the Londoner will be the on the receiving end of big shots when they clash, live on BT Sport.

British ring legend, Ricky said: “I say it the way it is because it’s what I believe. You will always get honesty from Ricky Hatton.

“I believe I have got the best man and he wins by knockout. If you know Ricky Hatton I don’t do BS.”

Gorman, 22, has been taken the distance by Kamil Sokolowski, Razvan Cojanu and Kevin Johnson which suggests that putting Dubois out for the count is tougher than expected.

Former two-weight world champion Hatton said: “We are looking at six or seven different sparring partners just to do a couple of rounds apiece – one in and one out after every round.

“That will keep them fresh. They will be told to jump all over Nathan and he will be making them miss and pay.

“Nathan needs to hit Daniel with something significant to get respect from him and stop him in his tracks.

“Little arm shot ticklers are not gonna work against Daniel. We have a game plan and think it will work on the night.”

Tickets for ‘Heavy Duty’ featuring Daniel Dubois v Nathan Gorman for the vacant British Heavyweight Title, plus Olympic silver medalist Joe Joyce are on sale now via AXS.com, Eventim and Ticketmaster and will be priced as below:

£300 – (Hospitality)
£200 – Floor
£150 – Floor
£100 – Tier/Floor
£75 – Floor/Tier
£50 – Tier
£40 – Tier

BRITISH boxing idols Tyson Fury and George Groves are in disagreement over the sensational heavyweight showdown between the division’s leading prospects Daniel Dubois and Nathan Gorman.

The vacant British heavyweight title will be on the line when Dubois (11-0, 10 KOs and Gorman (16-0, 11 KOs) clash at The O2, London on Saturday July 13, live on BT Sport.

Lineal world heavyweight champion Fury is firmly in the camp of his cousin Gorman and has been helping him in early stages of training.

The pair have been sparring at the gym of Ricky Hatton who trains the hopeful and Fury has been on hand to give advice.

Former WBA super-middleweight champion Groves is sold on Dubois and believes he has the potential to become a boxing great.

Fury who is preparing to fight Tom Schwarz in Las Vegas on June 15 dismissed the claims of Groves.

He is confident Gorman will triumph and roared in a recent training session: “Daniel Dubois, he’s coming!”

Gorman confirmed “Tyson is backing me one hundred per cent. He fully believes I have the ingredients to beat Daniel. It’s good to be around him, it’s fantastic to have him in the gym.”

Groves first spotted KO artist Dubois several years ago when he trained at his old amateur club.

He said: “I remember seeing Daniel Dubois in Dale Youth amateur gym. I look back and think; ’Why didn’t I go back in time and sign him’?

“He has so much more to develop and learn. He can become the best if not the best in the heavyweight division.

“He hasn’t put a foot wrong, but there is something about him and it’s a good thing –

It is like having a young junior who still looks boyish and you know what a handful he’ll be when he gets his man strength. It’s the case with Daniel.

“Dubois has phenomenal punch power, but I feel like the nitty gritty boxing skills and know-how will come with experience.

Recently retired Groves told the 5 Live Boxing Podcast with Costello & Bunce that the battle has Fight of the Year potential, adding: “I am happy for this fight because they are young enough for the loser to rebuild.

“It’s a good fight for both of them and the winner will go onto something else. They are both willing to put it on the line and it’s a real fight.

“It is fascinating that they know each other so well and it’s good for them to be in a real fight.”

Tickets for ‘Heavy Duty’ featuring Daniel Dubois v Nathan Gorman for the vacant British Heavyweight Title, plus Olympic silver medalist Joe Joyce are on sale now via AXS.com, Eventim and Ticketmaster and are priced as below:

£300 – (Hospitality)
£200 – Floor
£150 – Floor
£100 – Tier/Floor
£75 – Floor/Tier
£50 – Tier
£40 – Tier

DANIEL DUBOIS and Nathan Gorman met face-to-face today to officially announce their vacant British heavyweight title fight at The O2, London on Saturday July 13.

Also on the bill is world ranked London heavyweight Joe Joyce who will feature in a major fight. He first has to come through a test against Alexander Ustinov at The Lamex Stadium, home of Stevenage FC on Saturday May 18.

The blockbuster night will be broadcast live on BT Sport.

Here’s what the unbeaten trio, their teams and promoter Frank Warren had to say ahead of the big summer night of action.

FRANK WARREN

“It’s not the end of the world for the loser between Daniel and Nathan. Dereck Chisora has shown you can come good after losing.

“I wanted to put the fight on this December, but I spoke to the boys and they made the fight. They wanted it.

“There is nothing better than watching two young heavyweights in there. They are exciting young talents and the next generation. This is a throwback fight.

“These guys and Joe Joyce are going to be in the picture when Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua come back from America.

“The British Boxing Board of Control put out the fight between Joe and Daniel. I spoke with Joe’s team and they were looking at their position as mandatory challenger to European champion Agit Kabayel and WBA regular champion Manuel Charr so go in another direction for now. We have been in discussion with Kabayel and if we can’t agree terms that will go to purse bids. Joe will fight a world ranked opponent in July.”

DANIEL DUBOIS

“There has been a lot of talk about this fight, there will be attention but I think Nathan is gonna be my easiest fight so far and after I’ve got him out the way I’m after Joe Joyce and whoever is left.

“There is so much potential in me.

“The GB squad with Nathan is all a blur and the past.

“I have got what it takes to deal with him and it will be easy. Be careful what you wish for. I’m here and will get the job done.

“If I hadn’t shown my skills I wouldn’t be here. It has been hard work, but I am here.

“To go in the record books as British champion is something else and a step towards being top of the division.

“I don’t care about liking Nathan. We’re in the hurt business and that is what I look forward to doing to him on fight night.”

TONY BOWERS (Dubois manager)

“We’re confident. Daniel works hard, has matured and we can see him growing in every angle — power and strength. He is becoming the full package and nothing flusters him.

“He is easy to work with because there is no task he won’t take on and complete. Daniel isn’t worried about what Nathan says and laughs it off. He will put that right on the night.”

NATHAN GORMAN

“We were on the GB squad for two years together and we did 200 or 300 rounds sparring and I don’t think I lost one.

He thinks I’m his easiest opponent so far, but I bring a lot more than all the other opponents he has fought.

They have just wanted to get the payday and go home. I want to win and be British heavyweight champion.

If me being his easiest fight is motivation fair play. I’m not and he knows it.

This isn’t going to points and I am trying for the KO. I am the underdog and people might say I will get knocked out, but we’ll see.

The all-time greats have been boxers and I have a boxing brain.

Some great names have won the British title and it will be the greatest moment in my boxing life to win it at the o2 Arena.

I’m not sure if Daniel if Frank’s golden goose, but after July 13 I will be his number one boy.”

RICKY HATTON (Gorman’s trainer)

“Fights like this don’t normally happen so soon, but boxing is changing. Building a fight up for three years doesn’t exist anymore because of TV and public demands. Boxers also want to fight the best sooner. I take my hat off to Nathan and Daniel for taking this fight.

As a trainer you hope someone walks through the door like Nathan and when he walked through the door looked like he’d been doing it for years. He has talent, hand speed, can fight in the pocket and he will have to show that against Daniel.

From the minute he walked through the door this was the one fight Nathan wanted.”

JOE JOYCE

“Ustinov is a big old boy and can take stick so I need to put it on him next week. After that it’s a massive fight, but I am not overlooking Ustinov.

The July card shows that the UK heavyweights are taking over. I want to see how Daniel and Nathan get on and take on the winner down the line.

Daniel and Nathan is a 50-50 fight, a massive rivalry and it is gonna be explosive. I’m sitting on the fence. I saw them on the GB squad and could see the rivalry. It’s going to be tasty.”

SAM JONES (S-JAM Boxing)

“The fight with Daniel or Nathan is always going to be there, but he would lose the EBU nomination if we fought Daniel and we’re also mandatory to WBA regular champion. We would even fight Dereck Chisora in July.”

Tickets for ‘Heavy Duty’ featuring Daniel Dubois v Nathan Gorman for the vacant British Heavyweight Title, plus Olympic silver medalist Joe Joyce go on sale at 12pm on Friday 10th May via AXS.com, Eventim and Ticketmaster and will be priced as below:

£300 – (Hospitality)
£200 – Floor
£150 – Floor
£100 – Tier/Floor
£75 – Floor/Tier
£50 – Tier
£40 – Tier

Unbeaten British heavyweights Nathan Gorman and Daniel Dubois will fight for the vacant British heavyweight title on what will be a huge night of boxing at The O2, London on Saturday July 13 live and exclusive on BT Sport. The card will also feature unbeaten Olympic silver medallist Joe Joyce MBE.

Just 21 and 22 respectively, Dubois and Gorman are recognised as two of the top young heavyweights in world boxing and the pair will now put their perfect professional records on the line with the coveted Lord Lonsdale belt at stake.

In a fight that bucks the trend of unbeaten boxers avoiding each other, Dubois v Gorman is the domestic heavyweight dust up that the fans have been crying out for. The O2, London is the place to be to watch it all unfold on July 13, a night of boxing that will be broadcast live and exclusive on BT Sport.

Dubois, for his part, insisted he had absolutely no reservations over accepting a marquee domestic encounter at this early stage of his development.

“As I have always said, whoever is put in front of me I have to go through them and that is what I have done so far.”

“As I proved in my last fight, I want to bring excitement to the heavyweight division for the fans and I promise it will be another explosive night on July 13th.

“I am very confident that I can knock anyone in the world out right now.”

“I would have fought Joe Joyce and now I will fight Gorman. I am confident in my own ability that I can deal with everyone out there and I’ve got what it takes to beat them.

“I believe I am way ahead and better than Gorman and on fight night I will prove it.

“There is no way he will stop me. I accepted this fight straight away and when Frank (promoter Warren) told me about it, it was on.”

Gorman, meanwhile, revealed his surprise that a fight that was tipped to take place at the end of the year or beyond has now become a summer showdown that he didn’t anticipate his heavyweight rival signing up for.

“I am very surprised, to be fair,” he confessed. “I was probably expecting it to be next year – in the summer time probably – and that is what I thought. When the phone call came it took me only a matter of seconds to say yes so it is nearly here now and only a couple of months away.

“I’m over the moon we’ve got the fight on. Fair play to Daniel, I didn’t think he would have accepted it, but he is obviously as keen as I am to fight. There should be plenty of excitement and a I’m sure the fans will love it.

“I can’t see it going 12 rounds and the plan is to go in there and stop him. The winner out of me and Daniel will proceed onto world honours, I’d imagine. The British title will propel you to the world stage.

“It is good for the fans to see the best prospects like me and Daniel fight each other. You can overcook a fight and I think we have now got it at the right time, I really do.

“Me or him didn’t have to take this fight, but why not? I believe it is the right time to make this fight.”

Hall of fame promoter Frank Warren added: “This is a mouth-watering big punching confrontation between two unbeaten young gladiators who have total self-belief in their respective talent.

“At a time that the heavyweight scene’s big three players are fighting in the States, the next generation are taking the stage at The O2 in London at prime time on BT Sport.

“Daniel Dubois and Nathan Gorman duke it out for the vacant British Heavyweight Title while Britain’s Olympic silver medalist Joe Joyce will be looking to show why he was calling for that Anthony Joshua fight last month!

“Between these three giants they have 35 wins and are undefeated so you know this is heavyweight boxing at its best with fireworks guaranteed!

“Joe has a big fight on May 18th against the Russian giant Alexander Ustinov that he has to focus on. We are working with Joe’s team to find the right opponent to secure him a big fight on this fantastic night of heavyweight boxing.”

Tickets for ‘Heavy Duty’ featuring Daniel Dubois v Nathan Gorman for the vacant British Heavyweight Title, plus Olympic silver medalist Joe Joyce go on sale at 12pm on Friday 10th May via AXS.com, Eventim and Ticketmaster and will be priced as below:

£300 – (Hospitality)
£200 – Floor
£150 – Floor
£100 – Tier/Floor
£75 – Floor/Tier
£50 – Tier
£40 – Tier

Daniel DuBois remained undefeated by stopping Richard Lartey with one right hand in round four of their scheduled 10-heavyweight fight at The Wembley Arena in London, England.

Both guys landed hard shots, but DuBois landed last and loudest as he drilled Lartey with a right to the chin that sent Lartey down in round four. Lartey got to his feet, but the fight was called off at 1:50.

DuBois will not take on fellow undefeated heavyweight Joe Joyce. DuBois is 11-0 with 10 knockouts. Lartey of Accra, Ghana is 14-2.

Sunny Edwards remained undefeated by stopping Pedro Matos in round eight of their scheduled ten-round super flyweight bout.

Edwards dominated and continued to break Matos down until the fight was stopped 20 seconds into the the eighth frame.

Edwards is now 11-0 with four knockouts. Matos is 7-2.

Lerrone Richards took a 12-round unanimous decision over Tommy Langford in a super middleweight bput.

Richards won by scores of 118-110, 118-111, 116-113 and and is now 12-0. Langford is 21-4.

World-ranked Jack Catterall in round three of their scheduled eight-round welterweight bout.

Catterall landed an uppercut that smashed the nose of Amador, who subsequently took a knee and the was halted at 1:12.

Catterall, 148 lbs is 24-0 with 13 knockouts. Amador, 147 lbs of Barcelona, SPA is 10-18.

Zak Chelli remained undefeated with a 10-round decision over Jimmy Smith in a super middleweight bout.

In round eight, Chelli dropped Smith with a body shot.

Chelli won by a score of 100-89, and is now 7-0. Smith is 7-2.

(April 26, 2019) — One of the sport’s fastest-rising heavyweights, Daniel Dubois, returns Saturday when he takes on Ghanaian puncher Richard Lartey for the vacant WBO Global strap in the main event from The SSE Arena, Wembley in London.

Dubois-Lartey will headline a stacked afternoon of boxing on ESPN+ — the leading multi-sport streaming service — beginning at 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT.

This will be the fourth ESPN+ appearance for Dubois (10-0, 9 KOs), a 21-year-old London native who has seven knockout victories within the first two rounds. After going 3-0 in 2018, he opened up his 2019 slate March 8 against former world title challenger Razvan Cojanu. Dubois knocked out Cojanu in the second round with a chopping right hand.

Lartey (14-1, 11 KOs) has won eight consecutive fights since the lone loss of his career, a fifth-round TKO loss that saw him retire on his stool due to an injury. He has won four in a row via knockout but will be making a seismic step up in class versus Dubois. In his last bout, Dec. 24 of last year in Accra, Ghana, he stopped Morris Okola in the 10th round to pick up the WBO Africa heavyweight title.

In other action:
Sunny Edwards (10-0, 3 KOs) returns to defend his WBO European junior bantamweight strap against Pedro Matos (7-1, 1 KO) in a 10-round tilt.

Lerrone Richards (11-0, 3 KOs) and former British middleweight champion Tommy Langford (21-3, 6 KOs) will duke it out in a scheduled 12-rounder for the vacant Commonwealth and WBO International super middleweight titles.

Super lightweight contender Jack Catterall (23-0, 12 KOs), coming off a career-best win over Ohara Davies, will seek to continue his momentum versus Oscar Amador (10-17, 1 KO) in an eight-rounder.

Super middleweight prospect Zak Chelli (6-0, 3 KOs) will take on Jimmy Smith (7-1, 0 KOs) in a 10-rounder.
To subscribe to ESPN+, visit www.espnplus.com.

Queensberry Promotions are happy to report that Richard Lartey arrived in London this morning and will weigh-in ahead of his bout with Daniel Dubois tomorrow evening at The SSE Arena, Wembley.

DANIEL DUBOIS INSISTS he will have no issue in taking on the next available contenders should his proposed British title showdown with Joe Joyce not come to fruition.

The 21-year-old heavyweight and his team are adamant he will not be withdrawn from the mandated collision for the Lonsdale belt should he be successful in overcoming the threat posed by the world-ranked Ghanaian Richard Lartey at the SSE Arena, Wembley on April 27.

That being the case, it would be down to the Olympic silver medallist to choose whether he accepts the mission of attempting to de-rail the rapid progress of the 10-0 Dubois or look elsewhere to build on his success of stopping former world champion Bermane Stiverne last time out.

Dubois earlier today stated on his official Twitter account that he would like to win the British Title this year. Alternatives to Joyce could include the likes of David Allen and Derek Chisora.

Dubois is relishing the prospect of taking on Joyce, but when asked whether other names in the British frame such as Dereck Chisora and David Allen would hold any fears for him, ‘Triple D’ asserted he has no issues.

“I am not out to duck anybody and these guys are further on or roundabout the same stats as me in the rankings, so I have got to face them and I will do,” said the executor of nine KOs out of 10 fights, who acknowledges that the threats to his unbeaten progress are getting very real now.

“This is what we have been working towards and why I turned pro, to be moving up the rankings and progressing as I am.

“I haven’t really seen too much of Lartey, but I am sure he is going to be game and come ready for a fight, so I’ve got to be prepared one hundred per cent. I cannot cut any corners and I will be ready.”

Meanwhile, Dubois credits Joyce for adding a stellar name to his list of eight vanquished opponents and winning the Commonwealth title.

“It was a good win for Joyce and a good name for his resume. It was not the best Bermane Stiverne because he is at the end of his career now, but it was a good win and a good scalp for his CV against a former world champion.”

Daniel Dubois v Richard Lartey tops the bill at the SSE Arena, Wembley on April 27 on a card that also includes the Commonwealth super middleweight title fight between Lerrone Richards and Tommy Langford, as well as the Southern Area super middleweight title clash between Zak Chelli and Jimmy Smith. WBO European super flyweight champion Sunny Edwards and WBO European super featherweight champion Archie Sharp also feature.

Chorley-boxer Jack Catterall will be in action as he edges ever-closer to a world title challenge. Rangy Super Welterweight talent Hamzah Sheeraz will be back out after his impressive win over Rod Douglas Jnr. Hard hitting middleweight and Peacock gym product Denzel Bentley (9-0) and Belfast amateur middleweight star Caoimhin Agyarko will also return to action. There is a Queensberry debut for Sheffield middleweight Shakiel Thompson (2-0) – with Thompson being tipped by sparring partner Billy Joe Saunders as a star for the future. Ilford Super Middleweight Umar Sadiq (4-1) also returns as he looks to rebuild after his first career loss. Tunde Ajayi trained lightweight Bilal Ali (1-0) will have his second professional fight after making a successful start to his pro career, with Hoddesdon super lightweight Alfie Price set for his fifth.

Tickets will be priced as £40, £50, £75, £100 and £150 and are now ON SALE to purchase via Eventim, Ticketmaster, the SSE Arena website and AXS.com

RICHARD LARTEY CLAIMS that his April 27 heavyweight opponent Daniel Dubois has been spoon fed a diet of mismatched opposition across his professional career to date.

The Ghanaian, 14-1, takes on the 10-0 Dubois at the SSE Arena, Wembley – live on BT Sport – and will attempt to halt the impressive rise of the 21-year-old Londoner, who has drawn comparisons in some quarters with the progression of Anthony Joshua at the same stage of the Olympic gold medallist’s career.

Dubois has already collected four belts in his ten fights so far – the WBC Youth, Southern Area, English and WBO European – and is already ranked in the world top 15 by the WBO.

His career path has done little to impress Lartey, whose only defeat came via injury-enforced retirement. The Accra-based heavy insists the race towards world title contention will be won by him.

“Daniel’s opponents have been terrible,” said the 6ft 5″ executor of 11 KOs. “They have been feeding him baby food, now they are trying to feed him premium African steak – big mistake!”

“People are saying Daniel is the next Anthony Joshua but they are wrong. It is me! I am the next Anthony Joshua and I will be champion, not Daniel!”

Daniel Dubois (10-0) v Richard Lartey (14-1) tops the bill at the SSE Arena, Wembley on April 27 on a card that also includes the Commonwealth super middleweight title fight between Lerrone Richards (11-0) and Tommy Langford (21-3), as well as the Southern Area super middleweight title clash between Zak Chelli (6-0) and Jimmy Smith (7-1). WBO number one rated super-lightweight Jack Catterall (23-0) is in action, WBO European super flyweight champion Sunny Edwards (10-0) and WBO European super featherweight champion Archie Sharp (14-0) also feature.

There are Queensberry debuts for unbeaten welterweight Chris Kongo (10-0) and Sheffield middleweight Shakiel Thompson (2-0). Caoimhin Agyarko (2-0), Bilal Ali (1-0), Denzel Bentley (9-0), Alfie Price (4-0), Hamzah Sheeraz (7-0) and Umar Sadiq (4-1) also have outings.

Tickets will be priced as £40, £50, £75, £100 and £150 and are now ON SALE to purchase via Eventim, Ticketmaster, the SSE Arena website and AXS.com.

DANIEL DUBOIS SUSPECTS he would require one of his trademark KOs in order to secure victory over potential British title opponent Joe Joyce.

Dubois and the Olympic silver medallist have been mandated by the board to battle for the British heavyweight title, once the 21-year-old has hopefully attended to business against Richard Lartey at the SSE Arena, Wembley on April 27.

The 33-year-old Joyce has recorded eight stoppages from his eight fights in the professional ranks and possesses a style based on a relentless work rate.

“He looks to overpower people, out-punch you, out-work you sort of thing, so he is busy, non-stop,” considered the 10-0 Dubois, who has nine KOs to his name. “He is a challenge for anyone who faces him.”

A challenge that Dubois insists he would have no issues in overcoming.

“No, not at all. I’ll work even harder than I am now to beat these sort of guys. The better the guys I am facing, the better I will perform.”

Despite his perfect stoppage ratio, Joyce isn’t considered to be amongst the division’s most concussive punchers. Dubois, however, contends this view stems more from his accuracy than his punch potency.

“It depends who he is in with. I am sure he has got enough strength in his punches to drop some people, but he doesn’t seem to be the most accurate puncher.

“That is something I am pretty good at and you will see that from how the fight turns out, if it happens.”

So if a fight with Joyce is booked in, assuming Lartey is successfully accounted for, Dubois indicates that he would have to take a shortcut for the fight to fall in his favour.

“Yes, if I was to win the fight, I would definitely have to put him over or stop him.”

Daniel Dubois v Richard Lartey tops the bill at the SSE Arena, Wembley on April 27 on a card that also includes the Commonwealth super middleweight title fight between Lerrone Richards and Tommy Langford, as well as the Southern Area super middleweight title clash between Zak Chelli and Jimmy Smith. WBO European super flyweight champion Sunny Edwards and WBO European super featherweight champion Archie Sharp also feature.

Rangy Super Welterweight talent Hamzah Sheeraz will be back out after his impressive win over Rod Douglas Jnr. Hard hitting middleweight and Peacock gym product Denzel Bentley (9-0) and Belfast amateur middleweight star Caoimhin Agyarko will also return to action. There are Queensberry debuts for unbeaten welterweight Chris Kongo (10-0) and Sheffield middleweight Shakiel Thompson (2-0) – with Thompson being tipped by sparring partner Billy Joe Saunders as a star for the future. Ilford Super Middleweight Umar Sadiq (4-1) also returns as he looks to rebuild after his first career loss. Tunde Ajayi trained lightweight Bilal Ali (1-0) will have his second professional fight after making a successful start to his pro career, with Hoddesdon super lightweight Alfie Price set for his fifth.

Tickets will be priced as £40, £50, £75, £100 and £150 and are now ON SALE to purchase via Eventim, Ticketmaster, the SSE Arena website and AXS.com

DANIEL DUBOIS INSISTS he is more than up for fulfilling his side of the bargain when it comes to challenging for the vacant British heavyweight title.

The British Boxing Board of Control put forward Dubois and Olympic silver medallist Joe Joyce to battle for the Lonsdale belt vacated by Hughie Fury and it is a fight that genuinely appeals to the 21-year-old 10-0 man, who has already won the Southern Area and English titles, as well as the WBC World Youth and WBO European belts.

First, however, he has got a job to do against the 14-1 Ghanaian Richard Lartey at the SSE Arena, Wembley on April 27. If he passes this test with flying colours, Joyce is the type of opponent that fits the bill for Dubois.

“Me against Joe, if that fight can be made, I am definitely up for it,” said the executor of nine professional KOs to date. “Moving on, these are the sort of fighters I want to face and win against to progress through the rankings and get to where I want to be – preparing for world titles.

“There is no way around these fighters, I have to face him and I have to beat him,” added Dubois, who strongly suspects Joyce will have no issue in signing up for the fight.

“I am sure he would, we’ll just have to wait and see. I don’t see any reason why he shouldn’t.”

Dubois and Joyce were both members of the Team GB squad up in Sheffield and are, therefore, no strangers to each other’s strengths and weaknesses in the pair’s pre-pro days.

“We did a lot of rounds, maybe 40-60, when I mixed it with all the guys up there,” confirmed Dubois. “Sparring is sparring, but we tested each other and helped each other while we were on the squad.

“It was a good experience. He tries to overpower and outwork you, so he is busy non-stop and a challenge for anyone who faces him.”

Including Dubois himself?

“No, not at all. I will work 100 per cent, even harder than I am now, to beat these guys. The better the guys I am facing, the better I will be.”

Daniel Dubois v Richard Lartey tops the bill at the SSE Arena, Wembley on April 27 on a card that also includes the Commonwealth super middleweight title fight between Lerrone Richards and Tommy Langford, as well as the Southern Area super middleweight title clash between Zak Chelli and Jimmy Smith. WBO European super flyweight champion Sunny Edwards and WBO European super featherweight champion Archie Sharp also feature.

Rangy Super Welterweight talent Hamzah Sheeraz will be back out after his impressive win over Rod Douglas Jnr. Hard hitting middleweight and Peacock gym product Denzel Bentley (9-0) and Belfast amateur middleweight star Caoimhin Agyarko will also return to action. There are Queensberry debuts for unbeaten welterweight Chris Kongo (10-0) and Sheffield middleweight Shakiel Thompson (2-0) – with Thompson being tipped by sparring partner Billy Joe Saunders as a star for the future. Ilford Super Middleweight Umar Sadiq (4-1) also returns as he looks to rebuild after his first career loss. Tunde Ajayi trained lightweight Bilal Ali (1-0) will have his second professional fight after making a successful start to his pro career, with Hoddesdon super lightweight Alfie Price set for his fifth.

Tickets will be priced as £40, £50, £75, £100 and £150 and are now ON SALE to purchase via Eventim, Ticketmaster, the SSE Arena website and AXS.com

WHEN BT SPORT innovatively elected to wire up Nathan Gorman while he was on a scouting mission to assess the performance of his heavyweight rival Daniel Dubois at the Royal Albert Hall earlier this month, it probably wasn’t part of the strategy to have him sitting ringside right alongside the brother and sister of the young Londoner.

There was Gorman commentating on the pros and cons of Dubois’ destruction of his previous opponent Razvan Cojanu, while siblings Caroline and Prince were listening in intently, with the odd frosty stare thrown in for good measure.

Gorman was measured and typically articulate in his summing up of Dubois’s second round KO show, which is probably just as well given the company he was keeping in the adjacent seats.

The now 10-0 Dubois was unaware that he was being marked by a contemporary at the time and hasn’t, as of yet, been tempted to tune in to discover if he was favourably assessed or not.

“They told me about it afterwards!” said the 21-year-old with a chuckle. “It is what it is and we are all in together.

“I haven’t seen it myself but my dad told me about it. I have no need to see it, I know what I’ve got to do. I am just enjoying my training, enjoying my boxing and enjoying winning so I will just carry on doing that.”

The more reserved Dubois had no intention of returning the compliment and travelling up to Leicester to watch Gorman outpoint Kevin Johnson last Saturday.

“I don’t see the need to and will probably just watch his fights online or something. Right now I am focused on my date in April.”

Dubois makes a quick return to the ring at the SSE Arena, Wembley on April 27 when he takes on a dangerous mission against the 14-1 Ghanaian Richard Lartey.

Lartey has been the executor of 11 KOs across his professional career and, while Dubois accepts there are always perils when coming across a relatively unknown quantity, he backs his own ability to succeed in previously unchartered territory.

“There is always that possibility, but I know that my boxing skills and boxing brain is probably already superior,” he reasoned. “He will be a tough guy and anybody is capable of winning because until you knock them out they are always dangerous.

“I am approaching this fight the same as the others, but I am going to be a bit better this time than my last.

“This is what it is all about, I know what I have got to go in there and do on the night. It is all good for boxing, the interest and mystique around this guy and what is going to happen on the night is there, but I know what I’ve got to do.”

Daniel Dubois v Richard Lartey tops the bill at the SSE Arena, Wembley on April 27 on a card that also includes the Commonwealth super middleweight title fight between Lerrone Richards and Tommy Langford, as well as the Southern Area super middleweight title clash between Zak Chelli and Jimmy Smith. WBO European super flyweight champion Sunny Edwards and WBO European super featherweight champion Archie Sharp also feature.

Rangy Super Welterweight talent Hamzah Sheeraz will be back out after his impressive win over Rod Douglas Jnr. Hard hitting middleweight and Peacock gym product Denzel Bentley (9-0) and Belfast amateur middleweight star Caoimhin Agyarko will also return to action. There are Queensberry debuts for unbeaten welterweight Chris Kongo (10-0) and Sheffield middleweight Shakiel Thompson (2-0) – with Thompson being tipped by sparring partner Billy Joe Saunders as a star for the future. Ilford Super Middleweight Umar Sadiq (4-1) also returns as he looks to rebuild after his first career loss. Tunde Ajayi trained lightweight Bilal Ali (1-0) will have his second professional fight after making a successful start to his pro career, with Hoddesdon super lightweight Alfie Price set for his fifth.

Tickets will be priced as £40, £50, £75, £100 and £150 and are now ON SALE to purchase via Eventim, Ticketmaster, the SSE Arena website and AXS.com.

DANIEL DUBOIS INSISTS he has got a job to do first before turning his attention towards a British title showdown against Joe Joyce.

The British Boxing Board of Control last week mandated Dubois (10-0) and the 2016 Olympic silver medallist Joyce (8-0) to fight for the coveted British heavyweight championship and notified both parties that negotiations should commence for the staging of the blockbuster battle.

Contrary to mounting social media scepticism, Dubois’ promoter Frank Warren has publicly stated that the 21-year-old will not be withdrawn from the proposed fight and Dubois intends to add the Lonsdale belt to the WBC world Youth, Southern Area, English and WBO European titles he has already fought for and won.

The Hall of Fame promoter did add, however, that Dubois has serious business to attend to first in the shape of the dangerous Ghanaian Richard Lartey, with the pair set to headline at the SSE Arena, Wembley on April 27.

The 6ft 5″ Lartey represents a significant risk to the unbeaten rise of the young Londoner, with the WBO African champion holding a record of 14-1, with the single blemish coming about due to injury. Eleven of his wins have come via knockout.

The name of Joyce is likely to feature prominently in the build-up to Dubois’ first appearance at the venue formerly known as Wembley Arena, but the towering prospect from the Peacock Gym insists he will not be distracted by what comes next.

“I am happy the fight with Joyce has been put forward and it is one that excites me,” said Dubois, who has nine stoppages to his name. “But that is for later because I have got a proper big fight lined up for April 27 and all of my energy and attention has to be channelled towards that.

“Richard Lartey is coming to win and these are the sort of fights I want to be involved in. It is a huge opportunity for me to headline a show at a famous arena live on BT Sport and it is not one I can afford to look beyond. My team wouldn’t allow me to focus on anything else anyway.

“Once April 27 is done with, I can then start thinking about a fight that I am sure everyone will want to see where I can show that I am on my way to the top with a big knockout of a British rival who I know well from the amateur scene.”

Daniel Dubois v Richard Lartey tops the bill at the SSE Arena, Wembley on April 27 on a card that also includes the Commonwealth super middleweight title fight between Lerrone Richards and Tommy Langford, as well as the Southern Area super middleweight title clash between Zak Chelli and Jimmy Smith. WBO European super flyweight champion Sunny Edwards and WBO European super featherweight champion Archie Sharp also feature.

Rangy Super Welterweight talent Hamzah Sheeraz will be back out after his impressive win over Rod Douglas Jnr. Hard hitting middleweight and Peacock gym product Denzel Bentley (9-0) and Belfast amateur middleweight star Caoimhin Agyarko will also return to action. There are Queensberry debuts for unbeaten welterweight Chris Kongo (10-0) and Sheffield middleweight Shakiel Thompson (2-0) – with Thompson being tipped by sparring partner Billy Joe Saunders as a star for the future. Ilford Super Middleweight Umar Sadiq (4-1) also returns as he looks to rebuild after his first career loss. Tunde Ajayi trained lightweight Bilal Ali (1-0) will have his second professional fight after making a successful start to his pro career, with Hoddesdon super lightweight Alfie Price set for his fifth.

Tickets will be priced as £40, £50, £75, £100 and £150 and are now ON SALE to purchase via Eventim, Ticketmaster, the SSE Arena website and AXS.com.

FRANK WARREN held a press conference in London today to announce a show featuring some of British boxing’s best prospects at The SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday April 27.

The show will be topped by newly crowned WBO European heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois (10-0, 9KOs) who faces WBO number 14 Richard Lartey (14-1, 11KOs).

In a cracking match for the vacant Commonwealth super-middleweight title, New Malden’s Lerrone Richards (11-0, 3KOs) meets former British middleweight champion, Tommy Langford (21-3, 6KOs).

WBO super-lightweight mandatory contender Jack Catterall (23-0, 12KOs) has a non-title ten rounder under the lights as he prepares for a crack at Maurice Hooker’s world title.

Sunny Edwards (10-0, 3KOs) also returns and will defend his WBO European super-flyweight Championship.

Fulham super-middleweight Zak Chelli (6-0, 3KOs) challenges Jimmy Smith (7-1) for the vacant Southern area championship.

WBO European super-featherweight title holder Archie Sharp (14-0, 7KOs) is also in action.

Here are a selection of quotes from today’s presser:

FRANK WARREN

“It will be a terrific show because these guys are great talents. They have the platform to be the next big stars of boxing. It is a another big step up for Daniel, but I have confidence in him. He is a star in the making. If it was about who punches hardest Daniel would be up there, but he needs experience. He will fight Nathan Gorman this year and whoever wins will be knocking on the door. British heavyweights are coming along like buses and we’re blessed with them.”

DANIEL DUBOIS

“I’ve seen a few videos of Lartey and he will throw punches. I am looking forward to the challenge, but I will get a victory. They say he is a big puncher, but I will perform. It feels good to be topping the bill at Wembley. I want Nathan Gorman, definitely. It is good the fight is building up and getting bigger. I’m ready for him, but I have nothing to say to him. I’m ready for challenges in my career.”

LERRONE RICHARDS

“This is a great opportunity and I cannot wait to showcase my skills. I box smart, I fight smart, bring science and I will show on the night what I am all about. This isn’t an easy fight at all. Tommy is a very good boxer and intelligent. It will be as easy as I want to make it. People underestimate my power and if I rock Tommy Langford I will stop him.”

SUNNY EDWARDS

“I carry my personality into the ring – my style and flair. I don’t ever see myself ever doing anything else in my life. I have built momentum and I am looking to push on. I have been bottom of the bill, but I deserve these TV chances. I love the entertainment aspect of the sport, the back and forth. Some people think I am cocky and arrogant, but in my last two fights I have backed it up against Ryan Farrag and Junior Granados. I don’t sit on a cloud believing my hype, but at my best I can mix with any boxer of a similar weight.”

ARCHIE SHARP

“I am just looking forward to getting active after being injured. The British champion Sam Bowen is a great fighter, but so am I and we will meet. The fight is going to happen and I am here to box great fighters. I have boxed all around the world and know what I am able to do. I just need to get active and I will be ready for Sam.

ZAK CHELLI

“Some of my fights have been tough and they have got me in this position. Jimmy is a durable opponent and I’m training for ten rounds, but I might win quicker. Jimmy likes to come forward, but I will show my skill.

JIMMY SMITH

“When I got the call I jumped at the chance. This is an amazing opportunity and the hard work has paid off. Zak is a good talent, but I believe I’ve seen things. Winning this fight means everything.”

Tickets are priced as £40, £50, £75, £100 and £150 and are now ON SALE to purchase via Eventim, Ticketmaster, the SSE Arena website and AXS.com.

QUEENSBERRY PROMOTIONS ARE delighted to announce that hot on the heels of his exciting knockout of former world title challenger Razvan Cojanu, Daniel Dubois will be headlining on April 27 at the SSE Arena, Wembley, live on BT Sport on a card that features a wealth of exciting up and coming talent.

Dubois (10-0 9KOs) will be facing off with his toughest opponent yet in WBO number 14 ranked Richard Lartey (14-1 11KOs).

The 21-year-old from Greenwich added a fourth belt to his collection at the Royal Albert Hall last week when he won the WBO European title, to compliment the WBC world Youth, Southern Area and English title honours already in his possession. It is expected that a win over Lartey will see Dubois break into the WBO’s top 10 heavyweight rankings.

Unbeaten New Malden super middleweight Lerrone Richards (11-0) will face his sternest test to date when he takes on former British and Commonwealth middleweight champion Tommy Langford (21-3) for the vacant Commonwealth super middleweight championship and WBO International Championship.

In his first contest since his unanimous decision win over Ohara Davies last year, unbeaten WBO number one ranked super lightweight Jack Catterall (23-0) will also return on the card. Catterall will feature in a 10 round contest before he goes on to face world champion Maurice Hooker later this year as mandatory challenger.

Sunny Edwards (10-0) also returns and will defend his WBO European Super-Flyweight Championship. The fledgling career of 23-year-old from Croydon – who trains in Sheffield – is on a genuine upward trajectory following fine wins over Ryan Farrag and Junior Granados in his last two fights and he is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with in the flyweight or super flyweight ranks.

Exciting Fulham super middleweight Zak Chelli (5-0) will be involved in his first title fight, taking on Jimmy Smith (7-1) for the Southern Area Championship.

Dubois’ win over Cojanu was a statement performance from the big-hitting young heavyweight against an opponent who had previously extended both Joseph Parker and Nathan Gorman the full 12 rounds.

The Martin Bowers trained heavyweight hitter was assured by his promoter Frank Warren that he will be kept busy in order to build towards a blockbuster domestic clash against the Ricky Hatton-trained Gorman towards the end of the year.

Dubois, who will fight for the first time at Wembley, is happy to be back in action just over a month after his last success.

“When Frank said I would be kept busy and would keep stepping up my progression it was music to my ears,” said the 10-0 star with nine KOs to his name.

“I was pleased with my last fight and with how I got the job done and I think you could see the improvements I have made since fighting Kevin Johnson.

“I want to continue being tested and showing people what I am all about. Lartey is a good opponent for me and will bring something different to what I have encountered before.

“He is a dangerous fighter but, as always, how the fight plays out will come down to what I bring on the night and I am confident I have got what it takes to pass this latest test put in front of me.

“I am looking forward to fighting at Wembley because, like the Royal Albert Hall, it is a place where the great British heavyweights of the past have been showcased and I hope the public get behind me in the same way they did last Friday because it made it an even more special night for me.”

Promoter Frank Warren added: “It is all about building a real momentum with Daniel because he is not a long way off the top fighters in the heavyweight division.

“As I have said already, we will keep him very busy and carry on stepping up the levels. Lartey has got ambitions of his own and there is no doubt he will be coming to win and make a statement of his own.

“His only defeat was due to an injury-enforced retirement over four years ago and he has built a pretty formidable record – so we should be in for an explosive encounter on the night.

“People are really starting to sit up and take notice of Daniel now and it was pleasing to see how the fans really got behind him at the Royal Albert Hall last week. I fully expect this to continue at Wembley and we are putting together another top night of boxing.

“British boxing is going through a transitional phase right now with a lot of top fighters retiring, leaving the door open to build the stars of tomorrow, give them a chance to shine and give them greater exposure. We’ll be setting up the arena for 6 thousand just like I did in the early days of Ricky Hatton in Manchester, slowly building big ticket sellers. We want to make these London venues the homes of the exciting young local talent we have coming through.”

14-0 WBO European Super Featherweight Champion Archie Sharp will also return to action after being forced out of the recent Royal Albert Hall show with injury. Rangy Super Welterweight talent Hamzah Sheeraz will be back out after his impressive win over Rod Douglas Jnr. Hard hitting middleweight and Peacock gym product Denzel Bentley (9-0) and Belfast amateur middleweight star Caoimhin Agyarko will also return to action. There are Queensberry debuts for unbeaten welterweight Chris Kongo (10-0) and Sheffield middleweight Shakiel Thompson (2-0) – with Thompson being tipped by sparring partner Billy Joe Saunders as a star for the future. Ilford Super Middleweight Umar Sadiq (4-1) also returns as he looks to rebuild after his first career loss. Tunde Ajayi trained lightweight Bilal Ali (1-0) will have his second professional fight after making a successful start to his pro career.

Tickets will be priced as £40, £50, £75, £100 and £150 and are now ON SALE to purchase via Eventim, Ticketmaster, the SSE Arena website and AXS.com.

Anthony Yarde stopped Travis Reeves in round five of their scheduled 12-round light heavyweight bout at Royal Albert Hall in London.

In round five, Yarde landed several heavy and flush right hands that wobbled Reeves, and referee Marcus McDonnell stopped the bout at 48 seconds.

Yarde is now 18-0 with 17 knockouts. Reeves is 17-4-2.

Liam Williams obliterated Joe Mullender in round two of their scheduled 12 round middleweight fight.

Williams dropped Mullender in the 2nd frame with a crushing uppercut that sent Mullender down face-first. Mullender got to his feet, only to eat a booming right that knocked him down and out and the fight was immediately waved off at 1:09.

Williams is 20-2-1 with 15 knockouts. Mullender is 11-3.

Daniel DuBois remained undefeated by stopping Razvan Cojanu in round two of their scheduled ten-round heavyweight bout.

DuBois landed a hard left-right that dropped Cojanu in the 2nd frame. Cojanu could not get to his feet before then ten-count at 2:48.

DuBois is 10-0 with nine knockouts. Cojanu is 16-6.

Hamzah Sheeraz destroyed Rod Douglas Jr inside of a round of their scheduled six-round junior middleweight bout.

Sheeraz dropped the overmatched Douglas three times before the fight was stopped when the towel was thrown in at 1:10.

Sheeraz is 7-0 with three knockouts. Douglas is 2-2.

(March 7, 2019) — Two of the biggest punchers in British boxing — light heavyweight Anthony Yarde and heavyweight Daniel Dubois — are ready to put on a Friday afternoon show for American fight fans.

In the main event, Yarde will defend his WBO Intercontinental belt in a 10-rounder against Baltimore native Travis “Seveer” Reeves at the historic Royal Albert Hall in London. In one of the co-features, Dubois will battle former world title challenger Razvan Cojanu in a 10-rounder for the vacant WBO Global belt.

Yarde-Reeves will headline a live five-fight stream beginning at 2:30 p.m. ET/11:30 a.m. PT on ESPN+ — the new multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International segment in conjunction with ESPN.

Yarde (17-0, 16 KOs) has knocked out 15 opponents in a row, a streak that dates back to his second professional bout in June 2015. He is the WBO No. 2 contender for the belt currently held by Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev. Before a potential world title shot, he must get past Reeves (17-3-2, 7 KOs), a 38-year-old Baltimore native who has won two bouts in a row. In his last ring outing, Jan. 17 in Las Vegas, he knocked down Lanell Bellows (18-3-2 at the time) twice en route to a well-earned unanimous decision win.

Dubois (9-0, 8 KOs) is the latest in the long line of fearsome British heavyweight punchers, a London native who has turned heads since turning pro in April 2017. His only decision victory came in his last bout, a dominant performance over veteran Kevin Johnson that streamed on ESPN+. Dubois was originally supposed to face Cojanu in December, but he contracted the flu during fight week and had to pull out. Cojanu (16-5, 9 KOs) challenged Joseph Parker for the WBO heavyweight title in May 2017, losing a unanimous decision in a game effort. In his most recent bout, he pushed unbeaten prospect Nathan Gorman the 12-round distance in a losing effort.

In other action live on ESPN+:

Liam “The Machine” Williams (19-2-1, 14 KOs) will make the first defense of his British middleweight title against “Smokin” Joe Mullender (11-2, 5 KOs). Williams won the title on Dec. 22 with a thrilling 10th-round TKO over Mark Heffron.

British welterweight champion Johnny “The Pexican” Garton (23-1-1, 10 KOs) will make the first defense of his title against Chris Jenkins (20-3-2, 8 KOs).

Hamzah Sheeraz (6-0, 2 KOs) will take on Rod Douglas Jr. (2-1, 0 KOs) in a super welterweight tilt scheduled for six rounds.

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DANIEL DUBOIS HAS thrown down the gauntlet to Nathan Gorman by stating he will win by knockout against his heavyweight rival should a fight between the pair be finalised for later this year.

The pair’s promoter, Frank Warren, revealed earlier this week his intention to put the young heavies in together after a period of time where both are kept busy and public demand for the match increases.

Gorman has been the more pro-active in calling for the collision in interviews and across social media, while the more reserved Dubois has, for the most part, kept his counsel and simply pointed out that he will fight whoever is put in front of him.

The Londoner, who takes on former Gorman opponent Razvan Cojanu at the Royal Albert Hall on Friday, has now broken his silence on the subject and expressed a huge willingness on his part for the young heavyweight showdown to be made.

The fact that the Nantwich man is well ahead on points in the talking stakes has made no impact on the 21-year-old.

“Not really, it is boxing and I don’t get ramped up about stuff like that,” Dubois told Steve Lillis on The Boxing Podcast. “I have no emotion at all about it and we just have to wait and see.

“I am relishing that fight and I will take him on at any time. There is a time on it now so we can look forward to that.

“I definitely want it if we can make it this year,” Dubois insisted, before responding to a question on the likely outcome.

“A knockout win for me.”

Daniel Dubois v Razvan Cojanu and Anthony Yarde defending his WBO Intercontinental light heavyweight title against Travis Reeves tops a huge night of boxing at the Royal Albert Hall that also includes the British middleweight title clash between Liam Williams and Joe Mullender, while British welterweight champion Johnny Garton makes a first defence of his belt against the Welshman Chris Jenkins. Unbeaten featherweight Lucien Reid takes on his toughest test to date against Birmingham’s Indi Sangha. Unbeaten prospects Hamza Sheeraz, Denzel Bentley, Jake Pettitt, James Branch jr and Harvey Horn also feature on the show.

Tickets are priced from £40 and are available to buy via www.RoyalAlbertHall.com

DANIEL DUBOIS WAS completely unfazed by the prediction of Razvan Cojanu that Friday night’s encounter at the Royal Albert Hall will not end well for him and invited his opponent to back up his words in the ring.

The 31-year-old Romanian, who is a former world title challenger, publicly stated his belief that Dubois’ youth will count against him and that the bludgeoning power carried by the 9-0 Londoner holds no fears for a much more seasoned campaigner.

The 21-year-old heavyweight was typically unruffled by the fighting talk from his latest opponent and the fact that he is back in the ring, after missing out on a December date through illness, is a much higher priority than countering any pre-fight verbal jabs from the red corner.

“It is a good fight for me and I am looking forward to it, I am looking forward to being back in there and seeing if he can do what he says he is going to,” responded Dubois ahead of the BT Sport televised clash. “We will see if he can back up his words and we will see if he is a man of his word.

“I am just looking forward to the fight really,” he added, before addressing a further claim from Cojanu, suggesting that he will be the biggest and strongest Dubois has come up against.

“I am sure it won’t come down to that, it will be about who is the better man on the night. Size really shouldn’t count much, but the bigger they come, the harder they fall, as they say.

“I will just get in there and really show what I can do, which is putting it on him and breaking him down.”

The California-based Cojanu frustrated Nathan Gorman in Manchester back in December and proved an awkward customer. Dubois accepts the onus is on him to unlock the defences and make a fight of it if he wishes to post a statement performance that will make people sit up and take notice.

“Yes I have got to find his jaw and take him out. I will definitely enjoy it like I do every fight and whatever challenge he brings I will embrace it.

“Making a statement is something I am working towards and I am at the point of my career where a big win is important. Every fight is like a world title for me at the moment, where I have to be at my best and put on a big performance.

Daniel Dubois v Razvan Cojanu and Anthony Yarde defending his WBO Intercontinental light heavyweight title against Travis Reeves tops a huge night of boxing at the Royal Albert Hall that also includes the British middleweight title clash between Liam Williams and Joe Mullender, while British welterweight champion Johnny Garton makes a first defence of his belt against the Welshman Chris Jenkins. Unbeaten featherweight Lucien Reid takes on his toughest test to date against Birmingham’s Indi Sangha. Unbeaten prospects Hamza Sheeraz, Denzel Bentley, Jake Pettitt, James Branch jr and Harvey Horn also feature on the show.

Tickets are priced from £40 and are available to buy via www.RoyalAlbertHall.com

TICKETS START FROM £40
GRAND TIER: £100
LOGGIA: £100
SECOND TIER: £75

DANIEL DUBOIS is set to fly to America after his next fight to spar with Anthony Joshua’s next opponent Jarrell Miller.

‘Big Baby’ Milller challenges IBF, WBA and WBO champion Joshua in June and has gone British in his quest for help in winning the fight.

Miller has been greatly impressed by Dubois (9-0) who faces Razvan Cojanu (16-5) at London’s Royal Albert Hall on Friday March 8, live on BT Sport and wants him in camp.

Dubois, 21, has won the WBC Youth, Southern Area and English titles since making his debut in April 2017 and being part of Miller’s camp will give him even more valuable experience.

Dubois’s trainer Martin Bowers said: “We have been chatting with Miller’s team for about three weeks and we’re trying to finalise everything right now.

“They would like Daniel in camp for about a month, but it may only be a couple of weeks because of Daniel’s commitments to BT Sport, his sponsors and perhaps a fight date.

“Daniel has already gone to Russia and sparred Alexander Povetkin. This will be another fantastic experience. We would go anywhere for top sparring.”

Miller is looking for taller boxers than himself who are close to Joshua’s 6ft 6in and the big Londoner immediately caught his attention

“I found a couple of guys that’s a little taller than me,” Miller told talkSPORT.

“I wanna say one name, I heard the kid’s a badass – Daniel Dubois.

“I like the kid, I like him a lot, I like his energy and I heard he’s thumped AJ a couple times down in the gym as well, too.

“So I’m a fan of his. Me and his team are talking. I’m gonna see what he brings to the table and bring him to camp.”

Daniel Dubois v Razvan Cojanu and Anthony Yarde defending his WBO Intercontinental light heavyweight title against Travis Reeves tops a huge night of boxing at the Royal Albert Hall that also includes the British middleweight title clash between Liam Williams and Joe Mullender, while British welterweight champion Johnny Garton makes a first defence of his belt against the Welshman Chris Jenkins. Unbeaten featherweight Lucien Reid takes on his toughest test to date against Birmingham’s Indi Sangha. Unbeaten prospects Hamza Sheeraz, Denzel Bentley, Jake Pettitt, James Branch jr and Harvey Horn also feature on the show.

Tickets are priced from £40 and are available to buy via www.RoyalAlbertHall.com

TICKETS START FROM £40

GRAND TIER: £100

LOGGIA: £100

SECOND TIER: £75