‘I THINK I’LL BEAT HIM’ – DUBOIS KEEN ON JOYCE REMATCH

HIGH UP ON the heavyweight wish list of the returning Daniel Dubois is the chance to put right the only blot on his record that came against British rival Joe Joyce.

Dubois, who is back in action with a WBA Interim title shot against Bogdan Dinu in Telford on Saturday, says he would relish the opportunity of setting the record straight against the 2016 Olympic silver medallist should their paths collide once more.

Joyce was triumphant at the end of November when a compelling contest came to an end following Dubois taking himself out of the firing line due to extensive damage to his left eye. The now No.2 ranked WBO contender looked to have executed a cunning and effective game plan to derail the Dubois Express but, when the younger man was counted out, he was actually ahead on the scorecards.

Dubois can put himself right back in the title picture on Saturday with victory over the 20-2 Romanian Dinu, but scoring an equaliser against the only man to have defeated him as a pro remains a high priority, although he insists he will not be consumed by feelings of revenge in the meantime.

“I really do want it, but time will tell what route we both take from here,” said the 23-year-old with a current record of 15-1 (14 KOs). “I would love to fight Joe again. I think I could really do something and beat him. I wasn’t losing by a ton and getting pasted, it was a close fight in my opinion, so nip and tuck, really.

“I want to get back in that sort of level fight and beat someone of Joe’s calibre. We’ll see, I don’t know, only time will tell if it can happen. Right now I am just excited about the comeback.

“I do want to have revenge and to put it right, but if I’ve got to take it out on someone else then, hey, Bogdan is there to get it, isn’t he?”

Returning to the fighting fold with a major belt on the line is a significant bonus for Dubois and he believes we will witness a combination of his previous bullish approach as well as a degree of patience in the way he sets about Dinu.

“It is not bad at all and it is a nice cherry on the cake for my comeback,” he added on the prize on the line. “That is how I look at it and this belt is an important one to get me ranked and on track again.

“I know enough about him and he is a decent fighter, but not on my level and I will put him away in devastating fashion, I believe. I will make a real statement in this next one.

“You will see a bit of both from me, I think. I’ll have that fire in me to go out there and cause mayhem, but also to show my boxing and clever work behind a jab to set it up better.”

 

Daniel Dubois (15-1, 14KOs) returns to the ring on Saturday June 5 when he takes on Bogdan Dinu (20-2, 16KOs) for the WBA Interim heavyweight title. Light heavyweight favourite Tommy Fury is also in action in his sixth fight as a professional.

WBO ranked number four featherweight, Archie Sharp (19-0, 9 KOs) returns in his first fight under new trainer Alan Smith, while Belfast Middleweight Caoimhin Agyarko (8-0, 5 KOs) will be aiming for his fifth successive inside the distance win. Stoke-on-Trent’s huge popular middleweight Nathan Heaney (11-0, 3 KOs) has his second fight under the Queensberry banner when he meets Bulgarian Iliyan Markov (6-14-2, 3 KOs).

Also on the show are unbeaten English bantamweight champion Liam Davies (8-0, 3 KOs), featherweight Adan Mohamed (1-0)  and 18-year-old decorated amateur George Bance, who makes his professional debut after signing with Queensberry. 




GORMAN EYES BRITISH TITLE – ONCE HEAVYWEIGHT LOGJAM CLEARS

NATHAN GORMAN is sweating on Joe Joyce helping him achieve his British Heavyweight title dream.

Joyce who holds the British championship is hoping to fight Oleksandr Usyk or another of the world’s top Heavyweights in his next fight.

He is unlikely to vacate his domestic crown until then. When he does relinquish Gorman (18-1, 12 KOs) is likely to be in line for a second crack at the title.

Gorman, 24, suffered his only professional defeat when he challenged Daniel Dubois for the vacant crown in July 2019.

Frank Warren insisted that the Nantwich man would bounce back from that setback and Gorman has won two on the spin since, repaying his promoter’s faith.

Last October he outpointed Richard Lartey and in March produced one of his most impressive performances stopping Pavel Sour inside two rounds – a win that included FIVE knockdowns.

“I had four days off after my last fight,  got back into the gym and I’m training hard for my next fight,” said Gorman who hopes to return in late June or July on a Queensberry show.

“I’d like to box for the British title, but it all depends what Joe Joyce is doing with the belt.

“If Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua fight, I’d imagine Joe will fight Oleksandr Usyk and vacate the British title.

“I’m guessing that Fabio Wardley and myself would be the most likely candidates to box for it.

“I returned after the long layoff since losing to Daniel and beat Richard Lartey, but since then I have been the most determined ever in my career.”

Gorman split amicably with trainer Ricky Hatton after the Dubois setback because he was finding the 110 mile round trip to Manchester difficult, especially with a young family.

He is now with his old amateur trainer Nathan Clarke and says he is also reaping the benefits from punishing strength and conditioning sessions.

“I have only been doing this type of training for about eight months and it’s really tough. I am still getting used to it.

“I never even took a protein shake before I started strength and conditioning. I am new to this, and it all adds to my performances.

“I am going to weigh about 18-10 going forward. I am never going to be a boxer who is ripped to death, but I am going to put some physique in there.

“You get one go at this and I have to make the most. Right now, I am really pleased with everything and a happy fighter is a dangerous one.”




Joyce stops Dubois in 10th

In a highly anticipated heavyweight battle of undefeated fighters, Joe Joyce scored a 10th round stoppage over Daniel Dubois at The Church House, Westminster in London, England.

It was a highly competitive and high quality scrap with DuBois getting the better early as he landed some hard right hands that Joyce showed a terrific chin by walking right through him. Joyce was very effective with his jab.

In round five, the effectiveness of the jabs showed as the left eye of Dubois began to swell. Dubois was still able to get in some good shots, but towards the end of the ninth round, you could feel the tide beginning to turn towards Joyce.

The eye of Dubois was getting worse and worse, and finally in round ten, Joyce landed another hard jab, that made Dubois first paw at his left eye and then take two steps back to take a knee and basically submitted as he watched the referee count to 10 and the fight was over at 36 seconds.

Joyce, 258 lbs of Puttney, London is 12-0 with 11 knockouts. Dubois, 244.6 lbs of Greenwich, London is 15-1.

Sheeraz stops Pitto in 10th

Hamzah Sheeraz won stopped Guido Nicolas Pitto in the 10th and final round of their super welterweight bout.

Sheeraz rocked Pitto with a hard right. That set up a nine punch flurry and then three hard punches later, the fight was stopped at 1:11.

Sheeraz, 153.9 lbs of East London is 12-0 with eight knockouts. Pitto, 152.9 lbs of Barcelona, SPA is 26-8-2.

Number-one ranked junior welterweight Jack Catterall tuned up for a world title opportunity by winning a 10-round decision over Abderrazak Houya.

In round six, Catterall dropped Houya with a perfectly timed counter-left. In round nine, Catterall sent Houya down again with a hard left.

Catterall, 143.3 lbs won by a 99-90 score and is now 26-0. Houya, 141.9 lbs is 14-3.

David Adeleye stopped Danny Whitaker in round two of their scheduled six-round heavyweight bout.

In round two, Adeleye landed a right that dropped Whitaker. Seconds later, Whitaker was sent to the canvas for a 2nd time, and the fight was stopped at 2:09.

Adeleye, 219.4 lbs of London is 4-0 with all wins coming early. Whitaker, 260.1 lbs is 4-2.

Jack Massey won an eight-round decision over Mohammad Ali Bayat in a cruiserweight bout.

In round eight, Massey was cut over the right eye.

Massey, 201.6 lbs of Manchester, UK won by a 79-74 score and is now 17-1. Bayat, 200.7 lbs of Dubai i 16-2-1.




THE WORLD WILL BE WATCHING: DUBOIS vs JOYCE TO BE BROADCAST IN OVER 100 COUNTRIES

Daniel Dubois vs Joe Joyce is a fight that has captured the British public’s imagination with fans and pundits alike calling it the biggest all-British Heavyweight fight in many years.

UK fans will be watching exclusively live on BT Sport 1 HD tomorrow night at 7.30pm but the fight has also caught the attention of a global audience and Queensberry can confirm that over 100 countries will broadcast the fight this weekend.

Joining BT Sport 1 HD in taking this momentous event into peoples homes will be ESPN+ in the United States, amongst others. 

For a full list of broadcast partners please see the below:

BT SPORT 1 HD – UK and Ireland

ESPN + – USA

ESPN KNOCKOUT – Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Venezuela, Panama, Mexico

SABC – South Africa

RMC – France

FOX SPORT – Australia

MATCH TV – Russia

POLSAT – Poland

FITE – Germany, Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen

VIASAT – Sweden, Finland, Denmark

TSN DIRECT – Canada

S SPORT – Turkey

MTEL – Bulgaria

ADJARASPORT – Georgia

PRAGOSPORT – Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia

EUROSPORT – Spain, Portugal, India, Andorra

ONESPORT – Philippines

FLOW SPORTS – Anguilla, Antigua, Barbados, Bahamas, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Curacao, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Cacos

WOWOW – Japan

CCTV5 – China

SPARK SPORT – New Zealand




VIDEO: Dubois v Joyce Weigh-In






DUBOIS vs JOYCE – WEIGH-IN RESULTS

AT LAST, Dubois vs Joyce is finally happening. It is a fight that has captured the public imagination and it goes down this Saturday night live on BT Sport 1 HD from 7.30pm.

Ahead of another huge night of boxing on BT Sport tomorrow, the competitors today weighed-in and faced off inside the fighter bubble hotel.

Photos from todays weigh-in can be found here, and the running order and weights can be found below.

Fight #1
Mitchell Barton (18st 6lb 2oz)
vs
Matt Gordon (17st 13lb 1oz)

Fight #2
Joshua Frankham (10st 9lb 2oz)
vs
Matt Hall (10st 8lb 6oz)

Fight #3
Louie Lynn (9st even)
vs
Paul Holt (9st 3lb 2oz)

Fight #4
Jack Massey (14st 5lb 6oz)
vs
Mohammad Ali Bayat (14st 4lb 7oz)

Fight #5
David Adeleye (15st 9lb 4oz)
vs
Danny Whitaker (18st 8lb 12oz)

Fight #6
Jack Catterall (10st 3lb 3oz)
vs 
Abderrazak Houya (10st 1lb 10oz)

Fight #7
Hamzah Sheeraz (10st 13lb 9oz)
vs
Guido Nicolas Pitto (10st 12lb 10oz)

Fight #8
Daniel Dubois (17st 6lb 6oz)
vs
Joe Joyce (18st 6lb 14oz)

AT LAST: DUBOIS vs JOYCE IS LIVE TOMORROW NIGHT AT 7.30pm ON BT SPORT 1 HD




THE FIGHT EVERYONE’S TALKING ABOUT: FIGHTERS, PUNDITS AND FAMOUS FANS HAVE THEIR SAY

AT LAST, Dubois vs Joyce is finally happening. It is a fight that has captured the public imagination and it goes down this Saturday night live on BT Sport 1 HD from 7.30pm.

Below are a selection of prediction quotes from some of the biggest names in the sport, and a few famous fans for good measure.

TYSON FURY
I want to be there for that. I want to be the commentary man for that fight. That’s a fight I do not want to miss. Both good fighters. Joe’s a big strong unit, Juggernaut, get in the way he’ll run you over. Daniel’s big and strong and youthful, fresh. They’re both good fighters and it’ll come down to who wants it more on the night. They’re both capable of winning, they’re both capable of pulling victories out and they’re both capable of knocking the other person out. It’s a fight you don’t want to miss. Watch it live and exclusive on BT Sport.
 

DAVID HAYE
I can see it going both ways. I can see Dubois being able to stop Joyce if it’s an early shootout. But, if it’s not an early shootout and it becomes a boxing match, I believe that works in Joe Joyce’s favour. So I’m going to go with the man I know, the man I’ve seen take some beatings and soak it up, I’m going to go with Joe Joyce by points decision or late stoppage.

JOHN FURY
I’m a little bit worried about whether it’s too early for Daniel Dubois. Joe Joyce is a big, strong seasoned man. We know he’s got a good engine and he can hold a shot well. It’s a hard one, but for my money it’s a bit too soon for Daniel Dubois.

ANDY LEE
I see it being a shoot out. I think Dubois’ extra speed will give him the edge and I think he’ll win by knockout.

RICKY HATTON
I think most people will lean to Dubois slightly because he’s a man in form. He’s a little bit fresher. Joe’s had a very distinguished amateur career, maybe he has a few more miles on the clock than Daniel. He’s quite versatile Joe. He can do pretty much everything. His style is a little bit in-your-face, though, which might suit Daniel Dubois. I think it’s a 50-50 fight, but Daniel might be a little bit fresher… I think that might just make the difference.

PAULIE MALIGNAGGI
My prediction is an explosive fight. Could go either ways. They’re both big punching guys looking for the big one. I edge towards Dubois at this moment.

RICHIE WOODALL
I think if Daniel Dubois can land a big shot early on it’ll be his contest. If Joe can get through the first 3 or 4 rounds and take Daniel into the later stages… then the tide could turn after 5 or 6 rounds. If I had to put money on it, I’d probably just fancy Daniel to be honest.

LIAM WILLIAMS
I think it’ll be a very good fight. I quite highly favour Dubois, but if Joyce can weather a bit of a storm then I think he’s in with a chance. If you put a gun to my head, I’d have to put my money on Dubois.

NATHAN GORMAN
It’s a real 50-50 fight in my opinion. I think lot of people are writing Joe off, but it’s a lot closer than that. Joyce has got a good amateur pedigree. Daniel on the other hand is a big power puncher, massive backhand. Under six I’ll favour Daniel, over six it’ll be interesting to see what happens.

TOMMY FURY
50-50 in my mind. Obviously Joyce can shift a shot, he’s more experienced coming from the amateurs. He’s had some good fights as a professional. Then you’ve got a young boy Daniel Dubois, British champion on his way up. I know it’s a cliché to say that if it goes long Joyce will win it and if it goes short Daniel will win it but really, I just wish good luck to both men hope they put up a good fight and may the best man win.

CARL FRAMPTON 
This ones really interesting. Both guys are punchers. Dubois is technically better than Joe but Joe, even though he looks really unorthodox, he’s got an engine like I’ve never seen before in my life. I was lucky enough to train with him and I’ve never seen a fitter boxer. He’ll want to apply his pressure to Dubois and make him work hard from the start. I think it’s going to be a great fight, Joe’s going to force the pace from the start and he’s going to walk onto a lot of shots so it’s all about how well his chin holds up. The later the fight goes on the more chance that Joe has but I’m going to stay with Dubois on this one. I think Dubois will get to him at some point, probably a stoppage in the middle rounds.

DAVID PRICE speaking to SecondsOut

(Picking Joe Joyce) “It’s the intensity he fights at. It’s his unconventional, unorthodox style which can throw people a lot. Bryant Jennings is a top operator… and Joyce is getting in with him when he hasn’t even had ten professional fights. I believe (Joe) is an Olympic Gold medaller, really. So, Joe’s going into the fight in my eyes as the favourite.
 

ADAM CATTERALL (TalkSPORT presenter and Fight Disciples co-founder)

Two top blokes throwing down for our entertainment. Like everybody else I see either Daniel early or Joe late. I can’t see it going the distance. Joe is tough but he does get hit. If Daniel can open him up with that jab and left to the body, the head shots will come. Can’t see Joe getting knocked out but I can see him stopped on his feet.

PADDY CONSIDINE (Top actor who starred in Journeyman)

I have to pick Daniel. The momentum is with him. Joe seems too easy to hit with the right hand. Joyce may have a great chin, but he can’t keep taking those all night. This is going to be a great fight. It reminds me of Lennox Lewis v Gary Mason

LOU DIBELLA (Leading US promoter)

I love this fight — clash of styles,  with the outcome in doubt. Big Joe is physically strong, durable, more experienced, and has reach… but he’s slow. Dubois is more mobile, can be explosive, and has potential out the ying-yang. This is a great domestic brawl. The kid’s more athletic and I’m predicting a mid/late stoppage for Daniel.

DEAN EDWARDS (Celebrity chef, boxing nut and previous MasterChef runner-up)

I’m so pleased that we are getting the sort of domestic dust up that so many fighters try to avoid, it’s a 50/50 fight but if I had to pick, my prediction is that Daniel wins via TKO round 4. This is going to be a great fight.

RON LEWIS (Leading Boxing writer)

This is a real gut check for Dubois. As much as people will predict big things about his future, he has never beaten anyone nearly as good or experienced as Joyce and I could easily see Joyce wearing down Dubois and stopping Dubois. However, I think the difference between the pair is defence. Joyce doesn’t mind taking a shot and at some point that will be his downfall. Joyce will take some shifting but if Dubois catches him cleanly enough often enough, he will stop him. Dubois 7-9.

CHRIS McKENNA (Daily Star)

I believe Dubois will have to come through some storms early in the fight, Joyce will be relentless and will pile plenty of pressure on while may even come close to forcing a stoppage of his own but I think the younger man will dig deeper and find something late on. But it will need the referee to take Joyce out as he will be brave and want to fight on.

ANTHONY OGOGO 

Going to be a great fight, two of the biggest prospects in Heavyweight boxing tearing it up, like the good old days. It’s as close to a 50/50 as you can get but I’m slightly leaning towards Joyce as he’s more experienced in big matches, his physical maturity and experience in big fights and competition like the Olympics , etc.

JON PEGG (Top Matchmaker)

I keep changing my mind on this one. I’m going for the Peacock  Gym team to tip the balance with their experience and Dubois to get a hard fought stoppage around 7.

KALLE SAUERLAND (Top Promoter)

I think it’s an excellent 50/50 fight and has the makings to be a classic. Dubois is a phenomenal talent but is this a match-up too early for him? I could not pick a winner as there are too many unknowns but if I had too I would have to pick Joyce because I have seen him in the deep end before. Good luck to both.

SARAH SHEPHERD (The Athletic)

We know a few things going into this fight: Joe Joyce has a granite chin and serious engine and Daniel Dubois can absolutely bang. Combined, those factors suggest we will see Joyce look to survive an inevitable onslaught in the first few rounds and take Dubois into deep waters late on. I’m not sure he makes it and can see the referee stepping in to save him before it gets that far.

LIAM SMITH (Former WBO Super-Welterweight champion)

 I think it’s a top fight between two very good Heavyweights who are both on the up. It’s a good clash of styles. If Dubois has it in the tank, I think he wins, he’s better all round.  If he doesn’t, and doesn’t do Joyce in the first few rounds, then Joyce could come on for a late stoppage. But, my pick is Dubois win, 4-6 rounds.

MARK TIBBS (Top Trainer)

I believe ‘Dynamite’ Dubois is gonna explode on point and extinguish Joe Joyce within six rounds.

TROY WILLIAMSON (Leading Super-Welterweight prospect)

A lot of people are writing Joe off, but he’s GB’s most decorated amateur for a reason. I’m going for JJ win.

WALLY DOWNES (The Sun)

I can’t back against Daniel, his rise and his camp has been so seamless and continuous whereas Joe, for all his talent, has never really settled anywhere or been the main man. I have only seen Joe Hurt once and that was to the body. I think Daniel will target that and get the job done.

GARETH A DAVIES (Telegraph, talkSPORT)

This is an enticing, thrilling match-up and a crossroads fight for both Dubois and Joyce. Dubois has the edge in speed and devastating power, but Joyce looks like he means business and victory would elevate him into the top of the division. If Joyce is still there and intact after six rounds it will be fascinating, especially if Dubois has been tested by Joyce’s punches. I think Dubois wins this, if he can take those punches, around the sixth round.

MIKE COSTELLO (BBC 5Live)

It could be one to remember, coming at such a pivotal time for both. I believe the accuracy of Dubois with the left hand – the jab and the body shot – will be the key factor in the outcome, offsetting the greater work rate of Joyce.

AT LAST: DUBOIS vs JOYCE IS LIVE THIS SATURDAY NIGHT AT 7.30pm ON BT SPORT 1 HD




VIDEO: Press Conference: Dubois v Joyce






AT LAST: DUBOIS vs JOYCE PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

HALL OF FAME promoter Frank Warren today held the final head-to-head press conference ahead of the sensational Heavyweight showdown between unbeaten KO Kings Daniel Dubois and Joe Joyce.

The unbeaten Londoners collide in an explosive 12 rounder at Church House, Westminster on Saturday (November 28)  live on BT Sport, on a Queensberry Promotions bill.

‘Dynamite’ Dubois (15-0, 14 KOs) will be defending his British, Commonwealth and WBC Silver titles against Olympic silver medallist  ‘Juggernaut’ Joyce (11-0, 10 KOs). The vacant European championship is also on the line.

The clash is one of the biggest fights in Heavyweight boxing and the winner will be in line for a world title challenge next year.

Dubois, 23, is ranked at number two by the WBO and seventh by the WBC. Joyce is highly ranked by the IBF, WBC and WBO.

Here are a selection of quotes from today’s event.

FRANK WARREN

It’s 40 years of promoting for me on December 1 and this is the most mouth watering fight, three days before that anniversary. What makes it special? They are tremendous Heavyweights who have done everything asked so far. It rarely happens that they do fight at this stage of their careers, but when the fight was put out they both wanted it and didn’t take a backward step. That tells you their self-belief. They believe they have the beating of each other. There is no give in either of them.  Joe’s got tremendous amateur experience, was robbed of the Gold medal in the Olympics. He brings that to the table. Daniel has dedicated his life to boxing and look at what he has done after having had just seven senior amateur fights. On the day you have all the experience and punching power of Joe and we have the young hungry lion who wants to get out and show what he has got. Daniel is a tremendous puncher and capturing everyone’s imagination. It’s got the ingredients of an amazing, amazing fight. Whatever happens the winner will become new mandatory for the WBO or fight Usyk for the vacant title if Anthony Joshua fights Tyson Fury. People talk about Daniel like he is a one trick pony and just has a big punch, but he has a great jab. It is superb. Every fight he brings something else. Joe will bring the best out of him. That’s why it is a phenomenal fight. How do I see it? Whoever controls this fight from the beginning will be the winner. This is it — a big moment in time for both of them. The winner is in the big time. If you’re going to watch any fight this year or in the next 12 months this is the one.

DANIEL DUBOIS

I feel confident and left no-stone unturned in training. I am not intimidated by his experience. He has never been in with a fighter like me before and I’m ready to go. I’ve accomplished what I’ve needed to and it’s my destiny. You can argue some guys he beat were past their prime. I am young and hungry. I am ready to go 12 rounds no problem if I have to. I am ready for a long, hard fight but also a quick one. I have the power in both hands to take him out. I will break him down and chop him up. People haven’t seen the best of me. This fight will show I can do something else. I am looking forward to showing my whole repertoire and skill. I want to win in devastating fashion and knock him out. I want to send a clear message to the rest of the fighters in the Heavyweight division and to the world that I am coming. I’m ready for war.

JOE JOYCE

I am not under pressure. I am confident and ready to do the business. The bookies have Daniel in a good position so he has the pressure to deliver.  I’m the underdog and coming to take him out. I don’t care if people have written me off. My amateur experience makes a difference. I have been there and been tested. There are no questions about my ability and my achievements. Dubois hasn’t done anything in the Senior amateurs or quite yet in the pros. I feel I have achieved more in my fewer professional fights than he has. I have had the test and answered questions.  I’m in a place where I’m ready to go for that world title. I have seen him knockout guys, but do you think I wouldn’t have knocked out those guys? I have power in both hands, I have a good chin, my engine is good and I’m ready to go 12 rounds if need be. If I see the opportunity I will punch him until he’s down. If his power doesn’t put me down he is in a heap of trouble. I’ve taken big punches and kept going forward. I prefer not to take them big shots. I want to move out of the way and not get hit. I’m not blessed with speed but I hit the target and keep coming. I don’t want to leave it to chance. I want to go to work, find my range and knock him out. I have nothing to say to him except respect your elders and he will do on Saturday night.

Photos from todays press conference can be found here

AT LAST: DUBOIS vs JOYCE IS LIVE THIS SATURDAY NIGHT AT 7.30pm ON BT SPORT 1 HD




JOE JOYCE “INSULTED” BY BOOKIES ODDS, VOWS TO GIVE “NICE CHRISTMAS” TO THOSE WHO BET HE BEATS DUBOIS

JOE JOYCE has revealed he feels “insulted” by bookmakers who fancy him as the underdog in his upcoming battle with ‘Dynamite’ Dubois.

Speaking to The Queensberry Lowdown, Presented by Unibet, Joyce explained that the way he has been overlooked has left him feeling like a mere journeyman.

Currently, Unibet themselves have Daniel Dubois as the 2/9 favourite, whilst ‘Juggernaut’ is an outside bet at 3/1 to emerge victorious.

It is expected that the fight will be an explosive affair, too, with Unibet offering just 3/10 on the fight not going the distance.

“To be honest, I feel a bit insulted” said Joyce, “the way the bookies have it is just crazy. It’s like I haven’t done anything and I’m just a journeyman.

“It’s like I’m the underdog.”

Olympic Silver medallist Joyce is confident the bookies have got it wrong, and vowed that “people who bet on me will have a nicer Christmas.”

At 35-years-old, and with a wealth of amateur pedigree, Joyce believes his experience will be what gives him the edge over 23-year-old Dubois.

“I’ve performed at a higher level, so that psychologically gives me an edge,” said Joyce. “We’ll see on the night if it’s going to be the young, hungry pup or the more seasoned veteran.”

Joyce received criticism for his physique earlier this year when he boxed Michael Wallisch.

Though ‘Juggernaut’ would come through that test with flying colours, advancing his record to 11-0 in the process, many fans and pundits questioned his career high weight of 270lbs.

Any fears he may come in for the Dubois scrap equally chunky seem to have been allayed though, with a series of social media posts this week showing off his impressive abs.

Joyce didn’t reveal what he planned to weigh come fight night, but he did turn the tables on young Dubois by questioning his own increasing size.

Daniel weighed in at 231lbs for his debut in 2017, whereas when he took out Dutchman Ricardo Snijders in August at the BT Studios he was a whopping 244lbs.

“(Daniel) looks great. He looks hench mate, he looks massive.

“But it’s not all about size or how good your body looks in the boxing ring. He’s got big muscle mass, so it’s going to be hard to keep throwing shots.”

However “insulted” he may feel, Joe’s new slim line body is clearly a testament to the work he’s been putting in at the gym and he believes preparations couldn’t have been better as he readies himself to beat not just Dubois but the odds too.

“Camp has gone great and I’m firing on all cylinders.”

————————————–

Joe Joyce on The Queensberry Lowdown, Presented by Unibet, is live now at the Queensberry Promotions YouTube page here

—————————————

Dubois vs Joyce headlines a great night of boxing action, live on BT Sport 1 HD on November 28th.
 
On the undercard, highly-touted Ilford youngster Hamzah Sheeraz (11-0-0, 7KO’s) will defend his WBO European Super-Welterweight title against canny Spaniard Guido Nicolas Pitto (26-7-2, 8KO’s). Jack Catterall (25-0-0, 13KO’s) will take on the French-based Tunisian Abderrazak Houya (14-2-0, 2KO’s) in a 10 round Super-Lightweight contest ahead of his challenge for the WBO world title.
 
London Heavyweight David Adeleye (3-0-0, 3KO’s) returns to behind-closed-doors action for the third time when he battles Silsden’s Danny Whittaker (4-1-0). 
 
Jack Massey (16-1-0, 8KO’s) returns to action in an 8 round Cruiserweight contest against a fearsome puncher from the UAE, Mohammad Ali Bayat Farid (16-1-1, 16 KO’s).
 
Joshua Frankham (1-0-0) will return to Super-Welterweight action, Louie Lynn (7-0-0, 6KO’s) will look to follow up his 2nd round TKO from the 25th July and Henry Wharton backed Heavyweight Mitchell Barton will make his long awaited pro-debut.




November 28: Daniel Dubois-Joe Joyce Heavyweight Showdown to Stream Live in the United States Exclusively on ESPN+

(November 19, 2020) — The highly anticipated all-British heavyweight showdown between British and Commonwealth champion Daniel “Dynamite” Dubois and Joe “Juggernaut” Joyce — Saturday, Nov. 28 in London— has an American broadcast home.

Dubois-Joyce and unbeaten junior middleweight Hamzah Sheeraz against veteran Guido Nicolas Pitto will stream live on ESPN+ beginning at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT, with a full slate of undercard contests (including the return of WBO No. 1 junior welterweight contender Jack Catterall) on ESPN+ starting at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT.

The 12-round heavyweight main event will also be contested for the vacant European title.

“The future of the heavyweight division will be seen live on ESPN+ Nov. 28,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Daniel Dubois is a tremendous young fighter, but Joe is older and had an incredibly successful amateur career. I am glad that American fight fans will have an outlet to watch one of the year’s best fights.”

Dubois (15-0, 14 KOs), winner of six in a row by KO, is no stranger to American fight fans, as his last eight bouts have streamed live on ESPN+. He went 5-0 in 2019, including a second-round stoppage over former world title challenger Razvan Cojanu, a fifth-round KO over fellow prospect Nathan Gorman and a second-round blitzing of Kyotaro Fujimoto last December. He made his 2020 debut Aug. 29 and knocked out Ricardo Snijders in the second round.

The 35-year-old Joyce (11-0, 10 KOs) turned pro in October 2017 after capturing a super heavyweight silver medal for Great Britain at the 2016 Rio Olympics. He wasted no time as a professional, as he won Commonwealth honors in only his fourth bout. In 2019, he knocked out former world champion Bermane Stiverne in six rounds and veteran gatekeeper Alexander Ustinov in three rounds to increase his knockout streak to nine. In July 2019, he went the 12-round distance and outworked former world title challenger Bryant Jennings over 12 rounds. He returned to action July 25 and knocked down Michael Wallisch three times en route to a third-round stoppage.

For more information, visit www.toprank.comwww.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing and twitter.com/ESPNRingside; IG: @espnringside.

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 8.5 million subscribers.

Fans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $5.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle offer that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu (ad-supported) — all for just $12.99/month.




DUBOIS vs JOYCE AND YARDE vs ARTHUR TO LAND IN WESTMINSTER

Hall-Of-Fame Promoter Frank Warren will celebrate forty years in professional boxing by bringing the two biggest domestic battles of the year right into the heart of Central London.

Dubois vs Joyce (28th Nov) and Yarde vs Arthur (5th Dec) will take place at the majestic Church House, in view of the world famous Westminster Abbey.

Church House was founded in 1887 and was built to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria. The current building was designed by the renowned architect Sir Herbert Baker and the foundation stone was laid by Her Majesty, Queen Mary on 26 June 1937. It took until 1940 to complete and was officially opened by His Majesty, King George VI on 10th June 1940.

The building suffered a direct hit in the early part of WWII but due to its exceptional construction only minimal damage was done. The Prime Minister of the day, Winston Churchill, was so impressed by this that the building was refurbished for use by the two Houses of Parliament for the remainder of the war.

Many historic speeches and events took place within the building during this time, in particular the announcement by Churchill from the stage of the Hoare Memorial Hall of the sinking of the battleship Bismarck.

In 1945, the first meetings of the United Nations Preparatory Commission and Security Council were held in the Hoare Memorial Hall.

Frank Warren said: “I’m delighted to be able to confirm such a spectacular venue to host two weeks of fantastic big time boxing. It’ll be a more than fitting way to celebrate my forty years in professional boxing.

“Both these bouts are going to be battles for the history books, so it makes sense they’d take place in a venue so rich in history.

“Winston Churchill announced the sinking of the Bismarck inside this venue, and soon we’ll know who out of Dubois, Joyce, Yarde and Arthur will sink or swim.”

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About Church House Westminster

Church House Westminster is a Grade-II listed multi-purpose event and conference venue uniquely located in tranquil Dean’s Yard. Most of its 19 flexible event spaces offer stunning views of Westminster Abbey. The dedicated team are consistently recognised by the BDRC Gold Standard for their commitment to service excellence throughout all areas. The conference and event spaces are equipped with the latest technology, supported by the venue’s own in-house, award-winning Audio-Visual team.

Address: Dean’s Yard, Westminster, London SW1P 3NZ
Telephone: 020 7390 1590 
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“I BENT DOWN, SCRATCHED MY ANKLE AND THREW THE SHOT” – TOM LITTLE BACKS DURABLE JOYCE OVER ‘DYNAMITE’ DUBOIS

TOM LITTLE has felt the force of Daniel Dubois and Joe Joyce – but isn’t slow in giving his big fight prediction.

“I think Joe is going to beat him and I hope he does.” said Little.

Boxing is split over the outcome when the World’s top two Heavyweight prospects clash on Saturday November 28, live on BT Sport.

Little lost in five rounds when he faced Dubois in June 2018 and is often called up by Joyce for sparring.

He explained: “I have tossed back and forward over this fight. I’ve wrestled with it physically.

“When I say I want Joe to win, it’s not because I don’t like Daniel. I like Daniel, he is a nice boy and I have no hard feelings towards him.

“I just think it is a fight too early for him against someone who has big amateur pedigree and fought big names as a professional.”

Little revealed he has also been giving tips to Joyce ahead of the triple title clash where Dubois defends his British and Commonwealth belts, with the vacant European championship also on the line.

He added: “The first minute of that fight is going to be so important in the fact that Joe needs to take his jab away.

“I can tell you first hand, Daniel Dubois has got a jab like a straight right hand. It hurts a lot, believe me.

“Joe knows this. I have spoken with him about it. I genuinely think that Joe is capable of taking that jab away.

“If he can do that, Daniel doesn’t carry that concussive hurtful power. He is so, so strong but doesn’t carry that power up close in short mid-range.

“Joe will be horrible for him to fight, a bit like Dereck Chisora would be for Daniel. Joe doesn’t let you fight at your pace. It’s impossible to fight at your pace.”

Little who had a bad-blooded build up when he fought Dubois in an English title clash also warned that his old rival is in for shock when he lands clean on Joyce.

He said: “Hand on heart. I hit Joe on the side of the head with a shot that I would have thrown in a pub. I literally bent down, scratched my ankle and threw the shot.

“It was the sort of punch you’d throw on a punch ball machine on a booze up. I threw it with everything and he went back a little bit, but came straight firing back into me in the spar.

“Hurting him is going to be a problem for Daniel, but none of us are machines or robots.

“It is genuinely a fight where you look and you can make such a strong case for both.”

Dubois vs Joyce headlines a great night of boxing action, live on BT Sport 1 HD on November 28th.

On the undercard, highly-touted Ilford youngster Hamzah Sheeraz (11-0-0, 7KO’s) will defend his WBO European Super-Welterweight title against canny Spaniard Guido Nicolas Pitto (26-7-2, 8KO’s). Jack Catterall (25-0-0, 13KO’s) will take on the French-based Tunisian Abderrazak Houya (14-2-0, 2KO’s) in a 10 round Super-Lightweight contest ahead of his challenge for the WBO world title.

London Heavyweight David Adeleye (3-0-0, 3KO’s) returns to behind-closed-doors action for the third time when he battles Silsden’s Danny Whittaker (4-1-0).

Jack Massey (16-1-0, 8KO’s) returns to action in an 8 round Cruiserweight contest against a fearsome puncher from the UAE, Mohammad Ali Bayat Farid (16-1-1, 16 KO’s).

Joshua Frankham (1-0-0) will return to Super-Welterweight action, Louie Lynn (7-0-0, 6KO’s) will look to follow up his 2nd round TKO from the 25th July and Henry Wharton backed Heavyweight Mitchell Barton will make his long awaited pro-debut.




AGE IS JUST A NUMBER FOR JUGGERNAUT JOE

JOE JOYCE DOES not go along with the thinking that says his blockbuster battle with Daniel Dubois on November 28 is a make or break fight for him.

Now 25, Joyce accepts that having launched his professional career just three years ago, every fight has represented a crossroads for him, where time would not be on his side in the event of having to rebuild.

However, the 2016 Olympic silver medallist insists he remains a sprightly 30-something with plenty of miles to go on his clock.

“I don’t feel that old because I only started in the game at the age he is now, which is 23,” countered the Putney-based heavy. “I feel like I haven’t been in the sport that long and that I have quite a few years ahead of me.

“But, yeah, this is a big fight and it is a big ladder to the top or a snake where I would have to rebuild. So the loser will have to rebuild a little bit and Daniel has got time more on his side because he is a young pup who would definitely be able to come back.

“I’d be able to come back too, but I don’t plan to do that. This is my chance to show what I am made of and to progress to the next stage and get a shot to become heavyweight champion.

“That is the route I am going. My aim before was to get to the Olympics and win a medal, so I completed that, although it was meant to be the gold medal and that didn’t happen. As a professional I want to be world champion and this is the route I need to go down and Dubois is standing in my way right now.”

According to Joyce, the pressure going into the fight rests on the shoulders of the younger man.

“I am not under any pressure because, according to the bookies, Daniel has already won. He has made a big name for himself and he has got the pressure to deliver.

“I don’t know why, but it is okay because it will be better when I beat him because I will take his scalp, how he has been built and take it further.”

Dubois vs Joyce headlines a great night of boxing action, live on BT Sport 1 HD on November 28th.
 
On the undercard, highly-touted Ilford youngster Hamzah Sheeraz (11-0-0, 7KO’s) will defend his WBO European Super-Welterweight title against canny Spaniard Guido Nicolas Pitto (26-7-2, 8KO’s). Jack Catterall (25-0-0, 13KO’s) will take on the French-based Tunisian Abderrazak Houya (14-2-0, 2KO’s) in a 10 round Super-Lightweight contest ahead of his challenge for the WBO world title.
 
London Heavyweight David Adeleye (3-0-0, 3KO’s) returns to behind-closed-doors action for the third time when he battles Silsden’s Danny Whittaker (4-1-0). 
 
Jack Massey (16-1-0, 8KO’s) returns to action in an 8 round Cruiserweight contest against a fearsome puncher from the UAE, Mohammad Ali Bayat Farid (16-1-1, 16 KO’s).
 
Joshua Frankham (1-0-0) will return to Super-Welterweight action, Louie Lynn (7-0-0, 6KO’s) will look to follow up his 2nd round TKO from the 25th July and Henry Wharton backed Heavyweight Mitchell Barton will make his long awaited pro-debut.




DUBOIS SAYS HE’D HAPPILY WIN WORLD TITLE BEHIND CLOSED DOORS IF HE PASSES JOYCE TEST

Heavyweight powerhouse Daniel Dubois insists he’s ready to roll with the punches when it comes to his next career step and would take a World Title fight behind closed doors if he had to.

23-year-old ‘Dynamite’ has seen first-hand the havoc Coronavirus restrictions can wreak on the sporting schedule, with his upcoming bout with Joe Joyce having been pushed back three times this year.

Unfazed, Dubois fully intends to continue his rapid ascent through the ranks of boxing’s glamour division and would take whatever shot came his way, regardless of how it came to him.

Of getting a World Title shot behind-closed-doors he said: “If the situation doesn’t improve and it doesn’t look likely there’ll be crowds there I’d definitely take it. After this fight, if that’s the next option then we’ll definitely take it.”

Dubois (15-0, 14KO’s) is currently ranked #2 with the WBO and, if internet whispers are to be believed, could be in-line to face #1 ranked Ukranian Oleksandr Usyk for the title should Britain’s Anthony Joshua vacate the title in search of a superfight with ‘The Gypsy King’ Tyson Fury.

Questioned by host Dev Sahni about his willingness to take on a fight against Usyk at such an early stage of his career, Dubois was assured in his response: “I’d definitely take that on.

“It’s another big challenge and another big exciting fight. He’s a talented boxer with a good boxing brain and good all round movement.”

Former Cruiserweight kingpin Usyk would undoubtedly enter any such fight as the bookies favourite, owing to his wealth of experience, but ‘Dynamite’ believes he has the attributes to overcome the odds.

Asked what he has that would see him claim victory over Usyk, he said: “My athleticism, my speed, my youth and my power. All that put together.”

Ready to take on any challenge, Dubois also insists that should Joshua not vacate the title then he’d happily take part in a ‘Battle of Britain’ affair with AJ for the Gold.

When questioned on what kind of fighter would prove to be Olympic Gold medallist Joshua’s undoing, Dubois said someone who was “young and hungry”.

So, did the ambitious Greenwich prospect have anyone in mind?

“Yeah” he laughed, “me next!”

Before any World Title opportunity though, there’s a massive obstacle in his way by the name of Joe Joyce.

35-year-old Joyce boasts an undefeated record of his own, with 11 wins to his credit, and is backed by many within boxing to deliver a first defeat his younger foe.

Dubois however is convinced that he has the answers to any questions posed by ‘The Juggernaut’.

“Whatever he does I’ve got an answer for it. 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.”

With another behind-closed-doors bout ahead of him, perhaps not for the last time, confident Dubois knows exactly what people can expect come November 28th when he faces off against Joyce.

“A knockout. A devastating finish.”

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The Queensberry Lowdown with Daniel Dubois, presented by Unibet, is live now on the Queensberry Official YouTube Channel.




MOLE IN THE CAMP? DUBOIS SAYS SHARING SPARRING PARTNER WITH JOYCE IS NO PROBLEM

DANIEL DUBOIS has dismissed concerns about his main sparring partner, Solomon Dacres, being signed to the same management firm as rival Joe Joyce by insisting “it won’t change anything”.

In just ten days’ time Dubois, considered by many to be the most exciting young prospect in Heavyweight boxing, takes on the biggest test of his short career when he steps up against the more experienced Joyce.

Preparations for such consequential scraps are usually shrouded in secrecy to ensure opponents don’t get sight of key tactics but Dubois and trainer Martin Bowers are fully aware that this time, that’s not the case.

That’s because Dynamite’s main sparring partner, talented Team GB Heavyweight Solomon Dacres, has recently signed a management deal with Joyce’s manager Sam Jones.

Since penning their deal Jones and Dacres have made no secret of the fact that the 27-year-old Birmingham bruiser has been flitting between the Peacock, to spar Dubois, and Stallards Gym in Surbiton to put Joe through his paces.

Confident Dubois couldn’t care less.

The 23-year-old Greenwich knockout artist said: “It’s not going to change anything on fight night. I’ve just got to get in there and put it all on the line. I’ll be ready for that.”

Asked whether he thought there was any intelligence on his preparations that Dacres could smuggle out to Joyce’s camp, Dubois added “I’m changing all the time anyway. Right now, I’m on a different level to what I was last week. I just keep stepping up.”

Daniel did accept that the sparring situation was unusual, suggesting “it’s a new one on me”, but says he doesn’t begrudge Dacres making decisions that are in his best interests.

“It’s boxing. You’ve got to do what you’ve got to do. I don’t begrudge these fighters, he’s out for himself and if that’s the path he’s taking I can’t say too much on that.”

Dubois and Joyce both boast unbeaten records, with the 15-0 Dubois coming off a second round stoppage of outmatched Dutch Heavyweight Ricardo Snijders.

Thanks to his impressive resume Dubois enters the fight with 11-0 Joyce as the bookies favourite, but that hasn’t stopped many pundits suggesting that if ‘Dynamite’ doesn’t finish Joyce early it could be ‘Juggernaut’ who leaves victorious.

Asked why so many people were pushing the ‘Dubois early or Joyce late’ narrative, Dubois said: “I’ve prepared for a full twelve rounds, if I have to go the distance. I’m getting ready to break him down, chop him down.”

“I’m going to bring everything I’ve got in me and put it on him. Let’s see if he can handle it.

“I’m sure a lot of people all over the world will be watching, especially with it being free to watch I think a lot of people will be tuning in. Because of the situation around the world, with people at home and stuff, this is the thing to watch.”

So whether it’s the coronavirus pandemic, the unbeaten Joe Joyce or the ‘mole in the camp’ Solomon Dacres, Dubois believes nothing will stand in his way.

“I’m going to be unstoppable. I’m just rising up and up. This is the next step for me and I just know what I can do.”

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The Queensberry Lowdown with Daniel Dubois, presented by Unibet, premieres on the Queensberry Official YouTube Channel tonight at 7pm




JOYCE JOSTLING FOR PROMOTIONAL PRIORITY ON NOVEMBER 28th, UNDERCARD ANNOUNCED

JOE JOYCE BELIEVES he is fighting for promotional priority, as well as the British and European titles, when he takes on Daniel Dubois in a huge heavyweight collision on November 28.

Hall-of-Fame promoter Frank Warren has been in the corner of Dubois since setting him on the road to professional stardom in April of 2017 at the age of 19. The Peacock Gym product has more than lived up to his Dynamite billing and is, by common consensus, the best young heavyweight in the business.

‘Juggernaut’ Joyce, who joined the Queensberry ranks in May 2019 when he was first mandated to fight Dubois for the British title, wants a piece of the action and intends to ambush the ambitious plans laid out for his in-house rival.

“Right now, Daniel is a top boy for Queensberry and BT Sport so if I beat him, or when I beat him, I will be one to watch,” considered the 35-year-old Olympic silver medallist.

“According to Frank, the winner could potentially get a world title shot and that is definitely what I am in boxing for, so I am looking forward to beating Dubois and being No.1.”

Dubois enjoys a lofty No.2 ranking with the WBO behind only Oleksandr Usyk, who occupies top spot and mandatory position by virtue of moving up from cruiserweight as an undefeated champion.

Usyk is entitled to enforce a fight with the WBO heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, but the Englishman first must negotiate an IBF obligation against Kubrat Pulev in December. If he then intends to enter into a two-fight booking with Tyson Fury, the WBO belt could well become up for grabs.

Enter Dubois or Joyce against Usyk.

“I know, imagine that, it would be unbelievable,” stated Joyce in eager anticipation. “I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself though because I’ve still got Dubois in my face to take on.”

Joyce, of course, suffered a defeat to Usyk in the World Boxing Series as a GB amateur and taking revenge as a pro, with a world title at stake, would be ideal retribution.

“I definitely wouldn’t be afraid of his power, more his skill really because he’s got good head movement. When I fought him it was quite an even fight, although he did catch me clean a few times, I had less defence and I was still a bit novicey back then.

“He was fresh off winning gold at London so he is a good fighter and I think the later rounds, especially with pro gloves on, would be the deciding factor if we got in the ring again.

“He wouldn’t be able to hurt me, which would be very dangerous for him.”

——————————————–

Dubois vs Joyce headlines a great night of boxing action, live on BT Sport 1 HD on November 28th.

On the undercard, highly touted Ilford youngster Hamzah Sheeraz (11-0-0, 7KO’s) will defend his WBO European Super-Welterweight title against canny Spaniard Guido Nicolas Pitto (26-7-2, 8KO’s). Sheeraz was last seen on 10th July 2020 when he impressively cut through 12-1 Scotsman Paul Kean in 6 comfortable rounds.

Jack Catterall (25-0-0, 13KO’s) will take on the French-based Tunisian Abderrazak Houya (14-2-0, 2KO’s) in a 10 round Super-Lightweight contest.

Catterall is the #1 ranked contender for Jose Ramirez’s WBO title and intends to challenge the winner of the potential unification fight between Ramirez and WBA/IBF Champion Josh Taylor, but only if he can overcome the challenge of Houya. The Tunisian-born fighter boasts a respectable professional record and represented his country at the London 2012 Olympics.

London Heavyweight David Adeleye (3-0-0, 3KO’s) returns to behind-closed-doors action for the third time when he battles Silsden’s Danny Whittaker (4-1-0). Whitaker is coming off a points win over Chris Healey and has previously beaten Jonathan Palata.

Jack Massey (16-1-0, 8KO’s) returns to action in an 8 round Cruiserweight contest against a fearsome puncher from the UAE, Mohammad Ali Bayat Farid (16-1-1, 16 KO’s).

Joshua Frankham (1-0-0) will return to Super-Welterweight action, Louie Lynn (7-0-0, 6KO’s) will look to follow up his 2nd round TKO from the 25th July and Henry Wharton backed Heavyweight Mitchell Barton will make his long awaited pro-debut.




FOR THE FANS: DUBOIS vs JOYCE TO LAND ON NOV 28th, LIVE ON BT SPORT 1

HALL-OF-FAME Promoter Frank Warren has today revealed the highly anticipated Heavyweight battle between Daniel Dubois and Joe Joyce will land on Nov 28th, live on BT Sport.

In an incredible reversal, the fight – the most significant domestic bout staged in the UK post-Lockdown and the biggest domestic Heavyweight clash in years – will now NOT be on pay-per-view.

The blockbuster November event, branded with the apt tagline ‘At Last’, will represent the final chapter in a saga that has seen April, July and October dates cancelled because of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Warren was keen to point out that the COVID outbreak and its negative effect on UK jobs and livelihoods was on his mind as he decided to scrap plans to make the fight PPV.

He said: “This is about keeping boxing alive and relevant at a tough time and doing something for the fans and we have moved heaven and earth to put this on as a BT Sport subscription Fight Night instead.”

“With boxing still being behind closed doors and struggling back to its feet post-Lockdown, I wanted to give something of a gift to British boxing fans. Dubois versus Joyce is the best fight on the British boxing calendar and I want this to be something as many people as possible can enjoy. It’s a bonus that the added exposure gained from the fight will really help the boxers as they move forward with their careers.

“Above all, this is about making sure that the fans are looked after and this fight will be available to BT Sport subscribers. Queensberry and BT Sport are looking forward to delivering a huge night of boxing, so let’s make sure the eyes of the country, and the world, are on British boxing come November 28th. 

“I owe a huge debt of gratitude to BT Sport for being willing to make this happen.

“I sound like a broken record I’m sure, but sometimes you have to put the sport and the fans first. Queensberry gets that and BT Sport gets that. ‘For the fans’, it’s what it’s all about.”

‘AT LAST: DUBOIS vs JOYCE’ WILL HAPPEN BEHIND CLOSED DOORS ON NOVEMBER 28th, LIVE ON BT SPORT




PRESS ALERT: TERMS AGREED FOR DUBOIS v JOYCE BEHIND-CLOSED-DOORS

Queensberry Promotions can today announce that terms have been agreed to stage the highly anticipated Heavyweight clash between Daniel Dubois and Joe Joyce behind closed doors.

The titanic tussle between the two standout British Heavies will now be staged in either late November or early December, with full details to follow shortly.

Hall-of-Fame Promoter Frank Warren was initially sceptical about running the event without fans but has decided that in light of the recent coronavirus developments it is important for both the boxers and the fans that this fight gets made.

Warren said: “Since the government let us know we couldn’t have an audience present in October I’ve worked day and night to ensure this fight still happens.

“It’s the biggest domestic Heavyweight clash in years and it’s testament to the character of both fighters that they are willing to step up and take the fight on even with all the restrictions and obstacles in their way.

“I’m delighted that Queensberry, BT Sport and the fighters were all willing to come together to make this happen and deliver big time for British boxing fans.”

Daniel Dubois (15-0, 14KO’s) and Joe Joyce (11-0, 10KO’s) are the two British Heavyweights seen as being closest to breaking through to elite level.

Future world title bouts with superstars like Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury are seen as being within reach for the winner and Warren thinks that that’s what makes the fight so exciting.

“It really is winner-takes-all,” said Warren. “In Daniel, you have a 23-year-old lad who most in world boxing consider to be the hottest young prospect in the Heavyweight division. 

“If he can do to Joe Joyce what he’s done to the 15 men that came before him, he’ll be ready to go for a world title in my opinion.

“Joe might be a little older than Daniel, but in my books he’s every bit as exciting a prospect. He has so much more experience than Daniel, as an amateur, that I’d be surprised if he doesn’t go into the fight as many people’s favourite.

“If Joe wins, then he’ll be ready for world titles too.”

23-year-old Greenwich banger Dubois shares his promoters assessment that the winner will go on to fight for a world title, but is less willing to see the potential for a Joyce victory.

“Nothing’s changed from February when I first said I’d knock Joe out. It’s a tough fight, he’s a good fighter, but I’m looking to deliver another devastating performance and move on to fight for a world title.

“I’m just glad we can finally get it on. I know we’ve both been looking forward to it and I’m sure the British public are just as excited as we are for us to finally fight.

“Joe is going to find out just how explosive Dynamite really is.”

For his part, 35-year-old ‘Juggernaut’ is equally bullish about his chances for victory and concurs with his younger opponent’s view on what fans can expect from the scrap.

“The fight is finally on and I can’t wait to get my hands on this guy,” said Joe. Echoing Dubois’ sentiment, he added: “It’s going to be an explosive night.”

The rescheduled bout represents the final chapter in a saga that has seen previously arranged dates in April, July and now October cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Though today’s announcement is short on the usual details, Warren was adamant it was important to clear up confusion for ticket holders who had previously purchased tickets for the event.

“Of course I’d like to come out with all the venue and date details ready to go”, Warren said. “But the reality is, the situation is moving so fast we don’t have everything 100% confirmed.

“But the one thing we do have confirmed is that this fight will happen behind-closed-doors either in late November or early December. That means the event in October is cancelled and all ticket holders should get a refund from their ticket agent.”

Whilst obviously disappointed that fans can’t be present for such an attractive match-up between two of his flagship fighters, a characteristically upbeat Warren was keen to see the bright side.

“This is the most exciting prospective fight in all of boxing right now. So let’s get it on for the fans.” 

DUBOIS vs JOYCE WILL HAPPEN BEHIND CLOSED DOORS LATER THIS YEAR. MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW SHORTLY.




DuBois Stops Snijders in 2

Daniel DuBois tuned up for a Fall showdown with Joe Joyce as he stopped Ricardo Snijders in the 2nd round of their scheduled 10-round heavyweight bout in London, England.

In round one, DuBois dropped Snijders three times, yet the Dutchman was allowed to continue. Early in round two, DuBois landed a body shot that put Snijders down, and the fight was stopped at 20 seconds.

DuBois, 244 lbs of London is 15-0 with 14 knockouts. Snijders, 215 lbs of the Netherlands is 18-2.

Sunny Edwards remained undefeated with a 12-round unanimous decision over Thomas Essomba in a super flyweight fight.

Edwards, 114.7 lbs won by scores of 116-112, 117-112 and 117-111 and is now 15-0. Essomba, 114.2 lbs is 10-6.

Sam Maxwell won a 10-round unanimous decision over Joe Hughes in a super lightweight fight.

Maxwell, 139.1 lbs of Liverpool won by scores of 98-92 twice and 97-94 and is now 14-0. Hughes, 139 lbs is 17-6-1.

David Adeleye stopped Phil Williams in round three of their scheduled four round heavyweight bout.

Adeleye hurt Williams with a left hook. Adeleye followed up with five shots, and the fight was stopped at 2:10.

Adeleye, 217.7 lbs is now 3-0 with three knockouts. Williams, 258.1 lbs is 3-26-1.

Willy Hutchinson remained udefeated by stopping Ben Thomas in the opening round of their eight-round light heavyweight bout.

In round one, Hutchinson dropped Thomas with a body shot that was followed by a left to the head. Hutchinson finished the fight with a huge uppercut that sent Thomas to the deck just at the fight was being stopped at 2:09.

Hutchinson, 173.4 lbs is 12-0 with eight knockouts. Thomas, 175.7 lbs is 2-3-3.




Joyce stops Wallisch in 3

Joe Joyce tuned for a fall showdown with Daniel Dubois by stopping Michael Wallisch in round three of their scheduled 10-round heavyweight bout at the BT Sports Studios in London.

Joyce dropped Wallisch in round two, and two tomes in round three, with the final coming from a vicious right to the body. The time of the stoppage was 57 seconds.

Joyce is now 11-0 with 10 knockouts. Wallisch of Germany is 20-4.

In a battle of undefeated super bantamweights, Chris Bourke won a decision over Ramez Mahmood.

Bourke, 121 lbs won by a 96-94 score, and is now 8-0. Mahmood, 121 1/2 lbs is 11-1.

Denzel Bentley remained undefeated by stopping Mick Hall in round six of their scheduled 10-round middleweight fight.

In round five, Hall’s right eye began to swell.

In round six, Bentley began to administer a beating as Hall’s eye’s began to close and bleed. The fight was stopped after the round.

Bentley, 158 3/4 lbs is now 13-0 with 11 knockouts. Hall, 160 1/2 lbs is 15-3.

Louie Lynn stopped Monty Oglivie in round two of their six-round super featherweight bout.

Lynn dropped Ogliviee in the 1st round with a hard combination. Lynn finished things a round later when he sent Oglivie to the deck with a jab that was followed by a right to the temple, and the bout was stopped at 2:01.

Lynn is 7-0 with six knockouts. Oglivie is 9-2.

Henry Turner remained undefeated with a four-round decision over Chris Adaway in a welterweight fight.

In round three, Turner scored a knockdown when he landed a quick right to the head.

Turner, 144 1/4 lbs won by a score of 40-35, and is 3-0. Adaway, 146 lbs is 10-68-4.




ALL CLEAR: JOYCE vs WALLISCH SET AS 80 COVID-19 TESTS, ALL NEGATIVE

Queensberry Promotions are delighted to confirm that the last of the covid-19 tests have now been returned and we are all set for Joyce vs Wallisch tonight on BT Sport 1 at 7.15pm.

In total, 80 tests were carried out this week on essential personnel and all were negative.

Now fans can look forward to seeing Joe Joyce make his Heavyweight return in the main event against German bruiser Michael Wallisch, who is hoping to derail The Juggernaut’s journey to a blockbuster bout with Daniel Dubois later in the year.

Elsewhere on the card, Chris Bourke meets Ramez Mahmood for the Vacant Southern Area Super-Bantamweight Title, Middleweight banger Denzel Bentley takes a step up against Mick Hall, Louie Lynn meets Monty Ogilvie in a surefire Featherweight firecracker and Super Lightweight prodigy Henry Turner takes a short-notice bout against experienced campaigner Chris Adaway.

Joyce vs Wallisch is live on BT Sport 1 at 7.15pm TONIGHT




WEIGH-IN RESULTS | JOYCE vs WALLISCH | SATURDAY JULY 25th 7.15PM

Daniel Dubois vs Joe Joyce is the biggest domestic battle of the year.

Or is it?

German Heavyweight Michael Wallisch is a man on a mission, determined to defeat Joe Joyce tomorrow night on BT Sport 1 and derail Frank Warren’s plans to stage the Dubois/Joyce card in October.

In one of the trickiest ‘tune-up’ fights in memory, Joyce meets Wallisch in the ring at BT Sport Studios tomorrow night. Before that, though, both men got the chance to stare each other down at todays weigh-in.

Alongside four cracking undercard fights, Frank Warren and Queensberry Promotions are ready to bring UK fans the second blockbuster show of a huge Summer of boxing.

Please find all weigh-in photos here

All weights below:

Louie Lynn – 124.1lbs
Monty Ogilvie –  130.7lbs

Henry Turner – 144.4lbs
Chris Adaway – 146lbs

Denzel Bentley – 158.12lbs
Mick Hall – 160.8lbs

Chris Bourke – 121lb
Ramez Mahmood – 121.10lb

Joe Joyce – 270lbs
Michael Wallisch – 261lbs

———-

Joyce vs Wallisch is live on BT Sport 1 at 7.15pm on Saturday July 25th




SATURDAY: Heavyweight Destroyer Joe Joyce to Headline Against Michael Wallisch LIVE on ESPN+

(July 22, 2020) — Heavyweight contender Joe Joyce, who is on track for a super fight against fellow undefeated British heavyweight Daniel “Dynamite” Dubois, will take on the battle-hardened Michael Wallisch in the 10-round main event Saturday from BT Sport Studio in London.

This closed-door card, promoted by Queensberry Promotions, marks Joyce’s first ring appearance since last July’s unanimous decision over former world title challenger Bryant Jennings.

Joyce-Wallisch will headline an afternoon of boxing streaming on ESPN+ beginning at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT.
 
Joyce (10-0, 9 KOs) burst onto the pro boxing scene after capturing a super heavyweight silver medal for the United Kingdom at the 2016 Rio Olympics. In less than three years as a professional, he has knockout victories over former world champion Bermane Stiverne and former world title challenger Alexander Ustinov. He won the Commonwealth title in his fourth pro fight with a second-round stoppage over Lenroy Thomas.
 
Although the Dubois fight is in the cards, he must defeat Wallisch (20-3, 13 KOs), a German veteran who once held the WBO European heavyweight belt. He last fought in September 2019 and was knocked out in three rounds by Tony Yoka, the man who edged Joyce in the 2016 Olympic gold medal match.
 
In other action on the ESPN+ stream:

  • In a 10-round junior featherweight battle for the vacant British Southern Area title, Chris Bourke (7-0, 5 KOs) will face Ramez Mahmood (11-0, 2 KOs).
     
  • Welterweight prospect Ekow “The Engine” Essuman (13-0, 5 KOs), who knocked out the previously undefeated Curtis Felix Jr. in his last fight, will take on an opponent to be named in a 10-rounder.
     
  • Middleweight knockout artist Denzel Bentley (12-0, 10 KOs) will look to extend his knockout streak to three against Mick “The Hammer” Hall (15-2, 2 KOs) in a 10-rounder.
     
  • The ESPN+ stream will kick off with a six-round featherweight tilt between Louie Lynn (6-0, 5 KOs) and Monty Ogilvie (9-1, 1 KO).



“MY NAME IS MICHAEL WALLISCH OF GERMANY AND I’VE COME TO F*CK UP THE FIGHT!”

JOE JOYCE will fight a man on a mission on Saturday night as German Heavyweight Michael Wallisch has again stated his intention to derail The Juggernaut’s journey to the O2 Arena and Daniel Dubois.

Should Joyce (10-0, 9KO’s) topple Wallisch (23-0, 13KO’s) on Saturday night, he’ll have fulfilled his half of the bargain and booked his spot on the top of the bill at the O2 Arena, London on October 24th.

All that will be left then is for Daniel Dubois (14-0, 13KO’s) to beat Wallisch’s teammate Erik Pfeifer (7-0, 5KO’s) on August 29th and the huge domestic showdown between ‘Dynamite’ and Joyce will be booked.

Both German’s were in town for a press conference yesterday hyping their upcoming fights with their British opponents and Wallisch made clear he intends to kill any hopes of the all-English clash later this year.

Introducing himself to the UK audience he said: “My name is Michael Wallisch, Heavyweight Division of Germany, and i’ve come to f*ck up the fight.”

Amateur standout Erik Pfeifer echoed that sentiment by saying that he was “here to beat Daniel Dubois.”

The pair are stiff challenges for Dubois and Joyce, with many saying that Dubois’ opponent in particular represents the toughest challenge of Daniel’s short career.

Veteran Wallisch understands the British fans’ hunger for the ‘Seek and Destroy’ branded scrap between the two Frank Warren Heavyweights but insists his and Pfeifer’s eyes are on the biggest prize in all of boxing.

“The plan is to ruin the fight between Dubois and Joyce. We’re thinking about which of us is winning, who’ll fight the other guy (in October) and then the winner wants to fight Tyson Fury in England.”

Both Dubois and Joyce were on-hand yesterday but at times seemed more motivated by staring each other down, and Wallisch believes that complacency could be what costs Joe on Saturday night.

“He should never underestimate me.

“I’m an old wolf in this business. I know you should never underestimate anyone and he shouldn’t underestimate me.”

Pfeifer, who had a stellar amateur career that took in two Olympic games, two World Championship Bronze medals and two victories over Tony Yoka, doesn’t believe that Dubois knows what he’s up against when the pair touch gloves.

“I’m Dubois’ toughest opponent. He hasn’t fought a strong fighter before.

“He’s a stepping stone in my way and I’ll push him aside.”

Pushed to give a prediction for this Saturday night when Wallisch and Joyce collide, confident Pfeifer simply said: “Wallisch will win.”

Despite their dastardly intentions to spoil British boxing’s biggest party, Wallisch looks forward to fighting in England as he recognises it as one of the great boxing markets in the world.

“We love to fight in England. England is one of the best countries to fight in.”

That said, English fans should expect no favours from their European cousins.

“The Germans are coming. And we will win.”

———-

To watch the full interview with Michael Wallisch and Erik Pfeifer, please click here 

Joyce vs Wallisch is live on BT Sport 1 at 7.15pm on Saturday July 25th




WALLISCH SETS SIGHTS ON WARREN HEAVYWEIGHTS

German Heavyweight Michael Wallisch has sensationally declared war on Hall-Of-Fame promoter Frank Warren’s stable of elite heavyweights.

Wallisch (23-0, 13KO’s) faces unbeaten Putney bruiser Joe Joyce (10-0, 9KO’s) next Saturday, live on BT Sport 1 at 7.15pm, and the Munich man fully intends to derail ‘The Juggernaut’ before moving on to Daniel Dubois in October and then an unlikely showdown with ‘Gypsy King’ TYSON FURY.

“Joe Joyce is a solid boxer. He was a good amateur, but I think Dubois is already in his head” said Wallisch, “When I win this fight, i’ll fight Dubois in October.”

“I think both fighters are strong heavyweights. Tyson Fury is the name everybody wants and he’s with Frank Warren. 

“Two wins and I’ll be fighting Fury. That’s a nice incentive.”

Wallisch makes his ring return on Saturday on the second UK behind-closed-doors show to be held post-lockdown and will share the bill with some of the brightest talents in British boxing, including Ekow Essuman, Denzel Bentley, Chris Bourke and Louis Lynn.

Despite his intentions to disrupt the British Heavyweight scene, Wallisch insists he can’t wait to fight on these shores.

“I look forward to coming to Great Britain. I love the way UK fans celebrate boxing and the respect they have for the athletes.”

Preparing for the fight in his native Germany has proved as tricky as it has for any UK fighter, because of the coronavirus restrictions over the last few months, but Wallisch doesn’t expect it to have any impact on his performance.

“I’ve been keeping in shape, of course. In Germany you couldn’t train in the gym for a long time, but now it’s fortunately possible again.

“I’m looking forward to the fight, even if the preparation time was short.”

———-

Joyce vs Wallisch is live on BT Sport 1 at 7.15pm on Saturday July 25th




MAYOR OF LONDON’S BROTHER INSISTS BOXING “NEEDS” DUBOIS vs JOYCE OCTOBER SHOWDOWN

SID KHAN, the man who taught Joe Joyce to box and older brother of London Mayor Sadiq Khan, says boxing needs the Heavyweight super-fight between Daniel Dubois and his Putney protege in October.

The showdown between Dubois and Joyce is now scheduled for London’s O2 on Saturday October 24 and todays announcement by Boris Johnson that fans might be allowed back in stadia by October has increased hopes the Heavyweight clash can finally be held.

Khan, head coach at Earlsfield ABC, helped turn Joyce into one of Britain’s most successful amateur boxers ever even though the Putney man only started boxing 12 years ago at the age of 22.

“Boxing needs a big bout like this and people want it in October. Without professional boxing we will be in trouble,” said Sid who has been coaching for around 40 years.

“Boxing needs this fight in October.”

Since Lockdown, Dubois and Joyce have been booked in tricky behind-closed-doors battles against German opposition in Michael Wallisch (23-0, 13KO’s) and Erik Pfeifer (7-0, 5KO’s) respectively.

Joe steps into the ring with Wallisch next Saturday, July 25th, before Dubois returns on August 29th.

Both German opponents have made it clear their intention is to spoil the party and derail Frank Warren’s plans to stage the huge domestic Heavyweight clash but Khan is hopeful that despite the many obstacles it’s faced, the fight will still go ahead as planned.

“Let’s hope it does go off… and we will see what happens, but I’m hoping Joe does the business. I personally think he’s unbeatable.

“One of my coaches bought five tickets for the original date in April for the club coaches and we still have them in place even though refunds were offered by the box office.”

Joyce, 34, was a keep fitter when he walked into Khan’s famous South West London gym and was working as a swimming instructor.

Joyce (10-0, 9 KOs) won gold at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, silver at the 2013 European Amateur Championships and bronze at the 2015 World Championships.

He had to be content with silver at the 2016 Rio Olympics, dropping a controversial decision against Tony Yoka in the final.

Khan added: “Anything we asked Joe to do he would and he won so many national titles at Earlsfield.

“His Mum lives near the gym and he usually pops in, but I haven’t seen him for a good five months because of coronavirus and before that he was training in America.

“I have spoken to him on the phone, but he usually pops in, hits the bags and has a laugh with the boys.

“I will say, it is very hard to read Joe. He just shrugs his shoulders and gets on with it.

“You have to have a bit of banter to get him going, but if you told him training tomorrow was climbing Mount Snowdon he would go for it.”

Dubois (14-0, 13 KOs) is the early bookies favourite and Khan groaned: “People have Dubois winning already, but let us see what happens.

“As much as I like Dubois I don’t think he has been challenged.

“It is such an exciting bout to watch, but it won’t go the distance. They are both bangers and can really hit. It all depends what the game plan of their coaches is.

“The boxer does the hard bit, but there are still people behind them who have to guide them the right way.

“It depends on how well they have prepared because there are a lot of different factors with coronavirus. Are they getting the sparring? Are they getting the right training?”

———————————

Tickets are now on sale via AXS.com and Ticketmaster.co.uk

Ticket Prices:

£400 Ringside – Hospitality
£300 Floor
£200 Floor
£150 Floor/Tier
£100 Tier
£80 Tier
£55 Upper Tier
£40 Upper Tier




DUBOIS HAPPY TO WAIT TO KO JOE

DANIEL DUBOIS reckons the behind closed doors showdown against Erik Pfeifer will be ideal preparation for his showdown against Joe Joyce.

The British and Commonwealth Heavyweight champion was due to face Joyce this month, but the date at London’s O2 has been pushed back to Saturday October 24 at the same venue because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

To keep busy Dubois (14-0, 13KOs) defends his WBO International championship against Germany’s Erik Pfeifer (7-0, 5KOs) on Saturday August 29 at BT Sport studios as part of Frank Warren’s summer series.

Joyce (10-0, 9 KOs) meets Pfeifer’s stable mate Michael Wallisch (20-3, 13KOs) on Saturday July 25 in a non-title ten rounder giving the arch rivals an opportunity to sharpen up ahead of the much anticipated autumn showdown.

Dubois, 22, said: “The delay until October for the fight against Joe has given me more time to get things right and the Pfeifer fight is a bonus.

“It’s a shame that fans can’t attend, but I’m not moaning. A lot of fighters aren’t going to get work for months. 

“Hopefully Joe does the business on Wallisch and we give fans something to look forward when we finally meet later in October.

“It’s great to have an outing so I can blow away the cobwebs. When fight night comes it will have been more than seven months since my last contest. I’ve never had a layoff that long since I started boxing.

“I want to deliver a big performance and then it will be all systems go to KO Joe in October.”

Russian-born Pfeifer, 33, turned professional in September 2018. He last fought in November, and picked up the WBO European crown when Adnan Redzovic retired after five rounds.

The Hamburg man represented Germany at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics. He won a bronze medal at the 2011 World championships losing against Anthony Joshua in the semi-final.

Two years later he claimed another World championship bronze. He also boxed in the World Series of Boxing and defeated French star Tony Yoka. Pfeifer has also been crowned the Super-Heavyweight (91+ kg) championship in AIBA Pro Boxing (APB) .

He will provide a good test, but Dubois warned: “Everyone knows how serious I am.

 “Through lockdown I haven’t stopped training at home with my brother and sister. There was no messing.

“As soon as we were allowed to go into the gym I was back with my trainer Martin Bowers, and being in a familiar environment makes things more comfortable.

“Frank Warren told me a while back there might be a chance of a fight on a TV studio show, and when the chance came I didn’t hesitate.

“Pfeifer has come along at relatively short notice, but we have more than enough time to prepare.”

And with the Pfeifer fight his biggest immediate concern, there will be little thought of Joyce for now.

“It is no concern of mine how he looks in his warm-up. I just have to concentrate on myself and not worry about his performance.”

Further attractions on the August 29 show include British super flyweight champion Sunny Edwards (14-0) defending his IBF International title against the former Commonwealth champion and Cameroon Olympian Thomas Essomba (10-5).

Liverpool’s Sam Maxwell (13-0) will defend his WBO European super lightweight title against former European champion and British title challenger Joe Hughes (17-5-1) from Malmesbury.

Former world amateur champion Willy Hutchinson (10-0) takes on the experienced ex-Commonwealth champion Luke Blackledge (26-9-2), with 2016 Olympian Muhammad Ali (1-0) from Bradford having his second professional encounter.




JOE JOYCE LOOKS FORWARD TO “HARD FIGHT” ON JULY 25th

JOE JOYCE has rejigged his training arrangements ahead of his return to the ring to prepare for his huge and much-anticipated encounter with Daniel Dubois in the autumn.

The Heavyweight rivals are both in action at BT Sports studios when they face German opposition ahead of their clash at London’s O2 on Saturday October 24.

Joyce (10-0, 9KOs) boxes Pfeifer’s stablemate Michael Wallisch (20-3, 13KOs) in a non-title ten rounder in the second show of Frank Warren’s summer series on Saturday July 25.

Dubois (14-0, 13 KOs) defends his WBO International crown against Hamburg’s Russian born Erik Pfeifer (7-0, 5KOs) on Saturday August 29.

Joyce, 34, began training in Las Vegas with Ismael Salas earlier this year, but the COVID-19 pandemic put the brakes on their partnership.

Joyce is being trained by Steve Broughton for the Wallisch battle, but expects to be reunited with Cuban Salas next month ahead of the super-fight against British and Commonwealth King, Dubois.

“I can’t get Ismael into the country for this fight because of coronavirus, but I have Steve Broughton looking after me,” explained WBA Gold champion Joyce.

“After the Wallisch fight I am hoping to be able to go to Las Vegas to train with Salas or get him over here to prepare me for Dubois.

“If we can go to the Vegas next month, I will only ever be in the gym or at the house so the environment will be enclosed.”

Wallisch, 34, turned professional in March 2010 and won his first 19 fights, picking up German and WBO European titles before losing to Christian Hammer.

The Munich man hasn’t boxed since last September when he was defeated by Tony Yoka, the Frenchman who edged out Joyce in the 2016 Olympic final.

“It will be good to shake off the ring rust, get back in there and actually box,” said relieved Joyce whose last outing was a 12 rounds points decision against Bryant Jennings last July.

“Wallisch is good boxer. He has a European style with a high guard and he comes in throwing punches, body shots and head shots.

“It is a good, hard fight. It wasn’t too long ago he was highly ranked so this is a chance for him to get back in the picture.

“There is a bit more pressure on with Dubois in October. I just have to avoid injury, make sure I look good against Wallisch, get myself back into the flow of things and go into the Dubois fight in the best shape possible.”

Also featuring on the July 25th edition live from the BT Sport studio is English welterweight champion Ekow Essuman (13-0) in his maiden contest since signing a promotional agreement with Frank Warren, while there are sure to be further fireworks on the undercard, with Streatham’s Chris Bourke (7-0) challenging for the Southern Area super bantamweight title against the also unbeaten Ramez Mahmood (12-0) from Ilford.

The Battersea banger Denzel Bentley will be looking to extend his unbeaten record and increase his already fearocious reputation in his 13th professional assignment at middleweight, with his Peacock Gym teammate Louie Lynn (6-0) is set for his first big test at featherweight against the Scot Monty Ogilvie (9-1-0) over six rounds.




DUBOIS AND JOYCE RETURN AS QUEENSBERRY PROMOTIONS FILL OUT SUMMER SCHEDULE

QUEENSBERRY PROMOTIONS are pleased to announce full details of the first five shows in what will be a huge Summer of boxing behind-closed-doors on BT Sport.

Fans, already excited for the much-heralded Super-Bantamweight clash between Brad Foster (12-0-2, 5KO’s) and James Beech Jr (12-0, 2KO’s) this Friday night, can now look forward to further nights of high-octane boxing action on Saturday 25th July, Friday 31st July, Thursday 20th August and Saturday 29th August.

Knockout-starved fans can expect to see the in-ring returns of British boxing stars like Joe Joyce, Daniel Dubois, Lyndon Arthur, Archie Sharp, Dennis McCann, Sunny Edwards and many, many more.

Once the dust has settled on this Friday’s huge event under the lights of the BT Sport Studio, fans don’t have to wait long until the return of Queensberry Promotions as Joe Joyce (10-0, 9 KOs) will headline a stacked card on Saturday 25th July.

Show 2 of 5 will be headlined by ‘The Juggernaut’, as he takes on German Heavyweight Michael Wallisch (20-3, 13KO’s) in a ten-round contest.

Wallisch was last seen in September 2019, when he shared the professional ring with Frenchman Tony Yoka, and he will provide a stern test for Joyce as he prepares for a bout with fellow Brit Daniel Dubois on October 24th.

Also on the July 25th card, Dubois’ Peacock pals Denzel Bentley (12-0, 10KO’s) and Louie Lynn (6-0, 5KO’s) will return to action and fellow Peacock prospect Chris Bourke (7-0, 5KO’s) will contest the vacant Southern Area Super-Bantamweight Championship against Ilford’s Ramez Mamood (11-0, 2KO’s).

Rounding out the card will be new signing Ekow Essuman (13-0, 5KO’s), who will make his Queensberry debut in a Welterweight contest against an opponent to be confirmed shortly.

Show 3 of 5 will be held less than a week later, on Friday 31st July, and will be a headlined by a mouthwatering clash for the Commonwealth Light Heavyweight Championship between champ Lyndon Arthur (16-0, 12KO’s) and challenger Dec Spelman (16-3, 8KO’s).

That card will also see Belfast’s Caoimhin Agyarko (6-0, 3KO’s) return to Middleweight action and will also showcase the talents of Liverpool lads Nick Ball (12-0, 6 KO’s), Andrew Cain (5-0, 5KO’s) and Brad Strand (3-0, 1KO).

Following a brief break in the action, to allow BT Sport to show a dizzying array of European football on their channels, Frank Warren will bring boxing back to the BT Sport Studio again on Thursday 20th August.

That show will be headlined by a WBO European Super-Featherweight Title clash between champion Archie Sharp (18-0, 9KO’s) and challenger Jeff Ofori (10-2-1, 3KO’s).

The IBF European Super-Welterweight Championship will also be defended on that show as titleholder Troy Williamson (14-0-1, 11 KO’s) defends against Scotland’s Michael McGurk (12-0, 3KO’s).

Queensberry IBox prospects Dennis McCann (6-0, 4KO’s), Sam Noakes (3-0, 3KO’s) and Henry Turner (2-0) will all return on August 20th, too.

The first run of Frank Warren’s huge Summer boxing series on BT will conclude with the blockbuster return of the hottest prospect in world boxing, Greenwich Heavyweight Daniel ‘Dynamite’ Dubois (14-0, 13 KO’s).

Dubois will take on a proper test in Russian-born Erik Pfeifer (7-0, 5KO’s) on Saturday 29th August, with Daniel’s WBO International Heavyweight title on the line.

Unbeaten Pfeifer is a two-time Olympian, having competed at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, and he also won Bronze medals at the 2011 and 2013 World Championships.

Croydon’s Sunny Edwards (14-0, 4KO’s) will return on the same card, defending the IBF Super-Flyweight Championship against Thomas Essomba (10-5, 4KO’s).

The undercard that night is stuffed full of mouthwatering domestic battles, as Sam Maxwell (13-0, 11KO’s) defends his WBO European Super-Lightweight Championship against former European Champion Joe Huges (17-5-1, 7KO’s) and Willy Hutchinson (10-0, 6KO’s) returns in Light Heavyweight action against Clitheroe’s Luke Blackledge (26-9-2, 9KO’s).

Featherweight Muhammad Ali (1-0) will make his second professional appearance on the show.

—————————-

Frank Warren Quotes

“I’m delighted to be able to give fans more clarity as to what they can expect from the huge Summer of boxing on BT Sport.

“Everyone at Queensberry and BT have worked hard to get these shows up and running and I believe this schedule is second-to-none in the boxing world right now.

“Daniel and Joe returning is obviously huge, headline news and scheduling these fights reflect our growing confidence that Daniel and Joe will be able to finally square off on October 24th. I spoke to both teams and they both said that as it looks like we’re going to finally do this in October, they’d like tune-up fights first. Thankfully, BT liked the idea and here we are.

“Daniel hasn’t boxed since December and Joe will have been out for an over year. These fights will sharpen them up and I’m sure they will deliver knockout performances that will get fans even more excited for October.

“For Erik and Michael it’s a chance to cause huge upsets”

On the rest of the Summer schedule:

“That’s five huge dates locked in now, where Queensberry and BT will set the standard for Boxing in this new era. Fans can sit back and enjoy huge British battles and big, big names all live on BT Sport.

“As the rest of the country gets back to work, so does British boxing and I’m delighted that it’s Queensberry Promotions leading the charge.”

“Originally Anthony Cacace was due to fight Lyon Woodstock on our second show, but Anthony has a slight dental issue he needs to take care of. That fight is still signed, it’ll just happen a little later than we anticipated. Fans can still look forward to that fight later this year. The same is true for Lerrone Richards vs Umar Sadiq. That fight is signed, but Lerrone has a personal issue which means we’ll have to come back to it a little later than we’d like.

“But if you look at the fights we’re offering, I don’t think there’s a fan alive who can feel hard done by. 

“Lyndon Arthur vs Dec Spelman? What a fight that is. Huge credit to Lyndon for taking the risk and should he come through victorious it makes the fight with Anthony Yarde even bigger.

“Chris Bourke vs Ramez Mamood is a fight all fans should be excited for, so too is Archie vs Jeff Ofori, Sam Maxwell against Joe Hughes, Willy Hutchinson against Luke Blackledge. There’s great fights up and down these cards.

“This run of shows is a fantastic opportunity for all these talents to step up and make a mark. The eyes of the world are on boxing as it comes out of Lockdown and my challenge to all of these is to take this huge opportunity!”