BRITISH boxing’s Heavyweight super-fight between unbeaten KO Kings ‘Dynamite’ Daniel Dubois and ‘Juggernaut’ Joe Joyce will now take place at The 02 Arena, London on Saturday October 24.

The showdown between British, Commonwealth, WBC Silver and WBO International champion Dubois and fellow Londoner Joyce, an Olympic Silver medallist, had been scheduled for July 11 but the COVID-19 pandemic has forced the date shift.

Government guidelines will continue to be strictly followed but with lockdown being eased promoter Frank Warren is optimistic that the battle, dubbed ‘Seek And Destroy’, will finally take place in October.

Joyce (10-0, 9 KOs) and Dubois (14-0, 13 KOs) are within touching distance of a world title challenge and the winner will be in line to land a mandatory contender’s position with one of the major governing bodies, as well as adding the vacant EBU European Heavyweight Championship to their trophy cabinets.

Warren said: “It will be a fight to remember and what a boost for British boxing.

“Everyone wants to see it. Lockdown has meant a delay, but we all want the fight to take place in October and we are hopeful that the government will give us the all clear.

“What a position the winner will be in. They will be nailed on for a world title shot in 2021.”

Dubois, 22, who is ranked number five by the WBO  and seven in the latest WBC ratings said: “I’ll be ready to go in October for sure.

“It has been tough during lockdown, but I have ticked over and I’m back in the Peacock gym helping my sparring partner Dorin Krasmaru get ready for his behind closed doors fight on Frank Warren’s bill on July 10.

“Hopefully in the near future I will be able to get some good overseas sparring in. I’ll be ready for October 24, so I hope Joe is coming prepared.”

Foe Joyce, 34, won the Commonwealth title in just his fourth fight and his best win came against former WBC world champion Bermane Stiverne via a sixth round KO in February 2019. The London man aims to top that victory when he tackles Dubois and doesn’t mince his words when discussing his young opponent.

“It was great news to get the new date so I can finally punch up Dubois,” said the Putney man who is already highly ranked by the WBC.

Joyce is ready to rev up his training and added: “Obviously once lockdown started I had a good idea we wouldn’t meet in July, but I was always staying on top of training.

“Now gyms are open for athletes I can kick on and just keep my focus on the new date, finally settling the score with Dubois and moving on to a world title fight.”

Existing ticket holders who cannot attend the rearranged date can get refunds from their point of purchase.

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IRATE BOXING MANAGER Sam Jones has SLAMMED internet trolls who predicted “baby” Daniel Dubois would KO his client Joe Joyce.

Ranting to Queensberry Promotions ‘Lockdown Lowdown’, the Derby man fumed: “Joe has beaten Majidov, Tony Yoka, Frazer Clarke, Filip Hrgovic. He’s done all of them in the amateurs. 

“He beat Bryant Jennings in his last outing… a world class heavyweight who took Wladimir Klitschko twelve rounds. Daniel Dubois has beaten nobody, amateur or professional. That’s just facts.”

Questioning Hall-of-Fame promoter Frank Warren’s masterplan to guide 22-year-old Heavyweight prospect Daniel Dubois to a World title, Jones’ believes that ‘Dynamite’ simply isn’t ready to step in the ring with ‘The Juggernaut’.

“Joe Joyce is going to have too much experience for him, too much know-how for him.

“Daniel’s had no in-between fights. Fujimoto to Joe Joyce? You’re taking the p*ss.”

Turning his fire on the internet boxing community, who had confidently predicted a Dubois victory in any clash with Joe, he insisted: “Let me tell you something now, when I was out in Vegas with Joe he looked unbelievable. I don’t care what the trolls say, Joe Joyce would have beaten Daniel Dubois on April 11th. 

“(Daniel’s) not the finished article. I think he’ll be a great fighter down the line, but it’s disrespectful that people write Joe off.

“He’s going to get found out. I know who Daniel was planning on sparring in his camp and even that’s disrespectful to Joe. We were sparring undefeated professional heavyweights, we were taking it very seriously.”

Joyce was originally slated to fight Dubois on April 11th but the event was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Since lockdown began, though, social media has been abuzz with discussions about potential ‘fantasy’ fights and where the two British behemoths might go next in their career.

One such ‘dream match’ was the mooted Daniel Dubois vs. Deontay Wilder contest, with promoter Frank Warren insisting he’d put his young Heavyweight in with the former WBC Champ right now.

Jones’ says he understands Warren’s confidence but reckons Dubois would find himself in deep waters with the ‘Bronze Bomber’.

“He’s Frank’s baby isn’t he, Dubois? So Frank’s not going to say ‘oh no, Deontay Wilder would take his head off’ but I look at the fight against Richard Lartey – if Daniel Dubois tried to swing arms with Deontay Wilder like that he’d be asleep until the virus is gone.”

Whilst he is adamant that he and Joyce are focused on Dubois, Jones’ isn’t immune to speculation himself and has an elaborate battle plan laid out for Joe’s next THREE fights.

“Joe would fight any man in the world,” he said. “We’ll wipe out Daniel Dubois, get him out the way and then we want Jarrell Miller. It’s the fight we’ve wanted for ages. It’s personal for Joe. They had a back and forth before so that fight needs to happen. Doesn’t matter where, Baby Miller is next.

“After that it’s a world title.”

Asked by interviewer Dev Sahni whether he’d prefer that potential World title tilt to be against Tyson Fury or Anthony Joshua, Jones’ wasted no time in picking ‘The Gypsy King’.

“I would prefer Joe to face Tyson Fury. For the simple reason he’s the king of this era. You want to test yourself against the best. If you’re a professional footballer you want to play against Cristiano Ronaldo, you want to play against Lionel Messi. It’s the same for Joe.

“If Joe just beats Anthony Joshua, he still wouldn’t be considered number one.”

In light of press speculation regarding upcoming British boxing fights amid concerns over coronavirus, Queensberry Promotions wish to assure all fans looking forward to the Daniel Dubois v Joe Joyce event at the O2 next month that as matters currently stand it is NOT in jeopardy.
 
All major public gatherings, including this near sell out event, are in the hands of the relevant authorities which in this case is the British Boxing Board of Control and the Government.
 
The Government have clarified that all such events will go ahead at this time. Accordingly all parties involved in the event including the venue, broadcaster and of course the fighters are proceeding as normal. A spokesperson for the O2 said:  “At this time, we understand that the fight is going ahead as planned and we continue to take advice from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Public Health England, as well as that of local government.
 
“The O2 remains fully open as usual and events scheduled at The O2 arena are currently going ahead. Should this change, we will communicate details to visitors and ticket holders as soon as possible.
 
We take the health and safety of our guests and employees very seriously and continue to monitor the threat of coronavirus globally with advice from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Public Health England, as well as that of local government.”
 
Of course, Queensberry prioritise the wellbeing of those attending or participating in the event and will constantly monitor the Government position and the health of the Boxers. Any update will be posted online through our official channels and any announcements from other sources should be disregarded.
 
In keeping with the stoic position of the Government today however we remain optimistic to present an incredible night of boxing to a packed 02 crowd and there are only a few tickets remaining.
 

NATHAN GORMAN believes Joe Joyce is capable of upsetting Daniel Dubois in their huge Heavyweight clash, despite what cousin Tyson Fury believes.

Gorman famously felt the power of Dubois, getting knocked out in five rounds, when they met for the vacant British championship last July.

Like the Great British public, Gorman cannot wait for Dubois (14-0, 13 KOs) and Joyce (10-0, 9 KOs) to settle their rivalry at London’s o2 Arena on Saturday April 11, live on BT Sport Box Office.

The winner of the titanic ‘Seek and Destroy’ tussle will close in on world champions Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, as well as banking the British, Commonwealth, European, WBC Silver and WBO International titles.

Gorman, who will return to action on the undercard of Josh Taylor’s Glasgow return on May 2nd said: “It’s an exciting fight.

I think it’s 50-50 and it is wrong that some people appear to be writing off Joyce for this fight.”

He added: “Don’t get me wrong. If Daniel hits him he is going to do some damage, but you have to remember Joyce is 19 stone plus and if he hits Daniel he hurts him.”

Nathan might have lost to Dubois when it mattered in the ring, but he has also sparred plenty of rounds with Joyce over the years.

“Joyce has been competing as a high end amateur, he is 30 plus and a man. He can fight!” said Gorman.

“I sparred with him at David Haye’s gym and also in Sheffield at the Team GB camp. He has come on leaps and bounds. We know about his size, but I was impressed with his strength and workrate for such a huge man. He is very, very fit.

“I’d imagine Joyce might be careful early on, but he is one of those fighters who can also jump all over Daniel, make it awkward and smother his space.”

Gorman has never offered any excuses for his defeat against Dubois, but believes the secret weapon is more than Daniel’s fight ending power.

The Nantwich man holds Daniel’s trainer Martin Bowers in high esteem and added: “I knew how strong Daniel was going into the fight and he does the basics very well – the jab, the 1-2, the 1-2-hook and is good with his feet.

Martin Bowers had a very good game plan and Daniel will need the same from him in this fight coming up.
Credit where it’s due, Martin is a very good trainer.”

In the chief support Ilford’s Anthony Yarde will challenge Manchester’s Commonwealth Light-Heavyweight champion Lyndon Arthur in a brilliant 50-50 clash.

Other fighters on the bill include David Adeleye, Dennis McCann, Archie Sharp and Hamzah Sheeraz. Another title fight on the bill sees a rematch between British Welterweight Champion Chris Jenkins and Johnny Garton.

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WORLD Heavyweight King Tyson Fury has edged towards Daniel Dubois winning the battle of the British big boys when he faces Joe Joyce next month.

Dubois (14-0, 13 KOs) and Joyce (10-0, 9KOs) clash at London’s O2 Arena on Saturday April 11, Live on BT Sport Box Office.The winner of the 12 round Heavyweight showdown between the London rivals will be closing in on Fury and will go home with the British, Commonwealth, European, WBC Silver and WBO International title belts.

Like most fight fans, WBC World, Lineal and Ring Magazine Champion Fury is struggling to pick a winner and admits: “I have changed my mind on this fight a few times.”

Fury, who has trained with both boxers, feels the youth of 22-year-old Dubois is likely to prove an advantage come fight night.

He explained: “I have sparred both lads and it’s a good fight. They both have qualities and they both have weaknesses.

“But, after really analysing the situation, I think Dubois gets him early. Dubois is younger, fresher, punches very hard and is on a real roll at the moment.”

Most pundits believe that Joyce’s best hope of winning comes late on and Fury agrees, telling IFL TV: “If Joe can survive the early onslaught and take him into deep waters then he could win.”

“Joe starts slow, is like a plodder and goes at one pace all the way through. If he gets into seven rounds he could do it by late stoppage.”

“But, these are lads in the gym every day. They’re not gonna get tired and gas out after five rounds.

“It’s not like he (Dubois) is a fat fella who does no training. He is ripped, he trains every day like a trojan and he is a very good prospect.”

In the chief support Ilford’s Anthony Yarde will challenge Manchester’s Commonwealth Light-Heavyweight champion Lyndon Arthur in a brilliant 50-50 clash.

Other fighters on the bill include David Adeleye, Dennis McCann, Archie Sharp and Hamzah Sheeraz. Another title fight on the bill sees a rematch between British Welterweight Champion Chris Jenkins and Johnny Garton.

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THE EAGERLY ANTICIPATED ‘Seek and Destroy’ showdown between Daniel Dubois and Joe Joyce at the o2 Arena on April 11 now has a blockbuster chief support in place with Anthony Yarde set to take on the unbeaten Lyndon Arthur.

In what is another huge domestic duel, Yarde – who lost out in a world title challenge to Sergey Kovalev on away soil in August of last year – goes in with Manchester’s former Team GB product and Commonwealth champion Arthur in what is certain to be a pulsating collision of big-punching light heavyweights.

Prior to his venture to Chelyabinsk – Kovalev’s home town – Yarde had stopped all but one of his previous opponents and worked his way to the No.1 position with the WBO, winning the Southern Area, WBO European and WBO Intercontinental titles along the way.

Before this, the explosive 28-year-old known as ‘The Beast’ had not been taken beyond seven rounds and he currently holds a 90 per cent KO-ratio. Yarde’s ring record stands at 19-1 (18 KOs).

Decorated amateur Arthur, also 28, has registered 12 KOs from his 16 professional fights and won his Commonwealth crown last time out against Emmanuel Anim in December.

Trained by Pat Barrett at the Collyhurst and Moston Gym, ‘King Arthur’ has long considered himself the dark horse of the currently hot division and was patiently awaiting a breakthrough opportunity against one of the marquee domestic light heavyweights.

His wait is nearly over and we can expect a fascinating clash between a vastly experienced former amateur star and one who exploded onto the scene and thrived despite a limited amateur background.

Further title action comes in the form of a British welterweight championship rematch between Chris Jenkins (22-3-3, 8 KOs) from Garnant in Wales and ‘The Pexican’, Peckham’s Johnny Garton (21-2-1, 10 KOs).

The pair met in March 2019 when Garton was champion – having won the belt in a thriller against Gary Corcoran – at the Royal Albert Hall. Jenkins prevailed via the scorecards after an enthralling encounter and now he makes his third defence, having clocked up a victory over Paddy Gallagher and a technical draw last time out with Liam Taylor, where the fight was stopped due to a severe cut.

WBO European super featherweight champion Archie Sharp (18-0, 9 KOs) will be in title action at the o2, along with the WBO European super welterweight champion Hamzah Sheeraz (10-0, 6 KOs).

‘Sharpshooter’ Sharp clinched his champion status in October 2018 with the defeat of the then unbeaten Lyon Woodstock in Leicester. He has since made three successful defences of his title and has broken into the top-five of the WBO world rankings.

Sheeraz, just 20, won his belt with an impressive stoppage of Birmingham’s experienced campaigner Ryan Kelly in November.

Also featuring on the stacked Dubois-Joyce undercard is big-hitting middleweight Denzel Bentley (12-0, 10 KOS), top heavyweight prospect and Tyson Fury sparring partner David Adeleye (1-0, 1 KO) and precocious bantamweight talent Dennis McCann (6-0, 4 KOs).

McCann’s Queensberry iBox Gym teammates Sam Noakes (3-0, 3 KOs), Henry Turner (2-0) and Micky Burke jr (3-0) join him on the big show.

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As the war of words heats up between domestic rivals Daniel Dubois and Joe Joyce, Tyson Fury has emerged as a powerful source of inspiration for ‘The Juggernaut’.

Vowing to replicate The Gypsy King’s world-beating performance against Deontay Wilder, Joyce today laid out his game plan to expose ‘Dynamite’ on April 11th.“Tyson Fury showed what can happen when you bully a bully” he said, “and I plan to do the same to Daniel!”

The two will square off on Queensberry Promotions huge ‘Seek and Destroy’ card on April 11th at the O2 arena, in a contest that Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren has called “the biggest domestic battle in years”.

Dubois, coming off a terrifying one punch knockout of Japanese superstar Kyotaro Fujimoto, has emerged as an early favourite with the bookies but Joyce believes the hype surrounding ‘Dynamite’ is overblown.

“He has had it all his own way so far, but he knows what I’m all about.”

Joyce and Dubois famously sparred during their Team GB days, with Joe’s team claiming that they saw enough to not have to worry about the threat posed by their 22-year-old opponent.

Dubois has done some growing up since then, though, and is now 14-0 as a professional with 13 knockouts on his resume.

Joyce has proven to be no slouch in the pro game either with 10 wins, 9 KO’s and arguably the bigger scalps: fighters like Bryant Jennings, Alexander Ustinov and Bermane Stiverne have all fallen at the hands of ‘The Juggernaut’.

The upcoming fight between ‘Dynamite’ and ‘Juggernaut’ has, as such, been billed as a true ‘unstoppable force vs immovable object’ style tear-up and the build up so far has been fraught with a simmering hostility.

Both men are typically known for letting their actions in the ring do the talking but in the run-up to April 11th have been uncharacteristically vocal, fueled by what appears to be a genuine dislike for one another.

Joyce, however, doesn’t let the animosity phase him and insists he’ll conquer his heavyweight foe and claim the European, British and Commonwealth titles in crushing fashion.

“Daniel is talking about me only beating kids and downplaying my achievements. That’s up to him – no problem.” 

“I just hope he’s got good people around him when I beat him because he’s going to be a broken boy on April 11th.”

With the boxing world predicting that the winner of this huge domestic battle will go on to fight for world honours, time will only tell if Joyce can “bully a bully”, move past ‘Dynamite’ and continue to emulate Tyson Fury as a world champion.

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AN IMPRESSED Daniel Dubois has declared that Tyson Fury is “definitely the best right now” after The Gypsy King’s career best performance against Deontay Wilder on Saturday.

The 22-year-old unbeaten Heavyweight lauded Wilder v Fury 2 as a “great event” and heaped praise on the new WBC Champ Tyson.“Fury showed he’s the man and all the titles are back in Britain now. It’s great for British boxing!”

British fans allowed themselves to dream about a mouthwatering showdown between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua after The Gypsy King’s phenomenal performance at the weekend, but ‘Dynamite’ admits he’d understand if Wilder chose to seek out a third fight.

Asked if the Bronze Bomber should trigger the immediate rematch clause in his contract, Dubois said “Yeah… it’ll be another great payday for him!”

But ‘Dynamite’ was less convinced by Wilder’s chances of reversing his fortunes in a trilogy fight: “I think the same thing happens again, but i’m sure it’ll be another great event.”

Interviewed at the Peacock Gym, where training camp is well under way for his titanic April 11 tussle with former Olympian Joe Joyce, Dubois declined to say how he’d approach a fight with The Gypsy King.

That said, the most exciting prospect in world boxing conceded that “when I get the chance I have it in mind what i’m going to do… I’ll rip the belts off of whoever has them!”

With one huge Heavyweight bonanza now out of the way, all eyes turn to Daniel’s battle with the ‘Juggernaut’ on April 11 at the O2 Arena.

The massive BT Sport Box Office event is considered a must-see scrap between the two hottest prospects in Heavyweight boxing, with most pundits predicting the winner will be knocking on the door of a world title opportunity.

Dubois agrees.

“Something really big is on the horizon for me. First, I have to deal with Joe. I’m not looking past him. This Joe fight could be for a world title!”

Promoter Frank Warren has referred to this as “the biggest domestic battle in years” and the sheer size of the event has ensured increased media attention for Dubois and his team.

Asked whether he understood why, ahead of Wilder vs Fury, many in the boxing world were questioning whether excessive media obligations could affect a fighters performance he simply said: “It’s all part of the game, you know?”

“It’s all talk, talk, talk. You’ve got to wait for the fight to see some fireworks going off!”

Level-headed Dubois has not allowed the pressure of a headline slot in one of the biggest Pay-Per-Views of the year go to his head and insists preparations for April 11 are going as well as can be expected.

“Eat, Sleep, Train, Repeat. That’s what we’re living like now. Nothing really interests me other than getting there and beating the hell out of him.”

Asked to sum up why fans should be excited for what is the biggest fight of his short career and the biggest domestic fight of 2020, ‘Dynamite’ said: “We’re on a collision course now, it’s all on the line.”

“It’s going to be a fight for the ages and I can’t wait for it!”

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LAS VEGAS, NV (February 20, 2020) – Heavyweight Jeremiah Milton, who recently signed a managerial agreement with Victory Sports & Entertainment, is now in Las Vegas, Nevada, sparring 2016 Olympic Silver Medalist Joe Joyce (10-0, 9 KOs), as he prepares for his bout with Daniel DuBois (14-0, 13 KOs).

“It feels good sparring someone of such a high caliber like Joe Joyce,” said Milton after training. “I came in second at the Olympic Trials, which gave me a ton of confidence. Now that I’m working with a fighter like Joe Joyce, I am learning a lot, and we are going hard rounds. Not a lot of fighters get this much experience prior to turning pro.”

Milton, a 25-year-old amateur stand-out from Tulsa, Oklahoma, who was a silver medalist at the Olympic Trials and won the Western Qualifiers in 2019, is ready to take his career to the next level.

“I made sacrifices last year, I moved to Oakland to train and get better,” stated Milton. “Now I am training in Las Vegas and I want to be the best I can be. I have to go where there’s world championship level sparring, it doesn’t get better than this. Helping Joe Joyce with his camp is just the start of many great things for me.”

Milton, who is fresh out of the amateurs, is more focused than ever on making a statement as a professional. His manager Mike Leanardì is thrilled with this opportunity.

“Milton has only been boxing for three years, but is able to give Joe Joyce quality work, which speaks to Milton’s attributes,” said Mike Leanardì, CEO of Victory Sports & Entertainment. “Milton is a person with strong character and a lot of integrity as well as talent. Learning from a decorated amateur and rising pro like Joe Joyce will only improve Jeremiah, and his quest to become a world champion.”

THE ALREADY HUGE heavyweight showdown between Daniel Dubois and Joe Joyce at the o2 Arena on April 11 – live on BT Sport Box Office – has just got bigger with news that the vacant European title will also be on the line.
 
Joyce was originally mandated to fight Marco Huck for the coveted belt in January before the Berlin man succumbed to injury. The pair were set to fight following the vacating of the belt by Agit Kabayel.
 
The EBU have now determined that Dubois and Joyce, the two rising stars of the world heavyweight division, will fight for the European honour.
 
The big collision at the o2 now has the European, WBC Silver and WBO International, along with the British and Commonwealth titles riding on it.
 
The last British holder of the EBU belt was Tyson Fury, who defeated previous owner Dereck Chisora at the ExCel Arena in November 2014. Henry Akinwande, Lennox Lewis, Derek Williams, Frank Bruno, John L Gardner, Joe Bugner and Henry Cooper are amongst other British fighters to have held the heavyweight belt.
 
Promoter Frank Warren is delighted with the development.
 
“The EBU sanctioning this fight for the vacant title is the cherry on the cake,” said the Hall of Fame man, who is currently in Las Vegas with Tyson Fury.
 
“They have recognised the magnitude of the fight, the fact that it is between two unbeaten fighters who are the best two up and coming heavyweight forces in world boxing.
 
“I am particularly pleased for Joe given that his European shot didn’t happen in January, while for Daniel it nicely continues the ‘every belt’ journey we have set him on.
 
“Daniel vs Joe is a fight that you simply cannot afford to miss.”

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ONE WEEK after his titanic battle with Joe Joyce was officially announced, Daniel Dubois has sought to dismiss his opponents past accomplishments and again insisted that their fight on April 11 at London’s O2 Arena will be the last of Juggernaut’s career.

In an explosive interview, ‘Dynamite’ took aim at Joyce’s amateur success and questioned the legitimacy of his early wins over the likes of Filip Hrgovic and Tony Yoka.

“Joe likes to talk about his amateur career but let’s be honest, he was a grown man beating up kids.”

Joe Joyce was a decorated amateur and won a silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics in a fight that many thought he won.

Dubois, however, believes that the sizey age gap between Joyce and his opponents is the only reason he won so many accolades.

The 22 year old Greenwich heavyweight insists “the only reason he did so well is because of the massive age difference between him and everyone else.”

“He was a 30 year old man when he fought at the Olympics. His opponents were all in their early 20’s!”

Joyce won Gold medals at the Commonwealth Games and European Games to go alongside his Olympic Silver and is considered one of Britain’s best ever amateurs

He’s been no slouch since turning pro either and has gone unbeaten in 10 bouts, with notable wins including Bryant Jennings and Bermane Stiverne.

Alongside Dubois, Joyce is considered one of the hottest prospects in Heavyweight boxing but ‘Dynamite’ believes Joyce lacks the focus and preparation to compete with him come April 11.

“I’ve heard he’s changed trainers again… he’s had more trainers than he’s won belts!”

Joe Joyce recently split from coach Adam Booth and has set sail for Las Vegas to train under the watchful eye of Ismael Salas, in a move that some in the boxing world questioned.

Dubois believes there is a very simple explanation for the sudden split, however.

“He’s nervous, he’s panicking and he’s regretting signing for this fight. It’s starting to dawn on him that this is the last fight of his career.”

When asked what he thought about Joyce choosing to take his training camp to the states ahead of Queensberry Promotions huge ‘Seek and Destroy’ card in April, Dubois said: “I’m glad he’s going to get some sun in Las Vegas.”

“This will be the last fight of his career, he should enjoy his final camp before he retires.”

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OLYMPIC Gold medal hope Frazer Clarke believes Joe Joyce will shock Daniel Dubois in their sensational heavyweight battle.

Few boxer are more qualified than Clarke to give a verdict on the clash that has got the nation talking.

Clarke sparred with both men during their days on the Team GB squad and says: “I see a Joe Joyce win after five rounds.

“It’s the most exciting fight of recent times in British boxing. Joyce is the winner for me in a difficult fight.”

The unbeaten giants clash over 12 rounds at The O2, London on Saturday April 11, live on BT Sport Box Office. The winner can expect to be on the brink of a world title shot.

‘Dynamite’ Dubois, 22, is the current British, Commonwealth, WBC Silver and WBO International champion. Olympic silver medallist ‘Juggernaut’ Joyce, holds the WBA Gold championship and is the former Commonwealth and WBA Continental champion.

Dubois (14-0, 13KOs) turned professional in April 2017 and Joyce (10-0, 9KOs) followed him into the professional ranks six months later after they both spent time on the GB squad with Clarke.

Big Frazer who is preparing for an 2020 Olympic qualifying tournament next month believes the experience of Joyce who is 12 years older than Dubois could prove crucial.

Britain’s current number one super-heavyweight amateur boxer added: “It is a really good fight and I am looking forward to it.

“Daniel will be very dangerous early on and can Joe can weather the storm?

“That might sound like I am sitting on the fence but going by the experience of the two fighters, I think Joe might have more if he survives the early onslaught.

“It’s a Joe Joyce win for me, but it is a difficult fight because Daniel is an absolute talent and a half.”

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THE big and much anticipated heavyweight showdown between Britain’s undefeated KO merchants ‘Dynamite’ Daniel Dubois and Olympic silver medalist ‘Juggernaut’ Joe Joyce is finally on.

The pair will duke it out at The O2, London on Saturday April 11 live on BT Sport Box Office.

British, Commonwealth, WBC Silver and WBO International champion, Dubois will go in against Joyce, the WBA Gold champion and the former Commonwealth and WBA Continental champion, ranked No.1 by the EBU.

It is a fight that has been brewing since the London pair were put forward to contend for the British title last summer, but ultimately headed in alternate directions, with Dubois (14-0) taking on fellow young heavy Nathan Gorman and Joyce (10-0) scoring a notable win over the experienced American Bryant Jennings.

There can be little dispute that Dubois and Joyce are the frontrunners when it comes to the emerging forces in the heavyweight division, and the winner of their much anticipated 12-round battle will be on the brink of a world heavyweight title challenge.

For Dubois, 22, it is a natural next step following his belt-collecting exploits since turning professional in April 2017 and subsequently winning nine championship titles inside 41 rounds of action.

Dubois, ranked number three by the WBO said: “This is the biggest fight of my career without doubt. This will be the fight that announces me to the world.

“I think I am better than Joe in every department. I have a better jab, I have better movement, I have more power. The only thing Joe has over me is experience, but he’s never boxed anyone as young and as hungry as me.

“This will be the most devastating performance of my career.”

Joyce, 34, won the Commonwealth title in his fourth professional fight, having made his professional debut in October 2017, and won his WBA strap in December 2018 following a first round stoppage of Joe Hanks.

He defeated former WBC world champion Bermane Stiverne via a sixth round KO in February 2019 and then scored a quick fire third round victory over the giant Alexander Ustinov in his first appearance as a Queensberry Promotions fighter last May.

The unanimous points decision over Jennings came in the July before a period of inactivity followed while he awaited mandatory shots at the European and WBA Regular titles that have yet to come to fruition.

Besides his Gold belt, Joyce enjoys high rankings with the WBC and WBO.

He said: “This is a massive fight there’s no denying that there’s a lot on the line on both sides but experience is something you can’t buy and I’ve got tonnes of it and I believe it’ll play a huge factor in this fight.”

Now an epic domestic duel awaits between two of British boxing’s biggest stars and Frank Warren who promotes both boxers is delighted to deliver it for fight fans.

“People always talks about wanting the best to fight the best,” said the Hall of Fame promoter.

“Well, on February 22 we have the No.1 and No.2 heavyweights in the world settling a score in Las Vegas, then in April we have the two best up and coming heavyweights in the world putting it on the line at the O2 Arena.

“It is a fight that needed to be made to see which man is ready to challenge the elite at the top end of the division and which one will reset and go again.

“This is one both men could easily have avoided and navigated a less perilous route to the top, but they want to get it on and give the fans what they want to see.

“When that first bell rings and it will be edge-of-seat stuff right from the off.

“The contrast in styles will be fascinating, Daniel being a classic banger, with strong fundamentals and a ramrod jab that gets better all the time. Joe has got a style all of his own and comes at his opponents relentlessly from every angle.

“Can Daniel withstand the swarming force of Joe? Can Joe absorb the bludgeoning power of Daniel? We’ll find out soon enough on April 18 and it is absolutely one not to be missed.”

Sam Jones who heads Joyce’s management company S-JAM Boxing added: “This is a monster fight for Joe. We are proud that after only 10 fights he will headline The O2 in a pay-per-view fight against one of the most exciting young boxers in the UK.

“We are all confident that Joe will win. His experience and amateur pedigree will shine through on this massive night for British boxing.”

Tickets go on general sale at 12pm on Friday 7th February 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

JOE JOYCE has sensationally called out heavyweight rivals Alexander Povetkin, Carlos Takam and Jarrell Miller after a European Title fight with Agit Kabayel fell through.

Germany’s Kabayel withdrew from today’s scheduled purse bid for a championship defence and therefore vacated his EBU European Heavyweight Championship.

“I’m very disappointed, as I would have liked to challenge Kabayel for the European title. He obviously never wanted to fight me in the first place,” said the 10-0 Olympic Silver Medallist before turning his attention to alternative opponents.

Former world heavyweight champion Alexander Povetkin (35-2) and France’s Carlos Takam (36-5-1) are high on ‘The Juggernaut’s’ wishlist.

“Hopefully I can fight Povetkin or maybe Carlos Takam for the vacant title!”

Joyce currently holds the WBA ‘Gold’ Heavyweight championship and is also open to defending his title in his next fight against outspoken American Jarrell Miller (23-0-1).

“If Jarrell Miller is flushed out, I will fight him next no problem for my WBA Gold belt!”.

Hall of Fame boxing promoter Frank Warren added: “We’re disappointed that Agit Kabayel has decided to vacate his title rather than fighting Joe Joyce.

“I think it’s clear he wants no part of the Juggernaut and is trying to hold onto this unbeaten record of his – a record he knows he would lose if he took on our man.

“We’ll sit down with Joe and the team and look at who’s next and who wants to step up!”

HALL OF FAME promoter Frank Warren stages his bumper Heavy Duty card at London’s o2 Arena on Saturday (July 13) headed by the vacant British heavyweight title fight between Daniel Dubois and Nathan Gorman, live on BT Sport.

A press conference was held at the BT Studios this afternoon for the star-studded undercard that backs up the top of the bill fight.

Putney’s Joe Joyce defends his WBA Gold heavyweight title against Philadelphia’s former world title challenger Bryant Jennings. Clydach Vale star Liam Williams faces Frenchman Karim Achour for the vacant WBC Silver middleweight title. Croydon’s Sunny Edwards meets Mexican Hiram Gallardo for the vacant IBF International super-flyweight championship and Welling’s unbeaten Archie Sharp defends his WBO European super-featherweight crown against Cambuslang’s Jordan McCorry.

Here are a selection of quotes from today’s press conference.

FRANCIS WARREN 

“The card is fantastic from top to bottom. These guys are stellar fighters and will win world titles.

Joe against Bryant is a genuine 50-50 and with Bryant’s experience at world level he knows what it’s all about. Joe is the Juggernaut though. He has made exceptional progress and is even better now with Adam Booth training him.

“Sunny is super talented and when I spoke to Tommy Frank’s promoter about a British title fight he said; ’No’.

“We are being treated in the super-featherweight division with men like Archie, but he has a hard fight on Saturday. Jordan is a real test for any of our super-featherweights.”

When Liam wins, we will request he is rated in the top five by the WBC. He is really enjoying his boxing and motivated to get in the world title mix. He has bigger ambitions than he has ever had before.”

JOE JOYCE

“I’m good, ready, had a good camp and incorporated what Adam Booth has taught me and I’m really excited because this is a big fight against a credible opponent.

“This is the biggest fight of my professional career so far. Let’s see if he runs or goes toe-to-toe.

“It might be 1-0 to him with Adam, but now is redemption. Adam has taught me not to be a sitting target and get my head off line.

“I want to continue my 100 per-cent KO ratio and go 10-0 all by knockouts. I will be happy for it not to go the distance, but I am happy going 12 rounds. I just want to line them up and knock them over.

“The winner of Dubois v Gorman is an option and hopefully I will have time to get changed and come out to watch it after my fight. It is a 50-50 fight. Dubois is very strong and if he lands you’re in trouble. Gorman is a lot slicker.”

BRYANT JENNINGS 

“Joe pummels people but you could have pummel v pummel and if it’s gonna be rock ’n sock robot okay.

“It’s boxing and don’t ignore the possibility of anything happening. You can be almost chilling and suddenly over.

“I have always wanted the toughest fights so I’m not wasting my time. I have always wanted to know I belong there and this is that. I set out to win every single time.

“It isn’t in my DNA to lay down. That is something I can’t comprehend. To calculate the fact I am here to lay down they have got it wrong.

“His trainer Adam Booth has a thing with me and tried with Mike Perez but couldn’t. I won that fight. Joe’s trainer Adam and myself have history from that. I expect us both to bring our best.

“I have sparred Gorman. He is a phenomenal kid and the only way is up, but I can’t rate off sparring but he has potential. I haven’t watched Dubois.”

LIAM WILLIAMS 

“Everything is going perfect. The move to Sheffield to train was the best move of my career and came at the right time.

“I am performing, happy with performances but I need bigger name opponents. I am too good for these guys, but I have a hard fight on Saturday. Achour has never been stopped. He has great experience and knows his way around, but I am in good form, getting better, stronger.

“You are going to see a devastating performance and I will be the first man to stop him. All I’m doing in Sheffield is training and resting. I am living the perfect boxer life.

“I one-million percent believe I will win a world title in a year. I am a lot more confident in my ability. When you’re young and cut corners you question yourself. I am doing it right.

“People think I am stupid, but although Gennady Golovkin isn’t a world champion I would love to fight him. I fear no man.”

SUNNY EDWARDS 

“It seems I’m an avoided man by British fighters. It is frustrating as I would like to build my career the traditional way and win the British title, but that is not happening because I’m too much of a risk. I am open to fighting any British super-flyweight if it’s right.

“I have done the hard work to get on these TV bills and I want to stay busy. I’m in a good position and the only thing that can take that away is me not performing.

“I don’t study too much of opponents, but I just watch a bit and leave it to my trainer. Gallardo has never been stopped and won against unbeaten fighters. He is no mug and coming to win.

“I have never sold myself as a big puncher, but I am elusive enough that I don’t get too much damage.

“My Mum has had health problems but she will be there and I will box well enough for her to be happy. Her problems came five years ago and she is the perfect Mum. Maybe we’re living on borrowed time with her, but every day we get to see her and there are people in worst situations.”

ARCHIE SHARP 

“It’s not about me doing a better job than Sam Bowen on McCorry. I have just got to win in style.

“He says he has the physical strength, but they all say that. He is going to be shocked because I have got stronger from when I beat Lyon Woodstock in my last fight.

“My footwork is phenomenal and always has been. On Saturday you will see that he will try and rough me up, but I should make easy work of it.

“Nobody is coming to my hometown and taking my belt. I am also starting to show I can put people away.

“The super-featherweight division is on fire. Jamel Herring the WBO world champion has mentioned my name so let’s see where we are after Saturday.”

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 who clashes against France’s former European champion Karim Achour for the vacant WBC Silver middleweight crown. Super-flyweight sensation Sunny Edwards meets Mexican Hiram Gallardo for the vacant IBF super-flyweight title. WBO super-featherweight champion Archie Sharp risks his crown against Jordan McCorry. Returning after an impressive debut is Kent bantamweight Dennis McCann. Hamza 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 – Tied

FRANK WARREN believes Joe Joyce will be challenging for the world heavyweight title inside a year.

The fast rising Putney heavyweight isn’t messing around and defends his WBA Gold heavyweight crown against former world title challenger Bryant Jennings (24-3, 14KOs) at London’s o2 Arena on Saturday night (July 13), live on BT Sport.

Joyce (9-0, 9KOs) is charging up the rankings. He already has former WBC champion Bermane Stiverne on his CV and is hellbent on American star Jennings joining the list.

Hall of Fame promoter Warren who co-promotes Joyce with Ringstar Sports says: “Some fighters can be fast tracked and Joe is taking that path.

“People say he is 33 and needs to get a move on, but I would say it’s more down to the boxers he has faced early in his career and his fantastic amateur pedigree.

“He is one of the most successful boxers ever in the World Series of Boxing which is an incredibly tough competition.

“He also won gold at the 2014 Commonwealth Games silver at the 2013 European Amateur Championships and bronze at the 2015 World Championships.

“At the Rio Olympics he was desperately unlucky not to win the gold medal in the final against Tony Yoka.

“There is a lot of jostling going on in the heavyweight division. This time next year he will be right in the thick of it and when he does get his chance he’ll be going in to win and remain champion.”

Another appealing option for ‘The Juggernaut,’ is a clash against the winner of Saturday’s bill-topping vacant British title fight between Daniel Dubois (11-0, 10KOs) and Nathan Gorman (16-0, 11KOs).

“Joe against Daniel or Nathan would be a tremendous all-British clash for the tail end of the year and a fight I would love to see,” added Warren.

“Right now we have two special fights this weekend. Four fighters, Joe, Bryant Jennings, Daniel and Nathan in two great fights.

“All of them have serious world title aspirations and fans are making a case for each of them winning their fights.

“After Saturday, the picture will be a lot clearer about what will be next for all four. One thing for sure, two of them will be in the world title picture.

“These are heavyweight fights that make people want to watch boxing and include the three best heavyweight prospects in the world.”

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 who clashes against France’s former European champion Karim Achour for the vacant WBC Silver middleweight crown. Super-flyweight sensation Sunny Edwards meets Mexican Hiram Gallardo for the vacant IBF super-flyweight title. WBO super-featherweight champion Archie Sharp risks his crown against Jordan McCorry. Returning after an impressive debut is Kent bantamweight Dennis McCann. Hamza 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 – Tied

BRYANT JENNINGS INSISTS he is more than ready to counter the threat of the high-volume punching Joe Joyce and claims the Englishman needs to tighten his own defences.

The Olympic silver medallist Joyce is renowned for his relentless style of fighting, continually marching forward delivering punches from all angles.

Joyce, set to enter into double figures as a professional heavyweight, takes on the former world title challenger in the chief support of ‘Heavy Duty’ at the o2 Arena on July 13, headlined by the British title showdown between the unbeaten pair of Daniel Dubois and Nathan Gorman.

Jennings’ 24-3 is unconcerned over the prospect of taking on the Juggernaut, who he believes needs to keep his own guard up on the night.

“He’s gonna have shots coming right back at him and, the last time I checked, his defence is not as good,” said the American. “He can catch every punch – with his jaw!”

While Joyce is relatively new to the professional game with a record of 9-0, Jennings acknowledged that he was familiar with the name, although more through his online activity.

“I was aware of him and I am aware of everyone in my division, at least at a certain level. Once you get to a certain level, I know who you are and I may have seen you. He is somebody I was aware of – and was made aware of – based on the noise he was making on Twitter and stuff like that, rather than in the actual boxing ring.

“He came with the accolades and it kind of matched up, so he was just letting himself be known and that is how I knew about him,” added the 34-year-old, who states that his ambitions have not been diminished by suffering a loss in his last fight to Oscar Rivas in January.

“Personally that was just an obstacle that I understood I had to get over,” he reasoned. “Against it being a failed mission, I didn’t necessarily fail the plan. A lot of these guys had hundreds of amateur fights and they lost plenty of them. That was their way of gaining experience and gaining something from those losses they had.

“So when I lost, it was just a case of putting it behind me. Done deal. Was I going to sit there and cry about it or get up and move on? That is what I chose to do, get up and move on.

“The fight with Rivas does nothing to me mentally but, in the boxing game, it knocks you down and you lose position. Here it is also, people still love me and I am still that guy. I can live with myself, I’m good.”

Meanwhile, Jennings took a little time out to assess the merits of the fight he says has knocked him off top billing between Dubois and Gorman.

“Well I sparred Gorman a couple of times and he is a bright kid who is pretty good. I’ve heard of Daniel but I have never watched him.

“I just think it is a great match-up, those guys have spent a lot of time in the ring together and have sparred a lot – and they are the main event.

“They have to be something if I am on the undercard of them! I just think it will be a good fight.”

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 who clashes against France’s former European champion Karim Achour for the vacant WBC Silver middleweight crown. Super-flyweight sensation Sunny Edwards meets Mexican Hiram Gallardo for the vacant IBF super-flyweight title. WBO super-featherweight champion Archie Sharp risks his crown against Jordan McCorry. 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

HEAVYWEIGHT sensation Joe Joyce will face his toughest test as a professional when he tackles former world title challenger Bryant Jennings on the ‘Heavy Duty’ show at The O2, London on Saturday July 13.

The Londoner is being fast-tracked to the top and a successful WBA Gold title defence against the American star will move him even closer to a world title challenge.

The potentially explosive encounter is the co-feature bout on a blockbuster card headlined by the vacant British heavyweight championship clash between young guns Daniel Dubois and Nathan Gorman.

Joyce (9-0, 9 KOs) annihilated another former world title challenger Alexander Ustinov earlier this month and admits: “This should be my toughest fight to date.

“Bryant Jennings has been in very big fights and he gave Wladimir Klitschko a tough night before he fought Tyson Fury.

Jennings (24-3-0, 14KOs) lost on points when he challenged Ukrainian great Wladimir Klitschko for his world titles at Madison Square Garden in April 2015.

He then lost to Cuban Luis Ortiz before going on a five-fight winning streak. That run ended in January with a 12th round setback against unbeaten Oscar Rivas, a fight many believe Jennings was winning until the dramatic final round.

Olympic silver medallist Joyce added: ”He is also probably Luis Ortiz’s best win.

“I respect Bryant for stepping up and taking this fight. I intend to send a statement to the heavyweight division on July 13th and it won’t be long before I get my hands on those big titles.”

Jennings holds good wins over former European Champion Alexander Dimitrenko, Artur Szpilka and Mike Perez. Victory on the road against Joyce will kick-start his world title hopes again.

The Philadelphia contender says: “This is a high-risk, good-reward fight. It makes getting in the ring worth it. I don’t mind the test. I don’t mind the challenge. That’s just who I am.

“I am the only one who can beat myself. Nobody can beat me. When I’ve lost, it’s been because of me, not my opponent.”

And Jennings warned this is just a start of a mission to topple British heavyweights adding: “I am ready to go now. The Oscar Rivas fight is in the past, and I’m ready for the challenge that’s ahead of me.

“After this, I’m coming after all the other UK heavyweights. They are the ones running the division.”

Promoter Frank Warren added: “World heavyweight boxing is absolutely flying at the moment and our Heavy Duty night on July 13th just got bigger.

“Bryant Jennings is a quality fighter who operates at world level and this is the perfect fight for Joe to showcase his credentials and put himself in the running for major titles.

“This is a step up in class for Joe and a mark of the progress he has made after just ten fights as a pro.

“It is the opportunity for him to post a big message to the heavyweight champions and contenders that a new force is rapidly making up the ground towards world title contention.

“This is a great fight added to what is already shaping up to being a fantastic card for the fans at the o2 Arena.”

Joyce v Jennings is promoted by Queensberry Promotions in association with Ringstar Sports and Top Rank.

Richard Schaefer of Ringstar Sports said: “The heavyweight division is the glamour division of boxing again. Indeed July 13th will be another glamorous night for Joe Joyce.

“With Bryant Jennings, he has the biggest and most dangerous opponent of his career but I am sure that ‘The Juggernaut’ will pass with flying colours and continue his march towards the heavyweight championship of the world.”

Bryant’s promoter Bob Arum added: “People will see how dangerous Bryant Jennings really is.

“I wouldn’t be surprised to see him easily beat Joe Joyce. Bryant has fought the best heavyweights in the world, and Joe has seen nothing like him as a professional.”

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

PROMOTER Frank Warren today held the final press conference ahead of Saturday’s vacant WBO world super-middleweight title clash between Billy Joe Saunders and Shefat Isufi at The Lamex Stadium, home of Stevenage FC.

Saunders, who comes from nearby Hatfield will be bidding to become a two-weight world champion having previously held the WBO middleweight crown.

Also on the bill is fast emerging London heavyweight star and Olympic silver medalist Joe Joyce who faces giant Russian former world title challenger Alexander Ustinov.

In a double title fight Lichfield’s British super-bantamweight champion Brad Foster meets Bristol’s Commonwealth belt holder Ashley Lane.

Here are a selection of quotes from the presser.

FRANK WARREN

Bill should be in a position to have big fights and he will get them. It is a shame that fighters avoid him. We twice signed to fight Golovkin and I know Canelo’s connections don’t want to know. I had a chat with Joe Gallagher a couple weeks ago about Callum Smith and he said ‘in a couple of fights time’, but Callum will be light-heavyweight by then. Chris Eubank Jr has shown no interest in avenging his loss to Bill.

Ustinov is a big, big man and I know him very well. This is a tough fight for Joe and a step up for him. Joe doesn’t want marking time fights and this is no gimme. Joe is out to make a statement and cannot afford to slip up.

BILLY JOE SAUNDERS

This has been a long time coming. I had a terrible 2018 and feel my title was robbed from me. I jumped at this fight when it was offered and I will become a two-weight world champion.

I’m not looking past Isufi, but I am looking for the big names. I am 29, I know I have got it inside me and nobody has seen my best.

With the backing of BT Sport we can make the big fights. It is all fine saying I look good hitting the pads, but I have to be on my A game and send a message to the other super-middleweights.

If I do bring it, I should box his head off. Whatever he brings I will fetch ten-fold more.

I have been training with Ben and it has been good, enjoyable and great bouncing around with Tyson Fury. Everything has gone well and I’m enjoying boxing again.

SHEFAT ISUFI

I am doing this for me, but to become Albania’s first world boxing champion is big for them and also Germany as I box under their flag.

Billy Joe will be trying everything to win and so will I.

If Billy Joe did win I will congratulate him, but it will be the other way around.

Billy Joe is quick, fast and a hard puncher. I can also punch and one punch could make the difference.

My father died when I was young and he is always in my mind. When I win I will go to his grave and thank him.

JOE JOYCE

I am fighting fit and good to go. Training has gone well with Adam Booth. I am looking for nine wins, nine knockouts.

Ustinov is very experienced, big, strong, tough and this is a step up. I have to beat him to get to the next level. I know what he has in his arsenal and what I have to do to beat him. He can punch, but I take a shot and give one back.

ALEXANDER USTINOV

This is a very hard fight and I am prepared to win. Joe is a very good boxer and I know him well. We will see who is the strongest boxer this weekend. Joe wants to knock me out, but everyone thinks they win by knockout.

BRAD FOSTER

I have been learning on the job and picked up the British title in my last fight against Josh Wale when I was the away fighter so I am not doing too badly. Ash has got a lot more experience and this is no walkover. It is a tough fight. I am a happy Brad and when I’m happy I perform better.

ASHLEY LANE

I watched him against Josh and it was a good performance. In my last seven fights I have turned my career around after up and downs. My experience and what I have learned from the last two years will give me the strength to win. I spar with Lee Haskins, Lee Selby and Andrew Selby. That is a high level of sparring.

Tickets for saturday night’s show can be purchased via borotickets.co.uk and are priced as below:

£250 – Hospitality

£150 – Pitch

£100 – Pitch

£75 – Pitch

£50 – Stand

£40 – Stand are now completely sold out

More information on saturday night’s show can be found in this helpful guide.

JOE JOYCE WILL encounter a giant in the shape of former world title challenger Alexander Ustinov when he returns to the ring on May 18 at the Lamex Stadium live on BT Sport.

Subject to VISA, the 6ft 7.5″ Russian will provide a tall order for the 8-0 Joyce, who is having his first fight following his promotional alignment with Frank Warren at the home of Stevenage FC as chief support to Billy Joe Saunders challenging for the vacant WBO Interim world super middleweight title against Shefat Isufi.

Ustinov, 34-3 (25 KOs) has longed been ranked highly amongst the heavyweight contenders and was unbeaten over the first seven years of his professional career until challenging for the European title and the vacant IBF world title against Kubrat Pulev in September 2012.

He remained unbeaten during his next seven fights, during which time he won the WBA International belt, before falling to a points defeat in a bid to win the vacant WBA regular world title against Manuel Charr in November 2017.

Joyce has won the WBA Gold title in his last fight against former world champion Bermane Stiverne in February, having previously become Commonwealth and WBA Continental champion.

The Olympic silver medallist is also mandatory for British, European and WBA regular world title challenges following a successful start to his professional career that has seen him register eight straight victories via KO.

“I could have waited until the big fight night on July 13th, but I wanted to keep busy. I didn’t want a journeyman, so we chose a 6 foot 8 inch giant and former world heavyweight title challenger Alexander Ustinov who’s only lost 3 times. He is big, awkward and he can punch. My aim is to take him out in spectacular fashion and put on a great show for the fans at the Lamex stadium.

Tickets can be purchased via borotickets.co.uk and are priced as below:

£250 – Hospitality
£150 – Pitch
£100 – Pitch
£75 – Pitch
£50 – Stand
£40 – Stand

HALL OF FAME promoter Frank Warren held a press conference in London today to announce that unbeaten heavyweight and Olympic silver medallist, Joe Joyce has signed with Queensberry Promotions in a co-promotional agreement with Ringstar Sports.

Joyce (8-0, 8 KOs) will make his Queensberry debut as chief support to Billy Joe Saunders’ clash with Shefat Isufi on Saturday May 18 at the Lamex Stadium, home of Stevenage FC.

Joyce, 33, is mandatory contender for EBU European title held by Agit Kabayal and the British Boxing Board of Control have mandated a fight against Daniel Dubois for the vacant British championship.

His WBA ranking and their Gold championship belt has also put him in line for a crack at their regular title, currently held by Manuel Charr.

Here are a selection of quotes from today’s press conference.

FRANK WARREN

“I have had discussions Richard Schaefer of Ringstar for a few months and my son George spoke with Sam and Adam.

“Queensberry will be co-promoting Joe’s fights with Richard and the fights will be on BT Sport.

“At the moment, us and BT Sport have the next crop of British heavyweights to come through in Joe, Daniel Dubois and Nathan Gorman.

“That is a good line-up and I am hoping all these guys are going to end up fighting each other between now and the end of the year.

“I matched George Groves and James DeGale early in their career and both went on to win world titles. It won’t be the end of the world if any of them lose. It’s how you come back from defeat.

“British boxing has the best heavyweights and they are coming along like buses. It is as good as it gets.

“Anthony Joshua’s next fight is in the United States, Tyson Fury’s next two will also be over there so this is a good time for fans to see the next generation of heavyweights.

“Of those three guys, I’m know one and possibly two will become world champions and

“We have built a platform on BT Sport that I think has overtaken the domestic market and we are the leading British promoter in this country. There’s no doubt about it.”

JOE JOYCE

“I’m excited to start with Frank and get some massive fights. I am ready to take on anyone and want to get the ball rolling.

“I think I am ready to take on the top guys now, but a few more fights and I will be up there anyway. I think three more fights and the mega fights will be there.

“I am training with Adam Booth now and improving and picking up new things.

“Of the big name heavyweights I would back myself against Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder.

“They can queue up one after the other, if they like.

“Fury is very elusive, has great head movement, his footwork is good and he’s good at getting his shots off at different angles. He can outbox you if you let him get going.

“Wilder has decent boxing ability, comes in quite light so he’s fast and has amazing one punch output where he can knock you spark out.

“Joshua is a bit more balanced. He has a good guard, is robust, has quick hands and is a physical specimen.

“I was in the amateurs to get to the Olympics and win the gold, but I got the silver. Since turning pro the aim has been to be undisputed world champion and number one in the world.

“It will be amazing boxing at Stevenage and getting the party started with Queensberry Promotions.”

SAM JONES (S-JAM Boxing)

“It is massively important for Joe at this stage of his career. He has been floating about on different platforms and been boxing in America, but it is important not to neglect the UK market and with Frank guiding him, the sky is the limit.

“Joe wants big fights and with BT Sport that is what we will get.

“Joe loves BT Sport. We spoke with Frank in Los Angeles, but things slowed down. They picked back up and we got it over the line.”

ADAM MORALLEE (S-JAM Boxing)

“We have to push for massive fights. Joe has been brilliantly promoted by Richard who has got him mandatory for WBA, EBU and British titles.

“Now we’re also teaming up with Frank who promotes Tyson Fury so there is a route to the world title.

“There is a real chance that with Anthony and Tyson fighting in the US, there is an opportunity for Joe to become the leading heavyweight that regularly boxes in the UK and that is timing which has fallen nicely.”

Tickets for Joe Joyce’s Queensberry Promotions debut as chief support to Billy Joe Saunders v Shefat Isufi on May 18th can be purchased via borotickets.co.uk and are priced as below:

£250 – Hospitality
£150 – Pitch
£100 – Pitch
£75 – Pitch
£50 – Stand
£40 – Stand

HALL OF FAME promoter Frank Warren is delighted to welcome unbeaten heavyweight and Olympic Silver medallist Joe Joyce to the Queensberry Promotions stable in a co-promotional agreement with Ringstar Sports.

The 33-year-old, known as ‘Juggernaut’ is the mandatory challenger for the EBU European heavyweight title, the British heavyweight title and the current holder of the WBA Gold heavyweight title, having previously won the WBA Continental title.

Joyce’s Queensberry Promotions debut will come as chief support to Billy Joe Saunders’ clash with Shefat Isufi on May 18th at the Lamex Stadium, home of Stevenage FC.

The ‘Juggernaut’ turned professional following his silver medal-winning exploits at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where he was considered by many judges to be unfortunate in losing a decision to Tony Yoka in the final.

Joyce’s previous amateur accomplishments include the winning of gold at the 2015 European Games and 2014 Commonwealth Games, while he collected bronze at the 2013 European championships and 2015 World Amateur championships.

His professional journey began under the tutelage of his then promoter David Haye’s coach Ismael Salas before he later transferred to Big Bear in California to work with another Hall of Fame trainer in Abel Sanchez.

Now his focus has returned to the UK, Joyce will be trained by Adam Booth.

The Putney-based heavy hitter put a genuine marker down in the heavyweight division in February with an impressive destruction of former world champion Bermane Stiverne inside six rounds in London, having previously recorded a first-round stoppage of the 23-2 Joe Hanks at the Staples Center in December on the undercard of the Tyson Fury-Deontay Wilder world title showdown.

His statement performances have seen Joyce installed as mandatory challenger for the EBU European title held by Agit Kabayal, while his ranking with the WBA sees him as a likely challenger to the regular champion Manuel Charr.

He has also been mandated by the British Boxing Board of Control to fight for the vacant British heavyweight title against emerging force Daniel Dubois, who is now a Queensberry stablemate.

Not short of options, Joyce himself expressed no particular preference when pressed on a favoured foe.

“It doesn’t matter who it is,” he considered. “Manuel Charr, Agit Kabayal or Daniel Dubois – the Juggernaut ploughs through all!

“I am delighted to be joining up with Frank and the Queensberry team,” added Joyce. “I am now in the right place to accelerate my progress and really make my mark on the UK scene, while continuing to press forward towards world titles.

“Having seen the great job Frank has done with Tyson Fury, I know I’m in the right place. I’m not far away from being in with the top guys in the division and I know Frank is the man to help guide me to becoming a world champion.”

“I am really looking forward to featuring alongside Billy Joe Saunders at Stevenage FC for my Queensberry Promotions debut on May 18th.”

Promoter Frank Warren added: “In my opinion we now have the three best up-and-coming heavyweights in the world on our books, with a host of fantastic fights there to be made.

“I have always rated Joe and I am delighted to finally get the chance to sign him up.

“Joe has impressed in every fight so far in the professional ranks and is only going to get better as he continues to step up the levels.

“With Joe, Daniel Dubois and Nathan Gorman all moving rapidly in the right direction, the fans can look forward to some massive heavyweight nights in the very near future.

I’d also like to extend a special thanks to both S-JAM Boxing and Richard Schaefer of Ringstar Sports for their help in completing this deal. I’ve done a lot of work with Richard over the years and we’ve worked on some great shows together. Along with S-JAM Boxing, they are doing a terrific job with Joe and I’m looking forward to working with them and delivering some big nights.”

Richard Schaefer of Ringstar Sports added: “Ever since turning pro, Joe Joyce has been on a mission. With spectacular performances he has become a top 3 rated Heavyweight and is now zooming in on the ultimate price: The Heavyweight Championship of the World. With Frank Warren and his team, we have now the final piece in place which is a partnership with the UK’s leading platform – BT Sports and the UK’s leading promoter Frank Warren. Joe will continue to thrill fans on both side of the Atlantic, indeed exciting times ahead for fight fans across the world!”

Sam Jones of S-Jam Boxing stated: “I am really excited by the link up with Frank Warren. Joe is in a great position at the moment. He is high in the WBA rankings, a champion with the WBA and mandatory for both Manual Charr and (EBU European champion) Agit Kabayal. He’s also be mandated for British title. There are options on the table and I know Frank will be the man to deliver the big fights. Joe’s ultimate goal is to become the world champion and he will get there whether that’s via Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua or Deontay Wilder and Frank will be the man to deliver it!”

Tickets for Joe Joyce’s Queensberry Promotions debut as chief support to Billy Joe Saunders v Shefat Isufi on May 18th can be purchased via borotickets.co.uk and are priced as below:

£250 – Hospitality
£150 – Pitch
£100 – Pitch
£75 – Pitch
£50 – Stand
£40 – Stand

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

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.

Chris Eubank, Jr. scored the biggest win of his career by winning a 12-round unanimous decision over two-time former world champion James DeGale in a super middleweight fight at The O2 Arena in London.

In round one, both guys were cut over the left eye of DeGale and the right eye of Eubank from an accidental headbutt. in round two, Eubank dropped DeGale with a hard right hand.

In round ten, Eubank crushed DeGale with a left hook that sent him across the ring. Eubank followed up with hahrd barrage of punches that forced DeGale’s glove to touch the canvas for a 2nd knockdown. In round 11, Eubank was docked a point for throwing DeGale down to the canvas. That did not come into play as Eubank won by scores of 114-112, 115-112, 117-109 to rise his record to 28-2. DeGale is 25-3-1.

“I knew he was going to come at me like that,” Eubank said. “He’s a slick southpaw, but my game plan worked. Smart pressure and not getting too ahead of myself. He’s a hell of a fighter, hell of a competitor but at the end of the day my head and my heart won this fight.”

“There was a lot of animosity leading to this fight. I told him, ‘This is my time,’ and it was. He’s a veteran of the game, he throws big shots and he manages to stay up. To get up after those knockdowns is a statement about his tenacity and the type of fighter he is.”

“I definitely I didn’t do enough,” DeGale said. “He was on it and I didn’t do enough. You have to do more than enough to counter someone that came forward like Chris.

“I’m going to go back and talk to my team, my family, and decide. I left my mark in boxing. I won an Olympic Medal, two world titles and it may be the time to hang it up.”

“This was the most important fight of my career, and I made a statement. I’m back where I’m supposed to be, at the top of the food chain. I’m coming for all the belts in the middleweight and super middleweight division. I’m fighting everyone they put in front of me.

“I’m glad to make my American debut here on SHOWTIME. I’m glad to be introduced to the American public this way – making a statement.”

Joe Joyce stopped former world heavyweight champion Bermane Stiverne in round six of their scheduled 10 round bout.

In round one, Joyce featured tremendous volume punching, while Stiverne was looking and occasionally ladning one hard power shsot.

It was more of the same in round, but it looked like Stiverne was hurt several times in that frame. In round three, Joyce dropped Stiverne was right hand. In that round, Stiverne began to bleed from his mouth.

Joyce continued to wear Stiverne down until a huge barrage of punches on the ropes forced the referee to stop the bout at 2:20.

Joyce of London is 8-0 with eight knockouts. Stiverne is 25-4.

“Big respect to Stiverne – like a true champion, he’s very tough and was still throwing shots, but I guess I was just a bit too much,” Joyce said. “It was about being patient. He’s such a tough guy that he took those shots no problem.

“I was hitting him with everything I had, including the kitchen sink. I listened to Abel (Sanchez) in the corner, did everything he said and it went well. My jab was really effective. I’m a seasoned vet. I picked up my poise and remained calm along the way.

“Big things are coming. My next one will be for the WBA Regular (Title) and I’ll be back in the gym soon. I need to have a couple more fights like this and then I’ll be ready for the big champions.”

LONDON – February 22, 2019 – Former two-time world champion James DeGale and former world title challenger Chris Eubank Jr. both weighed-in within the 168-pound limit for their 12-round super middleweight clash that headlines a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING doubleheader tomorrow/Saturday live on SHOWTIME (3:45 p.m. ET/12:45 p.m. PT) from The O2 in London.

DeGale (25-2-1, 15 KOs) measured 166 pounds while his fierce rival tipped the scales at 167 pounds for their all-British grudge match. At stake for both men in the long-awaited showdown are British bragging rights, but more importantly a chance for another world title shot in the deep super middleweight division.

“I’m in the best shape I’ve been for a long, long time,” said DeGale, who reigned as champion for more than two years. “When I feel like I feel no one can beat me.”

Eubank Jr., the son of British legend and former two-division champion Chris Eubank Sr., has faced champions George Groves and Arthur Abraham and is now seeking a signature win against DeGale, the first British boxer to win an Olympic gold medal and a world championship.

“I know this is the defining fight of my career,” Eubank Jr. said. “Beating James DeGale sets me up for a world title, which is the whole reason I started in this game.”

Undefeated heavyweight Joe Joyce has knocked out all seven of his professional opponents but will face the toughest test of his professional career in Bermane Stiverne, a former WBC Heavyweight World Champion and the first fighter to push reigning champion Deontay Wilder the distance. The 2016 Olympic Silver Medalist Joyce (7-0, 7 KOs) measured 265 pounds while Stiverne tipped the scales at a career-high 273 pounds for their 12-round bout for the British Commonwealth Heavyweight Championship.

“Each fight is getting me closer and closer to a world title shot,” said Joyce, who is hoping to join Lennox Lewis, Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua as recent winners of the British Commonwealth Heavyweight Title. “This is quite a step up for me but I’m confident that towards the end of the year my name will be amongst the top five heavyweights in the world.”

Stiverne (25-3-1, 21 KOs) is looking to bounce back from a one-sided defeat to Wilder in a 2017 rematch and prove that he’s still a threat in the deep and vibrant heavyweight division.

“That’s why I’m hungry,” Stiverne said on Friday. “I feel I have more to offer in this division.”

Veteran broadcaster Brian Custer will host the doubleheader from London with versatile combat sportscaster Mauro Ranallo calling the action ringside alongside Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein. Three Hall of Famers will round out the telecast team – Emmy® award winning reporter Jim Gray, boxing historian Steve Farhood as unofficial ringside scorer, and world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr.

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS:

12-Round Super Middleweight Bout

James DeGale – 166 Pounds

Chris Eubank Jr. – 167 Pounds

Referee: Howard Foster; Judges: Michael Alexander (U.K), Phil Edwards (U.K.), Terry O’Connor (U.K.)

12-Round Heavyweight Bout

Joe Joyce – 265 Pounds

Bermane Stiverne – 273 Pounds

Referee: Michael Alexander; Judges: Howard Foster (U.K), Jerome Lades (France), Olena Pobyvailo (Belgium)

Note: Former featherweight world champion Lee Selby and Omar Douglas will fight in a 12-round lightweight swing bout. Selby measured 134 ½ pounds for his lightweight debut while Douglas weighed-in at 132 pounds.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, subscribe to the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

London (20 February 2019) Undefeated British Heavyweight sensation Joe Joyce came face-to-face with Bermane Stiverne ahead of their Commonwealth Title clash today, but it erupted between the Former World Champion and the British fighter’s manager.

Joyce defends his Commonwealth title against the Canadian puncher in the chief-support to James DeGale’s mouthwatering showdown with Chris Eubank Jr. this Saturday night (23rd February) at The O2, promoted by Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) and Poxon Sports, exclusively live in the U.K on ITV Box Office in the U.S on Showtime.

The Londoner was in a determined mood today, confident that his destructive fists will do all the talking on Saturday night. He said, “I’m feeling great, having had a great training camp at Big Bear, California. I’m ready to put a dent on Stiverne, so make sure you’re there to see it! I have all the respect for him as a former WBC Champ, but it’s a stepping stone to greater things for me. I’m moving fast, each fight is getting me closer to the top three names in the sport. I’ll be going straight back into the gym after I win this fight to prepare for the next challenge. I’m determined to make big strides in my career this year.”

Responding to reports that Stiverne got the better of him in a four round sparring session four years ago, Joyce drew rapturous laughter from the audience when he commented, “He says he took me to school in training…But I went to University!”

Stiverne initially appeared to be in a serene mood. Knowing victory will catapult back into World Title contention, he said, “I feel great and I’m prepared. We could talk all we want right now but what matters is Saturday night at The O2. I didn’t come all this way to lose. I’ve come prepared and we can talk about the future when I’ve taken care of Joe.”

The air of calmness momentarily slipped however, when Joyce’s manager Sam Jones suggested that Stiverne ducked opportunities to spar with Joe before he fought Dominic Breazeale in 2017. Stiverne erupted and screamed, “You were just seeking publicity! I don’t want to talk to you. Sit your ass down!

But Stiverne flipped moments later when he said to Jones, “Don’t get me hot. I’ll slap you today and still fight Saturday…little b**** that you are.” and had to be restrained by security guards as he went towards Jones.

The 6ft 6in ‘Juggernaut’ from Putney, South West London, has steamrolled all seven of his opponents since turning professional in October 2017 after capturing the Silver medal at the Rio Olympics, to single himself out as one of the most feared talents in the Heavyweight division.

Clashing with Stiverne represents a giant step up in class and will see Joyce take on the riskiest test of his unbeaten career, but with huge rewards.

The rock-solid power puncher, born in Montreal, Canada, of Haitian descent and based out of Las Vegas, held the WBC crown for two years and has fought some of the very finest in the division, including Deontay Wilder and Chris Arreola, in a 29-fight career that’s included 21 stunning knock-outs.

If fearless Joyce pulls off victory against a man of Stiverne’s pedigree, he will catapult himself within touching distance of a world title shot and establish himself as a name on everybody’s lips, alongside Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder at the very top of a thrilling Heavyweight division

In 1976, nobody gave Leon Spinks – who had only seven professional fights behind him at the time – a chance in hell when it was announced he would fight the legendary Muhammad Ali for the Undisputed Heavyweight Championship. Spinks however, shocked the planet to beat Ali, and there are certainly parallels between that historic upset and Joyce’s fight with the older seasoned pro in Stiverne.

Joyce’s promoter Richard Schaefer, Chairman and CEO of Ringstar Sports, said, “Stiverne is in tremendous shape and he’s a difficult guy to beat, but I am going to make a bold statement by telling you that Joe Joyce today is the best Heavyweight in the world. By the end of the year I believe he will be Heavyweight Champion of the World and by next year he will be ready to take on Fury, Wilder and Joshua. He is a generational talent.”

Carl Lewis, representing Don King, Stiverne’s promoter, said, “This fight won’t be a stepping stone for Joe Joyce, it’s gonna be a stumbling block! Everyone is so kind here in the UK but thanks for the tea and crumpets, we are here for a special night of fighting. Make no mistake, Bermane is ready. It’s great for a 7-0 fighter to want to take on a former Heavyweight Champion of the World, but Joyce has made a big mistake.”

Please credit ‘Courtesy of Lawrence Lustig’ where used
Saturday night at The O2 will also see Andre Sterling take on Ricky Summers in a British Light-Heavyweight Title Eliminator bout.

Ricky Summers, who hails from Tipton in the West Midlands, came within touching distance of the British Title in 2017 when he gave then Champion Frank Buglioni a hard first title defence at The O2, only to narrowly lose on points.

After rebounding strongly by winning his last two fights, Summers is ready to get back into title contention. He said, “I have had 5-6 weeks of hard training and it couldn’t have gone better. I have looked at Andre’s fights and he’s a good kid, I rate him, and he did well as an amateur. But I’m ready for war. I love to fight, and everyone saw that when I fought Frank Buglioni. I’m a much better fighter now and my big stage O2 experience will be invaluable on fight night.”

Unbeaten Andre Sterling’s career has been going places fast. In his last fight out in November 2018, the former Fitzroy Lodge amateur was crowned Southern Area Light-Heavyweight Champion. He now knows victory against Summers could lead to a dream shot at the prized Lonsdale Belt.

Sterling, in bullish mood, said, “I feel wonderful and I had a great training camp. I saw Ricky’s fight against Frank Buglioni but being honest, I wasn’t impressed with it. I have trained hard for this fight and I hope he’s ready because I am.”

Please credit ‘Courtesy of Lawrence Lustig’ where used
LCpl Chez Nihell, England’s 2018 ABA Elite Super Heavyweight Champion, will add an intriguing sub plot to an action-packed evening at The O2 when he makes his professional debut in a four round Cruiserweight contest.

Chez, who served in Afghanistan, has received special permission from the British Army to combine his status as a serving soldier with launching his pro career.

Looking confident and proud, Chez said, “I’m excited to fight on Saturday at The O2 for my debut. Training has been class and I made Cruiserweight comfortably. I have left no stone unturned in the gym and I am grateful for the tremendous support I have received from the Army boxing family and from my supporters on the Isle of Wight, where I grew up.”

In a very rare occurrence, Chez will have his wife LCpl Alanna Nihell – an official Second and decorated champion herself having secured three ABA Lightweight titles and a Commonwealth Games Bronze Medal in 2014 – working in his corner on the night.

Commenting on this unique situation, Chez said, “My wife and I met through the sport of boxing when were team mates in the Army boxing set-up. We started dating and the rest is history. Over the last few years we have trained together every day. She has been an inspiration and I can’t wait for her to be in my corner. It would feel weird if she wasn’t on this journey with me, and she’s buzzing for it as much as I am.”

A Storm Is Coming is headlined by the long awaited domestic blockbuster showdown between James DeGale and Chris Eubank Jr for the Vacant IBO World Super-Middleweight Championship; Commonwealth Heavyweight Champion Joe Joyce defends his title against Challenger and Former WBC World Champion Bermane Stiverne; Former IBF World Featherweight Champion Lee Selby returns to action and takes on Omar Douglas; The British Heavyweight Title Eliminator between Andre Sterling and Ricky Summers. Plus an action packed undercard featuring super-featherweight Anthony Cacacae; welterweight Chris Kongo; light-heavyweight Seb Eubank and the pro-debut of cruiserweight Chez Nihell.
VIDEO
James DeGale and Chris Eubank Jr. Head-To-Head on The O2 roof

To embed the DeGale-Eubank O2 Roof Video use the following code:

Tickets available from www.AXS.com and Inner Ringside/VIP Hospitality from www.sportandmusic.co.uk

This fight will be shown exclusively on ITV Box Office. For further information and updates, please go to www.itvboxoffice.com

For further event information, please visit www.poxonsports.uk and www.premierboxingchampions.com or follow on Twitter and Instagram at @PoxonSports, @PremierBoxing, @ITVBoxOffice, @ITVBoxing and join the conversation with #DeGaleEubankJr

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