Daniel Dubois vs Joe Joyce 'Battle of Britain' will be top viewing
The UK heavyweight battle between Daniel Dubois (14-0, 13KO) and Joe Joyce (10-0, 9KO) has a lot in store for fight fans.
Reportedly, in a few months time, that is April 18th to be precise, current British champ, Dubois, and Rio 2016 silver medallist, Joyce, will be deciding who is Britain's best heavyweight, with the O2 arena in London due to be the venue. With Joshua, Fury, Whyte and Chisora all operating above domestic level, 'DDD' vs 'JJJ' will answer that question decisively.
Here is why the tantalising domestic dust up is one of the most wanted fights in Britain right now:
1. They are both seasoned boxers
Both unbeaten pros were outstanding amateurs.
Joyce won ABA titles, a European bronze, world bronze, Olympic silver, Commonwealth gold, European gold, and was a member of the Team GB squad for a number of years.
Dubois had a fine record of 69 wins from 75 bouts and was a successful amateur, but Joyce was elite level, reached higher heights and collected more accolades in the unpaid ranks, but Dubois has more of a title count in the paid game, with nine belts claimed already compared to the 'Juggernaught's' three.
Joyce can also claim to fighting at a higher level in the pros, despite less fights and silverware. He has beaten a former world champion and a world title contender. In his last fight in December 2019, he decisioned world title contender Bryant Jennings (24-4), who went 12 rounds with Wladimir Klitschko in 2015. Joyce and Jennings jousted at the O2 Arena in London last July and gave the Brit a valuable 12 rounds at a high level, which would come in very handy for future fights. Prior to that, he stopped former WBC champ Bermane Stiverne (25-3-1) in six rounds, dropping the Haitian in the third.
Dubois was on the same show blasting Nathan Gorman (16-1) away in five rounds to win the Lonsdale belt that he and Joyce were meant to meet for previously.
Unlike Joyce, Dubois has fought twice more since then, demolishing unbeaten Ebenezer Tettah (19-1) in one round to scoop up the Commonwealth and WBO International heavyweight titles, then he finished the year by smashing through Japanese fighter Kyotaro Fujimoto (21-2) in two rounds and grabbing the WBC Silver strap.
Nathan Goman was a fine victory for 'DDD' but he was still at domestic level, and then his following two victims were poor opponents with pumped up records. In conclusion, Joyce has the upper hand in experience and levels in both amateur and pro.
2. No one thought the fight would happen (But here we are)
These big guys were ordered to fight once before.
The BBBofC ordered the pair to face each other for the vacant British heavyweight title around April last year, but both parties requested a delay, which meant that discussions extended into the summer, with Joyce eventually backing out to chase bigger honours instead.
There have been uncertainties surrounding this forthcoming match up, but the good news is that the boxers have agreed to terms to fight, according to promoter Frank Warren, and it will be happening, albeit an entire year on from when they first should have arranged it. There's even talk of the European heavyweight title being added in, which is a belt that Joyce has been after for some time and also the next trophy in the collection for Dubois after claiming English, Commonwealth and British belts.
3. It's a 50-50 fight
Young Daniel Dubois is only 22, whereas Joe Joyce is 12 years his senior at 34. It's already firmly established that the man from Putney, who spent years in the Team GB squad facing opponents like Oleksandr Usyk, has far more experience in boxing than the current British champ has.
Both have KO'd all but one of their oppoents, each boasting a KO ratio of over 90%. However, 'DDD' arguably has the upper hand in the power department, just.
As witnessed from the Greenwich powerhouse's last victory against the eccentric Fujimoto, he’s got dynamite in his fists, knocking the Japanese national down with just his jab. When he faced domestic rival Nathan Gorman, it was his power that was the catalyst to his victory. Gorman is a very slick, clever fighter, but he was knocked all around the ring and couldn't withstand the 240-pounder's power. That fearsome force could give him leverage in his fight with more KO power than the more seasoned Joyce, who beats his victims into submission rather than icing them out cold with one big blow.
Dubois has the heavier hands and can stun opponents at any given moment. Joyce is more of an unrelenting pressure fighter, who turns up the heat when he senses blood and pummels his opponents into surrender.
Daniel Dubois vs Joe Joyce would truly be a 'Battle of Britain' and these bold boxers are actually setting an example to those higher up, such as Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. Fight fans just want to see the best fight the best, which then elevates the sport, creates more excitement and anticipation, draws in new fans, and gets heads talking and debating especially with many wanting to wager on the bouts. You can get great bookmakers offers at thebookiesoffers.co.uk in this real pickem' fight, which further adds to the excitement and investmentinto this showdown, as you prepare to follow this exciting scrap. Online betting sites give you the convenience you need in the build up to fight night, with plently of bookmakers offering various options to win. It can quite often make the experience even more exciting for spectators.
Conclusion
As it is customary, there will be a press conference before the big night, but these humble guys likely won't exchange many choice words or threats. It will be professional and clean, but also tense and stiff, as the pair will use every opportunity to stare each other down and assert their authority, trying to gain that slight edge over the other. This is where you may get answers to who looks more convinced and confident in lead up to this high-risk fight.
Regardless of the result, there's no losers in this battle. Dubois has a long and illustrious journey ahead of him and Joyce, despite his advanced age, is still youthful and energetic with many big fight nights to come.
Brace yourself for an exceptional encounter!