Young British heavyweight Dubois to make first appearance since defeat to Joe Joyce last year
Daniel Dubois returns to the ring on Saturday for the first time since he lost to Joe Joyce last November. Dubois, who before the defeat had had 14 knockouts in 15 fights, faces Bogdan Dinu, a Romanian with a career record of 20 wins and two defeats (to Kubrat Pulev and Jarrell Miller). The World Boxing Association Interim heavyweight title is on the line, with the bout taking place in front of a crowd of 1,000 at the Telford International Centre.
What time is the fight?
The boxers are expected to walk out to the ring at 10pm, but that depends on the length of the bouts taking place on the undercard.
How can I watch on TV?
The fight will be shown live on BT Sport 1 with coverage starting at 7pm.
What happened last time Dubois fought?
The defeat to Joe Joyce – a vastly more experienced boxer – culminated with Dubois taking a knee in the 10th round and being counted out. That led many to accuse the 23 year old of ‘quitting’. In the aftermath of the loss it emerged he had suffered a broken orbital bone and nerve damage around his left eye.
What has he changed since?
Since that catastrophic first career loss Dubois has changed trainers – leaving Martin Bowers and joining forces with Shane McGuigan. Dubois says the move has helped him “shake off his demons.”
What are they saying about the fight?
Daniel Dubois is ready to prove he’s over the Joyce defeat and that he’s one of the world’s best.
“I needed a test and didn’t want to come back with a soft touch,” the 23 year old said. “I believe I’m world level. I’ve dealt with setbacks before, and in my mind I was always going to come back. I’ve had that experience, and I need to come back from it.
“It’s now the next step in my journey. There’s always pressure. I’m a human. I feel those nerves, but I feel fresh, happy and ready to go…proving people wrong is just a bonus.
“If I box properly it will happen, I will get the knockout. With Shane’s help and experience, it’s the fresh start I needed. The experience, and the lack of it, is what happened against Joe Joyce. You will see a new me.”
Frank Warren, Dubois’ promoter, is sure fans will see a good fight.
“There is a lot on the line. It was very unfortunate how it panned out for Daniel against Joe Joyce, but he is a young man and still has a lot to give. We have two big, very fit and hard-hitting heavyweights here and you will see something special. I hope it goes the way we want and Daniel re-establishes himself.”
Who will win?
Expect Dubois to take the fight to Dinu, but start carefully behind his jab in the opening rounds, before landing his heavy trademark right hands to stop the visiting fighter inside six rounds.