The British boxing’s heavyweight super-fight between Daniel Dubois and Joe Joyce (pictured) will now take place at The 02, London on Saturday October 24th. The showdown between British champion Dubois and fellow Londoner Joyce, an Olympic Silver medallist, had been scheduled for July 11th but the coronavirus pandemic 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 will finally take place in October. Joyce (24-2 which includes the World Series of Boxing pro fights) and Dubois (14-0, 13 KOs) are within touching distance of a world title challenge and the winner will add the vacant 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, 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 10th. Hopefully in the near future I will be able to get some good overseas sparring in. I’ll be ready for October 24th, so I hope Joe is coming prepared.”

 

Joyce, 34, won the Commonwealth title in just his fourth fight and his best win came against former WBC 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.

 

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.