Sky is the limit for Daniel Dubois

Every so often a boxer comes along who just has that special something, who is blessed with a unique blend of power, physique and mental strength. Throughout Daniel Dubois’ early career, it was clear that he was a cut above the rest of the pack, and that he was a fighter who was destined to go on to do great things.

Now, with 15 professional fights under his belt, and no defeats, it’s evident that Dubois is living up to the hype. The Londoner is a powerhouse of the heavyweight division, and over the last couple of years has been building himself up to a higher and higher level.

His next fight is set to be a defining moment in the career of Dubois, as he takes on fellow Londoner Joe Joyce. At 35, Joyce is 12 years Dubois’ senior, but the most intriguing aspect of this upcoming bout is the fact that both fighters boast unbeaten records. Assuming the 12-round fight on November 28^th does not end in a draw, one of the two men will be losing their hard-earned unbeaten streak.

The current Dubois vs Joyce odds place the younger boxer as the favourite for victory, and if Dubois can earn the win you feel as though it could be the gateway to bigger and better things. After all, the 23-year-old will undoubtedly have his sights set on challenging those at the very top of the division – the likes of Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua – and if he can prove against Joyce that his talents merit a match-up with fighters of that ilk, there could be big things ahead for the man from Greenwich.

Dubois has gained a reputation as a fearsome puncher, and his fight record speaks to his ability to devastate opponents. Of his 15 professional wins, 14 have come by way of knockout or technical knockout, proof that Dubois is no mug when it comes to throwing the hard punches. It’s those kind of knockout qualities that put Anthony Joshua on the map when he was coming through, and Dubois will be eager to follow in the footsteps of Joshua, with whom he has sparred in the past.

Joyce will provide stiff opposition, perhaps the toughest Dubois has faced in his career up to now. The Commonwealth Games gold medallist is a fearsome competitor, and has a similar knockout record when compared with Dubois. Joyce also has a slightly greater reach, which could play a part against Dubois, who will be eager to get close to land a knockout blow.

But it’s hard to imagine Dubois being fazed by any opponent he comes up against. His aim has always been to reach the top, and every opponent that stands up to him will simply be viewed as another hurdle to be jumped.

In a 2017 interview with the Daily Telegraph, Dubois gave an insight into his overarching goal: “There is still a long way to go, but I believe I will be number one in the world someday soon.” Three years on, victory over Joyce later this month would be a significant step on that journey.