Daniel Dubois vs Joe Joyce is the most eagerly-awaited domestic heavyweight showdown in years, and Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions have put together a stellar cast of big names to get their expert predictions on Saturday night’s big fight.
Dubois vs Joyce: Fighters and writers have their say
Reigning world champions, former world champions, star prospects, major promoters and leading writers. They all have their say on the main event at London’s historic Church House, Westminster. The action starts at 1930 GMT on Saturday night, live on BT Sport 1 HD.
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Tyson Fury
“I want to be there for that. I want to be the commentary man for that fight. That’s a fight I do not want to miss. Both good fighters. Joe’s a big strong unit, Juggernaut, get in the way he’ll run you over. Daniel’s big and strong and youthful, fresh. They’re both good fighters and it’ll come down to who wants it more on the night. They’re both capable of winning, they’re both capable of pulling victories out and they’re both capable of knocking the other person out. It’s a fight you don’t want to miss. Watch it live and exclusive on BT Sport.”
David Haye
“I can see it going both ways. I can see Dubois being able to stop Joyce if it’s an early shootout. But, if it’s not an early shootout and it becomes a boxing match, I believe that works in Joe Joyce’s favour. So I’m going to go with the man I know, the man I’ve seen take some beatings and soak it up, I’m going to go with Joe Joyce by points decision or late stoppage.”
John Fury
“I’m a little bit worried about whether it’s too early for Daniel Dubois. Joe Joyce is a big, strong seasoned man. We know he’s got a good engine and he can hold a shot well. It’s a hard one, but for my money it’s a bit too soon for Daniel Dubois.”
Andy Lee
“I see it being a shootout. I think Dubois’ extra speed will give him the edge and I think he’ll win by knockout.”
Ricky Hatton
“I think most people will lean to Dubois slightly because he’s a man in form. He’s a little bit fresher. Joe’s had a very distinguished amateur career, maybe he has a few more miles on the clock than Daniel. He’s quite versatile Joe. He can do pretty much everything. His style is a little bit in-your-face, though, which might suit Daniel Dubois. I think it’s a 50-50 fight, but Daniel might be a little bit fresher… I think that might just make the difference.”
Paulie Malignaggi
“My prediction is an explosive fight. Could go either ways. They’re both big-punching guys looking for the big one. I edge towards Dubois at this moment.”
Richie Woodhall
“I think if Daniel Dubois can land a big shot early on it’ll be his contest. If Joe can get through the first 3 or 4 rounds and take Daniel into the later stages… then the tide could turn after 5 or 6 rounds. If I had to put money on it, I’d probably just fancy Daniel to be honest.”
Liam Williams
“I think it’ll be a very good fight. I quite highly favour Dubois, but if Joyce can weather a bit of a storm then I think he’s in with a chance. If you put a gun to my head, I’d have to put my money on Dubois.”
Nathan Gorman
“It’s a real 50-50 fight in my opinion. I think lot of people are writing Joe off, but it’s a lot closer than that. Joyce has got a good amateur pedigree. Daniel on the other hand is a big power puncher, massive backhand. Under six I’ll favour Daniel, over six it’ll be interesting to see what happens.”
Tommy Fury
“50-50 in my mind. Obviously Joyce can shift a shot, he’s more experienced coming from the amateurs. He’s had some good fights as a professional. Then you’ve got a young boy Daniel Dubois, British champion on his way up. I know it’s a cliché to say that if it goes long Joyce will win it and if it goes short Daniel will win it but really, I just wish good luck to both men hope they put up a good fight and may the best man win.”
Carl Frampton
“This ones really interesting. Both guys are punchers. Dubois is technically better than Joe but Joe, even though he looks really unorthodox, he’s got an engine like I’ve never seen before in my life. I was lucky enough to train with him and I’ve never seen a fitter boxer. He’ll want to apply his pressure to Dubois and make him work hard from the start. I think it’s going to be a great fight, Joe’s going to force the pace from the start and he’s going to walk onto a lot of shots so it’s all about how well his chin holds up. The later the fight goes on the more chance that Joe has but I’m going to stay with Dubois on this one. I think Dubois will get to him at some point, probably a stoppage in the middle rounds.”
Liam Smith
“I think it’s a top fight between two very good Heavyweights who are both on the up. It’s a good clash of styles. If Dubois has it in the tank, I think he wins, he’s better all round. If he doesn’t, and doesn’t do Joyce in the first few rounds, then Joyce could come on for a late stoppage. But, my pick is Dubois win, 4-6 rounds.”
Mark Tibbs
“I believe ‘Dynamite’ Dubois is gonna explode on point and extinguish Joe Joyce within six rounds.”
Troy Williamson
“A lot of people are writing Joe off, but he’s GB’s most decorated amateur for a reason. I’m going for JJ win.”
Lou DiBella
“I love this fight – clash of styles, with the outcome in doubt. Big Joe is physically strong, durable, more experienced, and has reach… but he’s slow. Dubois is more mobile, can be explosive, and has potential out the ying-yang. This is a great domestic brawl. The kid’s more athletic and I’m predicting a mid/late stoppage for Daniel.”
Anthony Ogogo
“Going to be a great fight, two of the biggest prospects in Heavyweight boxing tearing it up, like the good old days. It’s as close to a 50/50 as you can get but I’m slightly leaning towards Joyce as he’s more experienced in big matches, his physical maturity and experience in big fights and competition like the Olympics , etc.”
Jon Pegg
“I keep changing my mind on this one. I’m going for the Peacock Gym team to tip the balance with their experience and Dubois to get a hard fought stoppage around 7.”
Kalle Sauerland
“I think it’s an excellent 50/50 fight and has the makings to be a classic. Dubois is a phenomenal talent but is this a match-up too early for him? I could not pick a winner as there are too many unknowns but if I had too I would have to pick Joyce because I have seen him in the deep end before. Good luck to both.”
Ron Lewis (Leading Boxing writer)
“This is a real gut check for Dubois. As much as people will predict big things about his future, he has never beaten anyone nearly as good or experienced as Joyce and I could easily see Joyce wearing down Dubois and stopping Dubois. However, I think the difference between the pair is defence. Joyce doesn’t mind taking a shot and at some point that will be his downfall. Joyce will take some shifting but if Dubois catches him cleanly enough often enough, he will stop him. Dubois 7-9.”
Chris McKenna (Daily Star)
“I believe Dubois will have to come through some storms early in the fight, Joyce will be relentless and will pile plenty of pressure on while may even come close to forcing a stoppage of his own but I think the younger man will dig deeper and find something late on. But it will need the referee to take Joyce out as he will be brave and want to fight on.”
Sarah Shepherd (The Athletic)
“We know a few things going into this fight: Joe Joyce has a granite chin and serious engine and Daniel Dubois can absolutely bang. Combined, those factors suggest we will see Joyce look to survive an inevitable onslaught in the first few rounds and take Dubois into deep waters late on. I’m not sure he makes it and can see the referee stepping in to save him before it gets that far.”
Wally Downes (The Sun)
“I can’t back against Daniel, his rise and his camp has been so seamless and continuous whereas Joe, for all his talent, has never really settled anywhere or been the main man. I have only seen Joe Hurt once and that was to the body. I think Daniel will target that and get the job done.”
Gareth A Davies (Telegraph, talkSPORT)
“This is an enticing, thrilling match-up and a crossroads fight for both Dubois and Joyce. Dubois has the edge in speed and devastating power, but Joyce looks like he means business and victory would elevate him into the top of the division. If Joyce is still there and intact after six rounds it will be fascinating, especially if Dubois has been tested by Joyce’s punches. I think Dubois wins this, if he can take those punches, around the sixth round.”
Mike Costello (BBC 5Live)
“It could be one to remember, coming at such a pivotal time for both. I believe the accuracy of Dubois with the left hand – the jab and the body shot – will be the key factor in the outcome, offsetting the greater work rate of Joyce.”
