Daniel Dubois-Joe Joyce will happen without fans

One of the anticipated Heavyweight contender battles in the U.K. will still be happening soon, just not without fans. This after a Friday afternoon announcement from Queensberry Promotions promoter Frank Warren that “Dynamite” Daniel Dubois and Joe Joyce will fight, likely in November, at the BT Sport studios.

"The biggest domestic heavyweight clash in years."

Terms have been agreed for Daniel Dubois to fight Joe Joyce behind closed doors later this year.

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— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) October 2, 2020

In a statement, the veteran British promoter said,

“Since we couldn’t have an audience present in October I’ve worked day and night to ensure this fight still happens.

“It’s the biggest domestic heavyweight clash in years and it’s testament to the character of both fighters that they are willing to step up and take the fight on, even with all the restrictions and obstacles in their way.”

Both Dubois and Joyce won tune-up fights in separate main events against easy opposition with no fans at the BT Sport TV studios in London earlier in the Summer.

The undefeated (15-0, 14 KOs) 23 year old, Dubois knocked down Ricardo Snijders four times in just two rounds of action before referee Marcus McDonnell, mercifully ended their late August bout.

Joyce is 11-0, and delivered an early knockout of German Michael Wallisch in just three rounds to hold up his end of the bargain back in late July. The 35 year old former Silver Medalist in the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics and also was a former MMA fighter, previously.

“It really is winner-takes-all,” added Warren. “In Daniel, you have a lad who most in world boxing consider to be the hottest young prospect in the heavyweight division.

“If Joe wins, then he’ll be ready for world titles too.” 

The Joyce – Dubois fight has been postponed twice due to Covid-19 and had been tentatively scheduled for the O2 Arena and potentially with some fans socially distanced. Warren announced that refunds are available for those who had already advanced purchased, even though an official date had not been announced.

It is believed that the fight will now be either to November 7th or the 14th to be after Matchroom Boxing’s two Heavyweight contender showdowns starting with Oleksandr Usyk and Dereck Chisora fighting on Halloween night. And then, on November 21st Dillian Whyte’s last chance to remain relevant in the division will be his rematch with Alexander Povetkin, who kayoed him with one uppercut in August.

Ultimately, Warren and the winner of Dubois-Joyce would hope to have a potential title shot in 2021. However, both Unified Heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua and WBC belt holder, Tyson Fury have obligations with other fights upcoming late this year. And, they also want to fight each other in the first part of 2021.