Traditionally, the tactics and progress of a fighter’s training, leading up to a bout, is shrouded in secrecy to ensure that opponents don’t catch wind of any new weaknesses and put extra work in to exploit them. However, this is not the case with the upcoming Joe Joyce versus Daniel Dubois match.
In a recent interview, the exciting Heavyweight boxing prospect Dubois has dismissed concerns surrounding his main sparring partner, Solomon Dacres, signing a contract with the rival camp of Joyce. This fight is seen as the biggest test for Dubois, and his short career, as he is fighting against a much more experienced boxer. But despite this, Dubois has insisted that “it won’t change anything”. Read on to see what the different camps think about the situation, and the effect it will have on the Dubois v Joyce odds.
In regards to Dacres joining the Joyce camp, the 23-year-old Greenwich born knockout specialist has simply said, “on fight night, I’ve just got to get in there and put it all on the line. I’ll be ready for that.” This unorthodox approach to the training both fighters are conducting in the lead up to the fight has led many punters to think that Dacres may be leaking information on the key tactics that Dubois and his trainer Martin Bowers will employ.
Dubois has hit back in confident fashion when asked if he thought any information or intelligence on his preparations could be leaked to Joyce, stating, “I’m changing all the time. Right now, I’m on a different level to what I was last week. I just keep stepping up.”
It has been no secret that Dacres has chosen to work with both fighters, and there doesn’t seem to be any bad blood or grudges held regarding the situation from either group. Dubois commented on the unusual nature of the situation, suggesting “it’s a new one for me… It’s boxing. You’ve got to do what you’ve got to do. I don’t begrudge these fighters, he’s out for himself, and if that’s the path he’s taking I can’t say too much on that.” This level of confidence and professionalism shown by Dubois speaks volumes on how he views himself and his chances of winning the fight.
Bookies have Dubois as the favourite to win the bout, largely because of his impressive resume and epic punching power. Whilst there are many other factors that come into play when speculating on a winner, but both fighters boast unbeaten records and the main difference being the age gap and the speed at which they start their fights.
Joyce tends to be vulnerable in the early rounds of his fights and walks into jabs and overhead bombers whilst gaging distance, and setting up his own counters. Dubois on the other hand, starts his fights on the front foot, applying pressure to his opponents with his jab and quick footwork.
The fight is sure to keep viewers glued to the screen during a time when we all crave high-quality entertainment. Regardless of the obstacle, whether considering Joyce’s unbeaten record, the global pandemic, or the potential leak of intelligence by Dacres. Dubois believes there is nothing that can stand in his way, stating, “I’m going to be unstoppable. I’m just rising up and up. This is the next step for me and I just know what I can do.”
