IVAN DYCHKO NEXT FIGHT CONFIRMED

Press Release: By Probellum - LOS ANGELES, JUNE 20 – Ivan Dychko takes his 100% KO record to Argentina this week as the giant Kazak returns to the ring. 

Credit: Probellum

 
The hammer-fisted Dychko will be looking to secure a 12th knockout from as many pro fights in Buenos Aires on Thursday (June 23) when he locks horns with local favorite Kevin Espindola. 
 
The 10 round heavyweight clash takes place on the WBA’s KO Drugs Boxing Festival and will see 6’9” Dychko fight for the first time under the Probellum banner, having signed with the global promoters earlier this year. 
 
MEET DYCHKO AS HE TALKS FURY, WILDER AND JOSHUA VS USYK 
 
Dychko, a former sparring partner of Wladimir Klitschko, Tyson Fury and Deontay Wider, says that once he has dealt with Espindola, he will only be looking for “big fights”. 
 
Dychko, a two-time Olympic bronze medallist, said: “I am ready for big fights and very soon, I will be ready to fight the world champions in the heavyweight division. 
 
“I had a great amateur career and now I have picked up a lot of KOs in the pros.  Everybody knows I have good technical ability, but my 11 knockouts show that I punch very hard. 
 
“I know my heavyweight rivals are watching me.” 
 
To keep updated on Dychko’s fight this week, sign up to our newsletter or follow Probellum on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.     
 
You can also follow our official news, results, and information account, Probellum News, on Twitter.   

 

 

 

 

 

About Probellum    
Launched in September 2021, Probellum is a global boxing promoter, and the fastest-growing brand in the sport. 
 
Following the success of the opening two shows in December 2021, Probellum has already held back-to-back world championship nights in Dubai, as well as a packed card in Newcastle. 
 
The world title action then headed to Liverpool last month where Paul Butler won the WBO bantamweight crown. 
 
Probellum’s elite stable of fighters also includes Nonito Donaire, Regis Prograis, Estelle Mossely, Sunny Edwards, Eimantas Stanionis, Donnie Nietes and Dina Thorslund. 
 
But the company has also recruited the next generation of stars with Peter McGrail, Mark Dickinson and Pat and Luke McCormack, Shabaz Masoud and Spencer Wilcox among the young talents under the Probellum umbrella. 
 
Since launching, Probellum has signed co-promotional partnerships with some of the biggest promoters globally, including DiBella Entertainment (US), Wasserman (Germany), Universum (Germany), GYM (Canada), Maravilla Box (Spain), Team Ellis (Australia), Titov Boxing Promotions (Russia), Volcano Boxing (El Salvador), BXSTRS Promotions (Mexico), PR Best (Puerto Rico) Glozier Boxing (New Zealand), Box Office Sports (Ghana) and LNK Boxing (Latvia).        

 

Material and Photo Courtesy of: Probellum Used with permission.  

 

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved. 

 

 

Beterbiev-Smith: Boxing’s Latest Unification Clash

Longtime readers of this observer’s work and particularly those who have followed The Boxing Truth® are likely familiar with a column that I have penned over the last several years that typically serves as a beginning of the schedule at the beginning of the year. “A Boxing Wishlist.” While as time has gone on there are more than one item that unfortunately remains on the list year after year, one of the more consistent items is my wish to see all world championships unified to determine one undisputed world champion per division amongst the sport’s seventeen weight classes.

As I have pointed out frequently whenever the subject of a unification bout arises, my wish may seem overly optimistic and impossible for a variety of reasons including, but not limited to the various sanctioning organizations, with their own mandates, the slew of interim/regular championship designations throughout the sport, rival promoters that tend to shy away from working together even though it would benefit the fighters that they represent, and finally rival networks that have their own agendas, which unfortunately more often than not contradicts with what is good for the sport of Boxing and more specifically the public/consumer’s desire to see world champions face each other to determine who is the top fighter in a given weight class.

Although all of the above should be viewed as negative and among many reasons why Boxing continues to be prevented from reaching it’s true potential, recent times have seen progress in unification bouts taking place on a somewhat regular basis and one thing that I personally feel encouraged by, an undisputed champion defending his title against a mandatory challenger who held interim championship status in an organization, who’s world championship the champion held, and did so in a reasonable timeframe. While the decision of former Undisputed Lightweight world champion George Kambosos to defend his title against a deserving WBC number one contender in Devin Haney proved to be a costly one as Haney scored a dominant twelve round unanimous decision to win the championship, one cannot argue that Kambosos’ decision to fight the top contender that was available not only showed a true fighter’s mentality, but more specifically benefited the sport in showing that an undisputed champion was willing to take on arguably the most dangerous opponent possible for his first title defense.

Now a few weeks removed from that fight, which took place in Melbourne, Australia, the Boxing world now prepares to focus on another division that is taking another step toward full unification. This time, the 175lb. Light-Heavyweight division as undefeated WBC/IBF world champion Artur Beterbiev will face WBO world champion Joe Smith on Saturday, June 18th at Madison Square Garden in New York City, NY. The fight, which can be seen here in the United States on digital subscription sports streaming network ESPN+ refocuses the spotlight on the division that is still buzzing over undefeated WBA world champion Dmitry Bivol’s dominant victory over Undisputed Super-Middleweight world champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez in May. While Bivol’s victory threw a monkey wrench into Alvarez’ plans to attempt to fully unify a second weight class, there was little doubt as to who won that fight though not many among the casual fan who knew of Dmitry Bivol prior to that fight and thus were not familiar with his Boxing style and skillset that bewildered Alvarez over the course of twelve rounds.

An argument that could be made that is a flaw to a degree is that when a fighter that enjoys the star level that Alvarez does enters into a division to seek more acclaim, it does take away from those fighters who might hold world titles in the division that are not fortunate to be involved in a fight with Alvarez. Though the flaw in choosing an opponent that was not stylistically favorable was exposed by Bivol defeating Alvarez in convincing fashion, the two other world champions in the division Beterbiev and Smith were unfortunately pushed to the background.

If there is a silver lining, it could be that by facing each other it could make the winner’s chances of meeting Bivol down the line for what would be the undisputed championship higher now that Bivol took care of his business against Alvarez and barring a potential rematch between them down the line, it would theoretically leave Bivol free to meet the winner of this fight. While that is a subject to discuss more extensively at a later time, it does underscore the high stakes that are involved here in this fight beyond three versions of the World Light-Heavyweight championship being on the line. 

As for the fight itself, this will be an encounter between two fighters that like to come forward. Both Beterbiev and Smith are aggressive fighters that have shown a willingness to get in and mix it up with their opponents. Although each man has also shown the ability to box and earn decision victories, given the styles of both fighters, it would not shock me if this fight were to come down to who is able to land their power punches first as both have also shown the ability to score quick and sudden knockouts. When it comes to fights like this that feature fighters with similar styles going against each other, it always interest me to see who will take the initiative from the outset. 

With two fighters that like to come forward and apply pressure on their opponents, something as simple on the surface as who initiates the combat can actually prove to be crucial. This is because of the similarities between the two fighters in that the fighter that fails to initiate things and more specifically attempt to control the tempo of the combat, will be forced into a position they might not be comfortable with in being on the receiving end of a pressure attack and it might be how that fighter adjusts that will ultimately determine how this fight will be fought and could even determine the outcome.

Both fighters have shown the aforementioned attributes as well as an ability to adapt when hurt, so this has the potential to be an all-action fight for however long it lasts. Now with the spotlight firmly focused on them, with both world champions not pushed to the background by the circumstances and politics that be in the sport, it is simply a question of who will be able to seize the opportunity.

“And That’s The Boxing Truth. “

Beterbiev  vs. Smith takes place on Saturday, June 18th at Madison Square Garden in New York City, NY. The fight as well as its full undercard can be seen in the United States on digital subscription sports streaming network ESPN+ beginning at 6:25PM ET/3:25PM PT. For more information about ESPN+ including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices/platforms/Smart TVs, instructions on how to access ESPN+ through the ESPN app, and to subscribe please visit: www.ESPNPlus.com. 

*Check your local listings Internationally.

*Card Subject To Change

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

Follow Beau Denison on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Beau_Denison 

Vitali Klitschko To Be Honored With The Arthur Ashe Award For Courage During The 2022 ESPYS Presented By Capital One July 20 Live on ABC

 Press Release: By ESPN - Former Heavyweight Boxing champion and mayor of Kyiv, Vitali Klitschko, will be honored with the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage at the 2022 ESPYS, airing live on July 20 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. The award is given to a deserving member of the sporting world who makes a difference far beyond the field of play, impacting the world in indelible ways.

Credit: Press Office Of Vitali Klitschko

 

Klitschko, who has been the city’s mayor since 2014, has been a central figure in his country’s defense since it was invaded by Russian forces in late February. As the capital city endured a weeks-long siege and fought to keep Kyiv under control, Klitschko has served as one of the faces of the Ukrainian resilience inspiring people around the world. Together with his brother Wladimir, also a former heavyweight champion, the Klitschkos pledged to take up arms alongside their fellow citizens, and were leaders in Ukrainians’ remarkable response to the invasion. That response included other boxers out of the nation’s rich tradition of fighting like Vasiliy Lomachenko, the two-time Olympic gold medalist and one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world, and Oleksandr Usyk, a top heavyweight contender, returning home to join defense battalions themselves.

 

"It is a great honor for me to receive this award,” said Klitschko. “I am convinced that this is a recognition of the courage and inviolability of the Ukrainian people, who have been bravely resisting the Russian aggressor for more than 3 months. This is an award for everyone who defends the independence and freedom of Ukraine.”

 

The Klitschkos are, perhaps improbably, the sons of a Soviet major general, and grew up boxing in the old Soviet amateur system. Vitali finished his professional career with a 45-2 record, winning a WBO heavyweight title and maybe most memorably fighting Lennox Lewis in a tightly-contested, vicious 2003 bout that had to be stopped due to a deep cut over Klitschko’s eye (and his impassioned pleas to let him keep fighting).

 

Vitali Klitschko first entered the Ukrainian political sphere in 2006, on a hiatus from boxing, when he ran for mayor of Kyiv and finished second in the election. He would remain politically active even as he returned to the ring, and initially committed to running for president in 2014 before ultimately entering the mayoral race and winning. He’s since become the longest-serving mayor in the city’s history, remaining a prominent figure in the country. That, of course, has continued in wartime, with Klitschko speaking at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland just a few weeks ago, imploring its influential audience that their biggest mistake would be to think that impact of the war in Ukraine is confined to its borders.

 

“Vitali’s poise and strength as his city and country faces unfathomable tests have far surpassed the incredible resolve he demonstrated as one of boxing’s top heavyweight champions,” said Executive Editor-At-Large ESPN Content, Rob King. “His commitment to the people of Ukraine has been a global inspiration, and his bravery is a prime example of the resilience of the human spirit. It is our privilege to bestow him with the Arthur Ashe Courage Award.”

 

The Ashe Award has become one of the most prominent, prestigious, and talked-about honors in sports, and has recognized global icons like Muhammad Ali and Nelson Mandela, little-known heroes like Zaevion Dobson and Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah, sports legends like Pat Summitt and Billie Jean King, and many more.

Material Courtesy of: ESPN/ Photo Courtesy of: The Press Office of Vitali Klitschko Used with permission.

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

 

 

 

OHARA DAVIES REACTS TO WBA DECISION AND MAKES SANDOR MARTIN PREDICTION

Press Release: By Probellum -

Credit: Problem 

LONDON, JUNE 14 – Ohara Davies has been left baffled by the WBA’s decision to overlook him for a shot at the world title.

‘Two Tanks’ was hoping to be picked to fight for the vacant super lightweight belt but learned on Sunday night, that No1 ranked Alberto Puello had been chosen to face Batyr Akhmedov, who sits at No6. 

The WBA also confirmed that Ismael Barroso, the Venezuelan puncher who withdrew from a November clash with Davies, will fight the winner. 

Davies, No3 in the rankings. has been left to face Spain’s Sandor Martin in an eliminator while former world champion, and fellow Probellum fighter, Regis Prograis has been told he would replace any of the contenders if they chose to pull out. 

“When I found out about the WBA’s decision, I was gutted,” said Davies, who fights in Leeds on Saturday night. 

“I felt like I should have been given the shot next because I was meant to fight Ismael Barroso, but he pulled out of our fight, so I don’t understand how he can be made mandatory challenger for the title? 

“I didn’t understand the WBA’s decision, but I have had to fight my whole life, and this is just another fight.” 

Davies, who is also keen to fight Newcastle’s Lewis Ritson down the line, respects Martin’s ability but is confident of stopping the Spanish southpaw. 

“There is also a feeling of relief that I get to fight Sandor Martin in an eliminator, because I now get the chance to wipe the smile off Eddie Hearn’s [Martin’s promoter] face,” Davies added. 

“Martin is a good fighter, he’s hard-working and he came in as the underdog against Mikey Garcia and got the win. He’s fast on his feet and a good boxer but one thing I know is that he isn’t a puncher.   And all it will take is one right hand to the chin, from me, and it’ll be all over. 

“After this fight in Leeds, give me another eight to 10 weeks and I will be ready for Sandor, whether it’s here or in Spain.” 

To keep up to date with the latest news on Davies’ world title journey, sign up to our newsletter or follow Probellum on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.    

You can also follow our official news, results, and information account, Probellum News, on Twitter. 

About Probellum   

Launched in September 2021, Probellum is a global boxing promoter, and the fastest-growing brand in the sport.

Following the success of the opening two shows in December 2021, Probellum has already held back-to-back world championship nights in Dubai, as well as a packed card in Newcastle.

The world title action then headed to Liverpool last month where Paul Butler won the WBO bantamweight crown.

Probellum’s elite stable of fighters also includes Nonito Donaire, Regis Prograis, Estelle Mossely, Sunny Edwards, Eimantas Stanionis, Donnie Nietes and Dina Thorslund.

But the company has also recruited the next generation of stars with Peter McGrail, Mark Dickinson and Pat and Luke McCormack, Shabaz Masoud and Spencer Wilcox among the young talents under the Probellum umbrella.

Since launching, Probellum has signed co-promotional partnerships with some of the biggest promoters globally, including DiBella Entertainment (US), Wasserman (Germany), Universum (Germany), GYM (Canada), Maravilla Box (Spain), Team Ellis (Australia), Titov Boxing Promotions (Russia), Volcano Boxing (El Salvador), BXSTRS Promotions (Mexico), PR Best (Puerto Rico) Glozier Boxing (New Zealand), Box Office Sports (Ghana) and LNK Boxing (Latvia).     

Material and Photo Courtesy of: Probellum Used with permission

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

  

ANTHONY JOSHUA JOINS DAZN IN LANDMARK DEAL

 

• The long-term partnership secures Joshua’s fights for broadcast on DAZN; cements DAZN’s UK business; and reinforces its position as the global home of boxing 
• In this ground-breaking deal, the UK’s iconic two-time heavyweight champion will also become a global brand ambassador as well as a special advisor to, and shareholder in, DAZN Group
• DAZN customers already had unrivaled access to the world’s greatest fighters, including Canelo Álvarez, Ryan Garcia, Gennadiy “GGG” Golovkin, and Katie Taylor; and so, the deal is the logical next step for DAZN and the natural choice for Joshua.

Press Release: By DAZN – London, June 13, 2022 – DAZN Group, the global sports entertainment company, today confirms a ground-breaking deal with Anthony Joshua that propels it to becoming the world’s leading boxing broadcaster.  

Credit: DAZN

 

The partnership will see Joshua’s future fights broadcast on DAZN’s sport entertainment platform to customers worldwide. DAZN is the global home of boxing. Its customers have unrivalled access to the world’s greatest fighters, including Canelo Álvarez, Ryan Garcia, Gennadiy “GGG” Golovkin, and Katie Taylor. And so, this deal is the natural choice for Joshua and the logical next step for DAZN as it brings even more iconic boxing talent onto its platform and expands its UK footprint.

 

DAZN’s tie-up with the UK’s biggest boxing superstar comes amid strong global expansion for the sports entertainment platform, which is already a market leader in Italy, Spain, Germany and Japan where – alongside other world-class live sports content – it holds top tier football rights including Serie A, La Liga, Bundesliga, J League and non-domestic English Premier League. The deal with Joshua marks a pivotal moment for the UK-headquartered business as it drives to expand in its home market.

 

Expanding on their existing relationship, Joshua has deepened his partnership with DAZN by becoming a shareholder, special advisor, and brand ambassador for the business. As a special advisor, Joshua will join DAZN’s strategic advisory board as the business develops its global boxing offering by providing a richer and more immersive experience for its customers.

 

Anthony Joshua said:

 

“I am entering a new phase in my career with a new training environment, new coaches and now a new broadcaster. Negotiations at this level take time so I am pleased to have it all wrapped up and now I can fully focus on giving the fans and DAZN what they want, knockouts in the glamour division. 

 

I've been working with DAZN and following its progress for a long time. We have enjoyed a really successful partnership in the US for many years and I know the team and understand the passion and drive of the business. 

 

DAZN's vision and passion to innovate is what attracted me to the partnership. They are leading the digital landscape in sport and the future of sports broadcasting. I am really looking forward to a long and successful partnership.”

 

Shay Segev, CEO, DAZN Group, said: 

 

“AJ is a hugely popular and influential sportsman. His alignment with us and his investment in our business speaks volumes. This deal is his seal of approval for our vision and our direction as a business. We welcome his passion, his drive and – most significantly – the vast audiences he attracts.”

 

In addition to being a world-class fighter, Joshua is an entrepreneur and businessman. He founded management business 258 MGT in 2016 and represents boxing’s greatest rising stars, including Josh Buatsi, Derek Chisora and Ben Whittaker. His partnership with DAZN is a testament to his belief in the business strategy.

 

Freddie Cunningham, 258MGT Managing Director, said: 

 

“We are delighted to have concluded this landmark agreement with DAZN. I would like to thank the whole team at DAZN, 258MGT and Matchroom Boxing for helping bring this deal to completion. 

 

We were really impressed with the vision DAZN showed us for the future of Anthony’s career, it was clear from the discussions that we have a shared goal of bringing the fans the biggest fights possible and a partner committed to investing heavily to make them happen.”

 

Eddie Hearn, Chairman, Matchroom Boxing, said: 

 

“We have been successfully working in partnership with DAZN for many years now and this new announcement with Anthony Joshua emphasises why they continue to set the standard for the future of sports broadcasting. We have a shared vision with DAZN to make it the unrivalled home of boxing for fans across the world. Now with Anthony joining the team the stage is set to do even more together and we are looking forward to getting started.”

 

Reimagining the way people enjoy sports, DAZN is available in over 200 countries and territories. It is the leading sports broadcaster in Japan, Germany, Italy, and Spain, where it has top tier football rights as well as a range of other exciting live and non-live sports content. With further expansion planned, DAZN’s ambition is to become an indispensable part of sports fans’ lives – a true destination – shortly offering recreational betting, news, e-commerce, and gaming and introducing richer and more interactive entertainment for customers to enjoy alongside live sports.

 Material and Photo Courtesy of: DAZN Used with permission.

For more information about DAZN  including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices/platforms/Smart TVs, availability around the world, local start times in your area, and to subscribe please visit: www.DAZN.com.

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

 

 

The Redemption Of Daniel Dubois

A fighter’s career can at times resemble the twists and turns of a good book. With any good story, the normal process at least in the context of a book, is normally chronicled through various chapters. One could say that a fighter’s career should be thought of in a similar way.

It was not long ago that Heavyweight contender  Daniel Dubois was one of the division’s hottest rising stars. By quickly establishing himself as a “Knockout Artist,” it seemed as though Dubois may have been on a relatively quick path towards a shot at a version of the World Heavyweight championship.

An issue that fighters that were in Dubois’ position typically face as they continue to score quick knockouts is skeptics that all too often express both opinions and doubts as to how good a fighter might be. Although there is usually a point where a fighter is tested and are able to quell those skeptics, there are times when either criticisms remain and/or a fighter comes up short when tested.

For Dubois, he would come up short in November 2020 when he was stopped by fellow unbeaten Heavyweight Joe Joyce in a bout for the British, Commonwealth, and European Heavyweight championships. Although the end for Dubois in that fight came as a result of being dropped by a hard jqb and suffering a broken eye socket, which resulted in the fight being stopped, it is at times difficult for a fighter to shake off a label that can be placed on them as a result of a loss.

In this case, it was the opinion of some that Dubois could have continued in that fight. It should be no secret to longtime readrrs that this observer has at times called out such comments, which are often made by fans. The primary reason why I have done this on occasion though everyone is entitled to their own point of view is because more often than not, such opinions are rooted in bias and often tend to ignore facts as a means of justifying the narrative. The obvious fact that was ignored by those who felt that Dubois quit in the fight against Joyce was that he had suffered a severe injury to his left eye and was not able to continue.

While yours truly does not intend to criticize a point of view that a fan might have, which in an era of ever advancing technology and social media there is no shortage of opinions on just about any subject one might think of, I do feel that there are times when folks allow their bias to influence their comments and in the case of a fighter like Daniel Dubois, it was not exactly justified for him to have a label placed on him even though he did come up short in suffering the first loss of his career to Joe Joyce by knockout.

A saying that this observer has come to believe in and appreciate that can be applied to a fighter that suffered a setback like Dubois did is, it is often how a fighter deals with setbacks/defeats that will truly determine what they are made of.

After compiling two knockout wins following the loss to Joyce, Dubois found himself in a position to face a top contender in the division in the form of undefeated Trevor Bryan. While the fight against Bryan had an interim/regular championship designation attached to it as far as the World Boxing Association (WBA) Heavyweight ratings were concerned, this fight represented something more valuable for Dubois. An opportunity.

For all it’s flaws, Boxing is after all a sport of opportunity. In this case, this fight not only presented Dubois with the opportunity to move himself closer to a potential world title shot, but more specifically, it offered the opportunity of redemption for him in a fight that would have significant attention. When the two met on June 11th at the Miami Jai Alai Casino in Miami, FL it was simply time to see whether Dubois was ready for this opportunity. Although I stated in previewing this bout that Daniel Dubois’ biggest asset was his punching power, he showed something that was a bit surprising in this fight even for a seasoned Boxing lifer like yours truly. Despite his earned reputation as a power puncher, Dubois implemented a measured tactical approach in this fight from the opening bell. Now, the reason why I was surprised was not so much the choice of tactics Dubois used, but more specifically the patience he showed.

A misconception that some can have about fighters that are able to garner a reputation as a “Knockout Artist” is that the fighter simply has one objective, to seek and destroy. What can be overlooked however, is the tactics that can be used to set up a fight ending by knockout. Patience was the key for Dubois as he quickly established a hard right hand as the focal point of his offense, but also worked off his jab. The patience he had was displayed by the way he controlled distance not allowing Bryan the opportunity to get close where he may have been able to land something that may have turned the ebb and flow in his favor in an exchange of offense. This along with periodic offense to Bryan’s body prevented him from getting into any sort of rhythm.

It also did not take long to see the effects of Dubois’ right hand on Bryan as he frequently was stunned and hurt by the Dubois right hand. Despite the one-sided tempo of the combat, the thought did cross my mind that perhaps Bryan’s strategy was to weather whatever Dubois had in the early rounds and gradually step up his output as the fight progressed with the thinking that stamina could be an issue for Dubois. While this is usually a wise approach against a power puncher, the flaw with the strategy at least in regard to this fight was Bryan was not active enough in the early going and the fight was fought at such a pace that the issue of stamina was not likely to become an issue for Dubois as at no point was he over aggressive and seemed as though there was a possibility of punching himself out. This can be directly attributed to his patience in waiting for the opportunity for a knockout to come to him as opposed to trying to force it and in doing so, potentially put himself at risk and give Bryan the chance to turn the momentum in his favor.

The opportunity for Dubois to end the fight came in round four. As he had done in previous rounds, Dubois staggered Bryan with a right hand and this sent Bryan almost scrambling in an attempt to get his feet under him. The effects of the punishment however, were all too evident and Dubois sensing that the end was near pounced with a short flurry of punches that ended with a flush left hook to the jaw sending Bryan down hard on the canvas. The fight was over as Bryan failed to beat the count.

While obviously this victory should be viewed as the best of his career to date, Daniel Dubois executed a near perfect fight plan that one might say will be implemented by other fighters throughout the sport in terms of how to pace themselves and use patience. Now as the WBA’s top contender, Daniel Dubois will likely wait for the outcome of the upcoming rematch between undefeated IBF/WBA/WBO/IBO world champion Oleksandr Usyk and former champion Anthony Joshua before deciding his next move.

No matter what is next for Daniel Dubois, his setback against Joe Joyce should be viewed as just that a setback. Simply put, Dubois has shown in now three fights since that loss that he can bounce back and if one is objective, he has redeemed himself by winning a significant fight that may indeed lead to an even bigger opportunity. 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

The Boxing Truth®️ is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

Follow Beau Denison on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Beau_Denison 

Bryan-Dubois Preview

With the apparent retirement of undefeated two-time Heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury, the current holder of the WBC Heavyweight world championship, as well as undefeated unified WBA/IBF/WBO/IBO world champion Oleksandr Usyk heading towards a rematch with former two-time Heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua later this year,  the Heavyweight division could be heading towards a period of transition or at least a period of time that may allow some of the top contenders an opportunity to maneuver up towards a potential world title shot.  In the case of undefeated Heavyweight contender Trevor Bryan,  he for the moment is in a position of being on the outside, looking in. Despite his status as a mandatory challenger per his holding an interim/regular championship designation in the WBA’s Heavyweight ratings, Bryan is unfortunately in a position where he has to wait for either a winner to emerge from the Usyk-Joshua rematch or perhaps wait for an opportunity to open to fight for the WBC championship if one were to become available to him.

 

Under such circumstances,  a fighter in his position faces a dilemma that can be viewed as both simple and complex depending on one’s perspective. The dilemma of whether to sit and wait for his shot,  which he has earned and the lucrative payday that is likely to come with it or to try and remain as active as possible by fighting other’s top contenders,  but risk his mandatory challenger status by doing so. What also should be taken into consideration are the circumstances of the ongoing global COVID-19 epidemic, which as we have seen continues and varies depending on the circumstances of the virus depending on a given location.

 

Fortunately for Bryan, he has been able to make his decision and not as of now had that decision affected by the circumstances of the epidemic. The decision to fight on and take on all comers.

 

In his last two fights, Bryan scored a stoppage of former WBC Heavyweight world champion Bermane Stiverine and most recently scored a twelve round split decision over previously unbeaten Jonathan Guidry in January. Although Bryan had difficulty in that bout with Guidry, he did what he had to do to maintain his number one ranking and was able to continue building momentum.

 

Now, Bryan looks to continue the momentum building process when he faces top contender Daniel Dubois on Saturday, June 11^th at the Miami Jai Alai Casino in Miami, FL in a fight that can be seen in the United States on FITE Pay-Per-View. This figures to be an interesting fight that one could perhaps argue is a crossroads battle.

 

Daniel Dubois is a power puncher who has scored knockouts in sixteen of his seventeen career wins. The one blemish kn Dubois’ record came when he was knocked out in  ten rounds by undefeated contender Joe Joyce in a fight where Dubois suffered a broken eye socket.

 

Although Dubois has scored two knockout wins since suffering the lone defeat in his career in November 2020, some may question whether Dubois is ready to step up again. The story of this fight is a relatively  easy one to describe. While Trevor Bryan is the fighter with the most of the momentum going into this fight, one might argue he also has the most to lose in this fight per his current position in the division

 

Dubois ' biggest asset is his punching power and more specifically, when he is able to jump on opponents early in fights. Bryan meanwhile seems to perform best when he is able to make fights be fought at a methodical pace.

 

With this in mind, this observer feels it is crucial that Dubois force the fight on Bryan early, but je must not be reckless in doing so. It is important to remember in his loss to Joe Joyce, Dubois was extended into the tenth round in that fight amd as it progressed, his offense gradually decreased. Dubois must pace himself in anticipation of being extended into the middle and late rounds of this fight.

 

Although the two fighters are similar with regard to height and reach at 6’4 and 6’5 and 78” and 79” respectively, Bryan’s last fight against Jonathan Guidry was one where the shorter Guidry was able to keep the fight competitive and was able to do so by periodically having success in getting on the inside of Bryan’s reach.

 

While a similar situation may not exist in this fight due to the similar height and reach between the two fighters, Bryan must try to control the tempo of the fight, but must he wary of both Dubois’ power and must avoid falling into lulls over the course of the fight, which allowed Guidry to make up some ground during the fight. Even though the possibility of this fight ending suddenly in favor of either fighter is very real, conventional wisdom would suggest that Bryan will likely try to extend Dubois into the middle and late rounds as Joe Joyce was able to accomplish.

 

 

 

Regardless of the label that the WBA has on this fight, what is really at stake for both men is the chance to move up the list of potential challengers either for the winner of the Usyk-Joshua rematch or if the WBC championship does indeed become vacant,  a way to possibly maneuver themselves into a fight for a vacated world championship. This observer should not have to explain the obvious. Tgere could be significant opportunities for the winner of this fight and along with them plenty of money to be made.

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

Bryan vs. Dubois takes place on Saturday, June 11^th at Miami Jai Alai Casino in Miami, FL. The bout can be seen on a pay-per-view basis in the United States on digital combat sports streaming network and pay-per-view platform FITE beginning at 4PM ET/1PM PT. For more information about FITE including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices/platforms/Smart TVs, local start times in your area, event availability, to order,  and for instructions on how to download the FITE app, please visit: www.FITE.TV.

 

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

 

Follow Bea Denison on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Beau_Denison