“I’LL BE GUNNING FOR A TITLE SHOT!”

A rollercoaster of a year is an accurate way to describe Frank Warren’s 2020 even if we are only in February! His Queensberry promotions took a massive blow only a few weeks ago with his world featherweight champion Josh Warrington leaving to sign back to Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom. But things definitely start to be looking on the up and up following this mainly because of Tyson Fury’s historical success on the weekend who represented the promotion as he claimed the WBC title. This is not the only event still fresh on the lips of boxing fans though, as Warren announced his two domestic heavyweight champions Joe Joyce and Daniel Dubois will be going to war on April 11^th this year.

This bout has captured the interest of British boxing fans around the nation as these two undefeated prospects have been destroying opponents by way of KO and now look to step up their quality of opposition by facing off against each other. Joyce prides himself on his Olympic background where he won a silver medal in Rio. Dubois on the other hand, brags not with a chip on his shoulder, but with several belts on it instead as he’s secured 9 domestic titles in his 14 pro bouts. ‘Dynamite’ Dubois is putting it all on the line as the victor on the night takes his four current belts as well as the vacant European heavyweight title.

Queensberry promotions have a decorated roster of domestic champions who are highly ranked in the world such as Jack Catterall and Liam Williams neither of which have had a shot at their respective titles yet. Warren will be hoping that isn’t the case for the winner of the ‘seek and destroy’ card that Dubois and Joyce are headlining. The two titans are already ranked top 15 for the WBO and WBC belts so after April 11^th, one out of the two will have earned a spot in the mixer for a shot at either title.

In a BoxingGuru exclusive, Joe Joyce was able to talk to us regarding his Great British showdown coming up as well as what the future holds for him.

“I have an abundance of experience being in major fights such as during the Olympics, Dubois hasn’t nor has he been in any hard fights whereas I’ve been through the trenches and am battle hardened”

Juggernaut Joyce compared how his fight would fare compared to the Fury victory last month and explained what could be in store for him post April.

“The Wilder vs Fury fight will play out similarly but Daniel will come out like a bull looking for the KO whereas Wilder was content waiting for the right hand.

“After I deal with Dubois I will see what opportunities Warren and my team come up with. Frank mentioned a potential title shot with the winner so I will be gunning for that.”

As Fury already has the WBC belt, if Joyce or Dubois had a shot at the WBO or any others which are held by Matchroom’s Anthony Joshua, it would see Queensberry dominate the heavyweight division which is where the spotlight is so often shone in Boxing. A fight high in the demands of fans though, is the unification war between Fury and Joshua, Kubrat Pulev stands in the way of this for now as he faces Joshua in June, but there is no telling what is to come in the latter stages of 2020. Given that fight goes ahead and the Gypsy King dethrones AJ, all the belts will be on Warren’s side instead of Eddie Hearn’s.

It goes without saying that Matchroom boxing has been at the forefront of British boxing promotions for years with Eddie Hearn at the wheel and a roster full of World Champions including Joshua. But now with Tyson Fury holding one title in the heavyweight division and Warren’s prospects nearing a title shot with Joshua, Queensbury are still as present as ever. Even in lower divisions their fighters lie in wait for a title shot but all focus is on the heavy brutes of boxing and April 11^th will be a springboard to the prestigious world belts for the ‘Juggernaut’ or ‘Dynamite’.

So, there may already have been low points to 67-year-old Warren’s year but the experienced promotor has opportunities at hand and will be looking to finish the rollercoaster of a year on a high possibly because of his Olympic medallist or 5 belt-holding national champion.

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Max Taylor articles