By Sean Jones: Joe Joyce will be back with trainer Ismael Salas for his next fight against Daniel Dubois on April 11 at the O2 Arena in London, England.
The 2016 Olympic super heavyweight Silver medalist Joyce (10-0, 9 KOs) was recently with Adam Booth as his trainer, but now he’s being reunited with his old coach Salas for his important fight with the unbeaten Dubois (14-0, 13 KOs).
This is going to be a tough fight for the 34-year-old Joyce regardless of who trains him, as he’s going up against the young 22-year-old Dubois, who has been mowing everyone down lately.
The power, speed and youth advantage go to the 6’5″ Dubois. What we don’t know is how good of an engine Dubois has, since his opposition has been pedestrian for the most part.
Salas was Joyce’s trainer a long time ago when he was with David Haye, and now he’s back with him. There’s not much Salas will be able to do to improve Joyce’s lack of hand speed unfortunately. He’ll just have to work with what he’s got.
Dubois predicting knockout of Joyce
“Of course, I’m 100 percent ready. Let me put it this way, I’m going to put Joe asleep,” said Dubois to Good Morning Britain. “Bring your sleeping bag, Joe. This is not the Titanic. You’re Titanic. Who have you fought? You have fought no one. Listen, we’re both at this point in our careers. I need this fight. I’ve been waiting a long time for this.
“This is a career defining fight, and after this one I’ll move on to a world title,” said Dubois. “I’ve got world championship potential. Listen, I’m just looking to be the best that I can be, and on this journey it’s going to be exciting while it lasts. I’m going to put Joe to sleep, and I’m going to be ready for it.
“Joe is getting knocked out. You’re going to have to rock and roll, man. I don’t think it’s going the distance either. I’m not a round predictor. It’s going to be when it happens.
Dubois won’t be getting a world title shot immediately if he wins this fight. IBF/WBA/WBO heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is busy with other fights this year, and the same with WBC champ Deontay Wilder. If Dubois keeps working hard, he could get a shot in 2021 or 2022. It might take a situation where he’s the mandatory before he eventually gets a chance for a world title fight.
Joyce to Dubois: “You’re getting put to sleep”
“It’s going to be a massive fight, and you’re going to get knocked out at the end of it,” said Joyce to Dubois. “I don’t have a similar record. All my opponents have had winning records, whereas I don’t know if you saw Daniel’s last fight. Who has he fought? Knockout [win for] ‘Joe Joyce, stoppage,'” said Joyce when asked for his prediction for the Dubois fight.
“You’re getting put to sleep. Daniel is going to come in and try and stall me early on, but you may not be able to deal me in them later rounds when I’m punching him in the face, and punching him in the body. He’s not going to like it,” said Joyce.
This is going to be a war of attrition between these two big heavyweights. Dubois’ best chance for a knockout is if he gets Joyce early. If Dubois can’t get Joyce out of there in the first six rounds, he’ll probably need to go the full 12 rounds, and hope that he can win a decision.
Throughout my career I have been lucky to work with the very best trainers Boxing has to offer.
Grateful for all the knowledge they have passed onto me.
I am preparing for #SeekAndDestroy out in Las Vegas and it’s great to be reunited with Ismael Salas for this fight camp. 👊🏾 pic.twitter.com/RtHrpeUicl
— Joe Joyce (@JoeJoyceBoxing) February 11, 2020