Daniel Dubois will face Joe Joyce behind closed doors in November or December.
Dubois and Joyce reached an agreement on Friday, following three postponements to stage the highly-anticipated British, Commonwealth and European Heavyweight title showdown without fans and a date is now being decided, reportedly between November 28 or December 5.
Promoter Frank Warren had initially been sceptical of staging the clash without fans, however following the UK government’s latest restrictions on crowds, Warren has acted to ensure the fight happens in 2020.
“Since the government let us know we couldn’t have an audience present in October I’ve worked day and night to ensure this fight still happens,” Warren said.
“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.
“I’m delighted that Queensberry, BT Sport and the fighters were all willing to come together to make this happen and deliver big time for British boxing fans.”
Undefeated Brits, Dubois (15-0, 14 KOs) and Joyce (11-0, 10 KOs) were set to meet on April 11 at the O2 Arena and then on July 11, before an October 24 date was set, yet all three dates were scrapped, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
‘Dynamite’ stormed past Ricardo Snijders in two rounds in August and the 23-year-old intends to inflict another brutal display, on his former Team GB teammate.
“Nothing’s changed from February when I first said I’d knock Joe out,” Dubois explained.
“It’s a tough fight, he’s a good fighter, but I’m looking to deliver another devastating performance and move on to fight for a world title.
“I’m just glad we can finally get it on. I know we’ve both been looking forward to it and I’m sure the British public are just as excited as we are for us to finally fight.
“Joe is going to find out just how explosive Dynamite really is.”
Olympic silver medalist, Joyce halted Michael Wallisch in three rounds in July and the ‘Juggernaut’ has predicted an equally dramatic meeting.
“The fight is finally on and I can’t wait to get my hands on this guy,” the 35-year-old said.
“It’s going to be an explosive night.”
Dubois is the number two ranked contender by the WBO, whilst Joyce has top 15 ratings in both the WBO and WBC and Warren, who promotes both expects the winner to move towards a shot at either of the current champions, Anthony Joshua or Tyson Fury.
“It really is winner-takes-all,” Warren added.
“In Daniel, you have a 23-year-old lad who most in world boxing consider to be the hottest young prospect in the Heavyweight division.
“If he can do to Joe Joyce what he’s done to the 15 men that came before him, he’ll be ready to go for a world title in my opinion.
“Joe might be a little older than Daniel, but in my books he’s every bit as exciting a prospect. He has so much more experience than Daniel, as an amateur, that I’d be surprised if he doesn’t go into the fight as many people’s favourite.
“If Joe wins, then he’ll be ready for world titles too.”
Warren confirmed that all ticket holders will receive a refund from their ticket agent.
