IN APRIL, 2017 Boxing News sat down with Daniel Dubois for the first time, in what was the first major feature with the then-teenage heavyweight published anywhere. Little was known of the kid from London, other than that he had apparently dropped Anthony Joshua in sparring and then signed a professional contract with Frank Warren.
Incidentally, the issue of the magazine in which the feature appeared hit the shelves on April 20, 2017, just nine days before Joshua knocked out Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Stadium in what is arguably still the greatest moment of his career to date. On the cover of that issue, of Dubois we asked: “The new Joshua?”
Now, more than seven years on, Dubois has just knocked out Joshua in the very same stadium with an iconic fifth-round finish in front of more than 96,000 fans.
Below, we have published the conversation between Dubois and Boxing News’ senior reporter Declan Taylor in full. Have a look back at what Dubois, just 19, made of the comparisons with Joshua, his view of the sparring rumours and his hopes and dreams for the coming years. It has been quite a ride for the Londoner.
‘I HURT EVERYONE I SPAR’
When you consider touted heavyweight prospect Daniel Dubois has sparred Anthony Joshua – among others – it’s time to pay attention, writes Declan Taylor.
April, 2017
DANIEL DUBOIS can barely be heard over the usual hubbub in the cafe at east London’s famous Peacock Gym. The seat on which his 6ft 5in, 17 stone frame is perched struggles to hold him up too.