Joe Joyce produced a terrific performance to upset Daniel Dubois with a tenth-round stoppage in their heavyweight clash at London’s Church House.
Joyce inflicted the first defeat of Dubois’ career to maintain his own unbeaten record as a professional and take the British, Commonwealth and European titles.
Dubois had gone into the fight as heavy favourite to continue his rise up the heavyweight ranks, but it was clear from the first bell that a more even contest was in store as Joyce’s jab caused the defending champion problems.
Dubois was burdened throughout by swelling to his left eye and it was that injury that eventually ended the fight in slightly anti-climactic style.
With the bout seemingly set to go the distance, and still too close to call, the 23-year-old took a knee and was counted out after wearing one too many jabs, his eye closing completely after a sharp punch from Joyce early in the tenth.
Joyce, an Olympic silver medalist in 2016, did not turn pro until the age of 31 but has now won all 12 of his fights, 11 of them by stoppage.
Immediately after the fight, he set his sights on a WBO heavyweight title fight against unbeaten Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk, though promoter Frank Warren suggested a potential rematch in front of a full-house when the coronavirus pandemic allows.
More to follow.
