I think Dubois should take 1 more fight before Joyce then face him later this year. I don't mind if Frank builds it up a bit.
Dubois is actually a really good shot-maker. Plants his shots well and has variety. I like him. There was no need for him to get in a gunfight with Lartey though, that was only going to benefit the Ghanian. Dubois needs to stay calm and trust his ability and not get drawn into fist fights. I personally rate him higher than Joyce and definitely Gorman.
I'd be a bit worried about Dubois at this point. His inexperience had him losing his rag there for a minute, suicide against a decent counter puncher. He still looks wide open for the counter as well. It was nice to see his reaction to taking a punch but a bit disturbing it was against this calibre of opponent. I don't think he looks ready to step up yet personally, I think it would be a shame to rush him too much seeing as he so young anyway, he got a few years to hone his skills and get ring experience. Right now he looks raw as anything to me, a more seasoned fighter can totally exploit him. I think in the future he could be something but right now I don't rate him much which is sad.
Was a good fight to watch, Dubois whisker's were tested and passed. Lartey hung in there longer than expected, all be it by foul means with constant clinching.
I don’t think there’s anything to worry about. The only thing Dubois is guilty of is experience. He’s not gona get that fighting cans. Last night was perfect for him. I just think they should get him a few more of that level, winnable fights against fighters who come to fight. I think Joyce at the moment would just have too much for him.
Completely agree with this. Expecting him to not take a shot or not make the occasional mistake is a little wild to my mind. He still won very easily but was made to work a bit more for it
Must have been sparring with Okolie. I’m amazed he didn’t get any points deductions because he quite clearly held on a ridiculous amount of time as the ref was trying to pull him off. It reminded me of going clubbing back in the 90’s (nightclubs not baby seals) and two women would fight before locking on...the doormen would have a harder job separating them than they would with men cos they were proper latched on.
He's a good advert for the benefits of a decent amateur career to young heavyweights. I realise he's already earning good money, but watching him I wonder if he would have a longer, more lucrative career if he'd stayed in the amateur game for one Olympic cycle?
At his age, definitely. Joyce spent far too long but Dubois is till only 21. If he turned pro after the next olympics in 2020 he would still only be 22/23. Being an Olympian seems to be a massive selling point. Degale, Joshua being prime examples but then even losers like Okolie is sold on the back of it, Fowler went out first round.
The ref probably thought why deduct a point? It would make no difference whatsoever and im sure he would be quite happy to take a DQ.
Yeah, obviously it's easy from the outside, I don't know his personal circumstances, maybe he felt he had no choice? It's a pity though. He could've been adding the experience along with building a profile in fights that wouldn't be taking as big a physical toll. He has a fantastic physique, he's brave, he seems like a throughly likeable guy. He could've come out at 22 both experienced and a hero, however his pro career went. As it is he looks very raw and getting the balance between learning and progression is going to be difficult. I am rooting for him and Gorman too but if I had to bet I'd say they will both fall short for different reasons.
I could be way wide of the mark here but from the outside looking in, Warren was desperate when he signed Dubois and instantly was pushing him and Yarde as superstars and it’s sort of rushed them. I wonder if right now Frank had signed him when he’s in a much better position would he have let him go to the olympics and/or progress a bit more as an amateur.
Yes it's a good point and probably a separate topic. Both those guys have been rushed to supposed 'star' status far too soon. Most of the brickbats grown at Yarde were because he was overhyped for the level he was at.