Double Dubois delay as Greenwich brother and sister must wait

Caroline Dubois will have to wait to book her ticket to the Tokyo Olympic later this years, as qualifiers have been postponed.

The IOC Boxing Task Force (BTF) has decided today to suspend the current Boxing Road to Tokyo European qualifier in London.

The European qualifier, which started on 14 March 14, was halted half way through it’s 10-day run.

Greenwich’s Dubois beat Ala Staradub of Belarus on points in the opening bout of the Boxing Road to Tokyo Olympic qualifying event.

She now faces Rio 2016 bronze medallist Mira Potkonen in the next round.

The 19-year-old lightweight and current BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year was making her senior debut after an undefeated youth record.

Dubois said: “This is the first fight which is always the worst one. It was okay, not my best, and if you ask any of the coaches, they’ll tell you that. I can be much better.

“To be the best, you’ve got to beat the best. Potkonen is obviously a top seed but at the end of the day she only has two hands, two legs and one brain and that’s the same as I have.

“It’s going to be a good fight for sure. If anyone has pressure, it’s Mira Potkonen.

“How is she going to feel getting into the ring with a 19-year-old? In her mind she will be thinking that she can’t lose to someone my age.”

* Greenwich’s Daniel Dubois’s fight against former Earlsfield ABC Olympian Joe Joyce has been postponed.

One of South London’s biggest contests of recent years has been moved from its original date on April 11 at the O2 Arena due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The eagerly anticipated clash of rising British heavyweight contenders is now scheduled for July 11 at the same venue.

A statement from promoter Frank Warren read: “Following the guidelines and advisory measures announced by both the government and The British Boxing Board of Control, Queensberry Promotions feel it would be inappropriate to proceed with any forthcoming boxing promotions in front of live audiences during April and May.

“The coronavirus situation is evolving rapidly and we will continue to follow the Government’s guidelines to ensure the health and safety of the paying public, staff and the participants.

“Daniel Dubois vs Joe Joyce on April 11 at the O2 Arena has now been rescheduled to Saturday July 11, still at the O2 Arena.

“Tickets will remain valid for the new date, however people who cannot attend the new date can obtain a refund from their original point of purchase.”