Frank Warren: Daniel Dubois-Joe Joyce fight will only go ahead with a live audience
Daniel Dubois’ promoter has warned that his domestic showdown with Joe Joyce will only happen if crowds are allowed back to boxing.
The 22-year-old Greenwich heavyweight had no problems breezing past Ricardo Snijders on Saturday night to move to 15-0 and successfully defend his WBO International title.
Dubois knocked the Dutchman down three times in the first round and Snijders showed no appetite to continue after a fourth trip to the canvas when the action resumed.
It was the South Londoner’s first action since December and was intended to be a tune-up before he clashes with Joyce.
But there is now serious doubt that the bout will take place at Greenwich’s 02 Arena. The Covid-19 pandemic has already seen it pushed back from April to July – and then again to October 24.
Dubois took on Snijders at BT Sport’s studios in Stratford with no paying punters.
Warren, who also manages the young prospect, said: “We’ve got to see whether we’re going to get a live crowd in there [in October].
“Hopefully we’re going to get to know about that in the next week or so. It’s got to [go in front of a crowd] – it’s not something we want to be doing behind closed doors.
“It needs a live audience but, in saying that, we don’t know what is going to happen over the next six months regarding sport and live audiences.
“We’ve got to keep the sport going and keep the fights on. Joe got out against [Michael] Wallisch and it was Daniel’s chance tonight [Saturday]. He’s done the business. Now we want to get the two guys in the ring and see who is best.
“Once the government give the green light we’ll obviously do what we need to do to make it happen.
“But if there is a problem and we can’t get bums on seats then we’ve got to make a commercial decision.”