Greenwich heavyweight Daniel Dubois: I’m in the hurt business – and I enjoy it
BY RICHARD CAWLEY
richard@slpmedia.co.uk
Daniel Dubois has laughed off Nathan Gorman’s claims that he came out on top when the two heavyweights sparred during their GB amateur days.
Greenwich-born Dubois enjoys home advantage when the pair meet on July 13 at the O2 Arena.
The South Londoner has won nine of his 10 fights inside the distance.
Gorman, from Nantwich, also boasts a perfect record of 16-0.
The vacant British title will be at stake as the two prospects square off in a little under two months.
Promoter Frank Warren is pitching two of his emerging talents together – similar to when he also allowed George Groves and James Degale to meet for the domestic strap in 2011. Both men would go on to win world titles at super-middleweight.
Asked about Gorman’s claims that he did not get outclassed when the pair sparred between 200 and 300 rounds in the unpaid ranks, Dubois said: “It means nothing – that statement can go to the wind.
“If that is what he thinks, fine. He can think whatever he wants.
“I know what I’ve got to do and I know the mood I will get to closer to the fight. I will be ready.
“There has been a lot of talk about this fight, there will be attention but I think Nathan is going to be my easiest fight so far and after I’ve got him out the way I’m after Joe Joyce and whoever is left.
“There is so much potential in me.
“The GB squad with Nathan is all a blur and the past. I have got what it takes to deal with him and it will be easy. Be careful what you wish for. I’m here and will get the job done.
“If I hadn’t shown my skills I wouldn’t be here. It has been hard work, but I am here. To go in the record books as British champion is something else and a step towards being top of the division.
“I am in this business to make a name for myself and win whatever titles they throw at me. These are guys I’ve got to come through and I will do it. I am pretty cold blooded, so this is just me, this is the hurt business and I enjoy it.”
“I am kind of relaxed about it all and I have an idea in my head about how the fight is going to go down. In fact I am sure about it.
“Every fight does excite me, this one maybe so a little bit more. It depends on my mood, I can’t really say so myself sometimes, but I am feeling really good and I feel confident for this one.
“I am ready to get it on.”
Gorman is trained by British ring legend Ricky Hatton.
“I say it the way it is because it’s what I believe,” said Hatton. “You will always get honesty from Ricky Hatton.
“I believe I have got the best man and he wins by knockout. If you know Ricky Hatton I don’t do BS.
“Nathan needs to hit Daniel with something significant to get respect from him and stop him in his tracks.
“Little arm shot ticklers are not gonna work against Daniel. We have a game plan and think it will work on the night.”
Gorman has been a professional since the end of 2015.
He said: “We [him and Dubois] were on the GB squad for two years together and we did 200 or 300 rounds sparring and I don’t think I lost one.
“He thinks I’m his easiest opponent so far, but I bring a lot more than all the other opponents he has fought.
“They have just wanted to get the payday and go home. I want to win and be British heavyweight champion.
“If me being his easiest fight is motivation, fair play. I’m not and he knows it. This isn’t going to points and I am trying for the KO. I am the underdog and people might say I will get knocked out, but we’ll see.
“The all-time greats have been boxers and I have a boxing brain. Some great names have won the British title and it will be the greatest moment in my boxing life to win it at the o2 Arena.
“I’m not sure if Daniel is Frank’s golden goose, but after July 13 I will be his number one boy.”
Promoter Frank Warren said: “It’s not the end of the world for the loser between Daniel and Nathan. Dereck Chisora has shown you can come good after losing.
“I wanted to put the fight on this December, but I spoke to the boys and they made the fight. They wanted it.
“There is nothing better than watching two young heavyweights in there. They are exciting young talents and the next generation. This is a throwback fight.
“These guys and Joe Joyce are going to be in the picture when Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua come back from America.
“The British Boxing Board of Control put out the fight between Joe and Daniel. I spoke with Joe’s team and they were looking at their position as mandatory challenger to European champion Agit Kabayel and WBA regular champion Manuel Charr, so go in another direction for now.”