Joe Joyce stuns Daniel Dubois with a 10th round knockout

Heavyweight boxers Daniel Dubois and Joe Joyce put their undefeated records on the line, but Joe Joyce proved that experience trumps youth. 

Daniel Dubois and Joe Joyce came into their Saturday, Nov. 28 heavyweight bout undefeated and as boxing prospects. They both left the ring with added respect and stature, but Joyce (12-0, 11 KOs) walked away with the win and multiple British titles.

Although they are separated by 12 years in age, Dubois and Joyce have been rivals since both are from the U.K. and vying to be the future of the heavyweight division. At 23 years old, Dubois (15-1, 14 KOs) was the favorite despite Joyce being the decorated amateur who won the silver medal at the 2016 Olympics. He also won a bronze medal at the 2015 world championships.

The two fought at the Church House in Westminster in front of what sounded like a handful of spectators with fans watching around the world on BT Sport and ESPN+. It looked like Dubois had the edge in the early going, but Joyce came on as the fight entered the later rounds.

Joe Joyce and Daniel Dubois fought competitively, but Joyce’s power proved too much for Dubois

Dubois started to connect with his right cross in round 2. Joyce took his punches well, but Dubois’ shots sounded and looked harder than Joyce’s, but looks can be deceiving.

By round 4, Dubois’ face started to show the effects of Joyce’s power. Both came into the fight with knockout percentages in the high 90s. Joyce’s hands were slightly slower than Dubois’, but they were accurate.

Dubois slowed noticeably in round 9, and his left eye was swollen shut. Joyce looked like the fresher boxer and started to impose his will.

In round 10, Joyce tagged Dubois with a strong left jab that dropped Dubois to his knees. The punch landed squarely on Dubois’ injured eye, and he had nothing left. He took the 10-count and remained on one knee. Joyce pulled off the 10th round knockout and will shoot up the heavyweight rankings.

At 35 years old, Joyce’s career is winding down even though he’s only 12 fights into his career. With his KO of Dubois, it’s hard to argue against Joyce as a title contender. Time will tell who’s willing to fight the undefeated Joyce.