Dubois vs. Joyce Postponed Until July 11; Other Important UK Fights in Limbo

Few fights without a world title imprimatur have attracted as much buzz as the forthcoming match between undefeated British heavyweights Daniel Dubois (14-0, 13 KOs) and Joe Joyce (10-0, 9 KOs). As recently as yesterday, March 16, promoter Frank Warren was predicting a sellout.

Unfortunately, that event has been pushed back until mid-July. Another fight of significance, Josh Taylor’s defense of his WBA and IBF 140-pound title belts against Apinun Khongsong, has also been impacted. Scheduled for May 2 in Glasgow, the bout has been cancelled. Carl Frampton’s June 13 date in Belfast with reigning WBO featherweight champion Jamel Herring is still on, but it goes without saying that the match is in jeopardy.

Here is the official press release from the desk of Frank Warren, the founder and president of Queensberry Promotions:

“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 the 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.

Regarding the two events we currently have on sale, we can confirm the following:

The ‘Seek and Destroy’ Event being headlined by Daniel Dubois v 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 can not attend the new date can obtain a refund from their original point of purchase.

World Champion Josh Taylor’s homecoming, scheduled for May 2 at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow will no longer take place on this date. Refunds are available from the point of purchase. We are currently working with the SSE Hydro, Top Rank and MTK Global to identify a suitable alternative date to reschedule the event for the Scottish fans.

Queensberry Promotions and Top Rank have already reached agreement for Carl Frampton to challenge Jamel Herring for the WBO World Super-Featherweight Championship in Belfast in June. The event was due to be announced this week. At this moment in time, we are still hopeful of being able to stage this event in June, however, we will monitor the ever-changing landscape surrounding the Covid-19 Pandemic. Details of the date, venue and location will be announced in due course.”

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