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Frank Warren exclusive on Daniel Dubois, Dennis McCann

Boxing

Frank Warren exclusive on Daniel Dubois, Dennis McCann

Frank Warren exclusive on Daniel Dubois, Dennis McCann

In a social media dominated world, 32Red ambassador Daniel Dubois prefers to let his actions speak for him but the unbeaten heavyweight’s ‘All of the Belts’ crusade has begun to capture the public’s imagination.

The 22 year old already has the English and British title belts amongst an ever growing collection and will aim to add the Commonwealth title to his trophy cabinet when he takes on unbeaten Ghanaian puncher Ebenezer Tetteh at the Royal Albert Hall this Friday night. For all the latest fight odds, visit our sportsbook.

“He’s doing it at a very young age too. He’s only got 12 fights under his belt and I think this will the seventh belt he’s fought for. He’s a man on a mission and he’s looking bloody good in every fight he has,” show promoter Frank Warren told 32Red.

“He’s done really well when you consider where he’s come from but he’s got real ability and I fancied that from the very first time I saw him. I thought he was capable of doing these things. He lives and breathes boxing and something else you have to add to the equation is the fact that he and his trainer, Martin Bowers, have bonded so well and formed such a great team. Martin has done a superb job with him.

“I think he’s the first heavyweight in 36 years to be voted the best young fighter by the Boxing Writers so that’s a bit of an accolade for him and when I was out in the States for Tyson Fury’s fight with Otto Wallin, he was the one people were talking about. They know who he is, don’t worry about that.”

Dubois may have had his way with his opposition so far but much of his learning is being done away from prying eyes in the gym. Bowers has no qualms about inviting young, hungry fighters into the gym to spar and he and Dubois have travelled to work with some of the division’s biggest names. Dubois himself relishes the tense, business like atmosphere that competitive sparring creates.

“That’s how you learn. That’s how you learn how to get out of the way of shots and how to improve your head movement. It gives you confidence when you’re in there holding your own with guys of a certain level,” Warren said. “Obviously you aren’t doing twelve rounds but it brings a fighter on if they are holding their own for a few rounds. We already know he can punch – ask Anthony Joshua, he’ll verify that – but it’s learning the rest of the skills that’s important.

“He’s been caught a couple of times in fights. Nathan Gorman caught him a couple of times but he took them well. What’s impressed me in his recent fight is his boxing ability. He’s got a great jab. It’s looking superb.”

Should Dubois brush Tetteh aside, public demand for him to be put into the mix with the heavyweight division’s leading lights will begin to gather momentum. Young, destructive heavyweights are a valuable commodity, however, and patience is key in moving them correctly.

“I will move him at my pace,” Warren said. “If there’s any criticism, people can send it to me because I’ll decide who he fights but believe me, if there was a Charles Martin holding a world belt I’d take it in a heartbeat.”

Another young fighter quickly becoming an attraction makes his first appearance under the Royal Albert Hall’s famous dome this weekend and he is desperate to move quickly. Dennis McCann is only three fights and four months into his professional career but the exciting and enthusiastic way that the 18 year old has bounced onto the scene has attracted plenty of attention. Despite his tender years, McCann achieved a staggering amount during his amateur career and the bantamweight wants to get back amongst the titles as quickly as possible. Spend any time talking to him and he will throw out name after name, including double Olympic bronze medallist, Paddy Barnes.

“He’s a lovely kid but when he’s in that ring he’s a spiteful little sod,” Warren laughed. “He can fight, he’s a good puncher, and he has good reflexes. Talk about the little and large show with him and Daniel on together.

“He’s got everything and he’s well supported. He’s only a couple of fights in but already people want to see him. He’s going really well with his ticket sales.

“Him and Paddy Barnes, I’d make tomorrow. He’s a cheeky sod but he’s overflowing with confidence. I mentioned Martin Bowers but Dennis has got an excellent trainer in Alan Smith. All of these guys are being kept pretty well grounded. I’ve got a lot of respect for Alan.”

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