London heavyweight Daniel ‘Dynamite’ Dubois exploded his way into world title contention with a devastating second round knockout of Kyotara Fujimoto in the Copper Box Arena, London on Saturday night.
The 22 year old Londoner recorded his fifth straight win of the year raising his record to 14-0 with 13 early stoppages.
It was the nature of Dubois win that further enhanced his reputation and promise. Showing extreme composure and control in the opening round, Dubois took the early exchanges behind a stiff jab and vicious hooks. His Japanese challenger for the second tier WBO International Heavyweight title was cautious of Dubois’ power from the ‘get go’.
Early in the second round Dubois dropped the Japanese with a short stabbing jab, a sign of things to come. After rising with time to spare Fujimoto navigated cautiously another minute of the round as Dubois pushed up the pace.
On two minutes, Dubois moved his foe to the ropes and exploded a right hand to the side of Fujimoto’s head and the Japanese dropped like a stone. Referee Victor Loughlin waved the fight off instantly. The official stoppage coming at 2:10 of the round.
By any standards this was a mighty impressive knockout, particularly by one so young, still finding his way in the sport. Dubois, a contender for The Ring magazine 2019 ‘Young prospect of the year’ also captured the WBC Silver title and with it a top 15 ranking. Fujimoto drops to 21-2, 13 KO’s.
Other heavyweights have been put on standby as Dubois moves into the next decade firmly in a position to challenge the established trio of Joshua, Fury and Wilder. Next up is likely to be fellow Londoner Joe Joyce (10-0, 9 KO’s) watching at ringside along with future Hall of Famer ‘Sugar’ Shane Mosley who couldn’t have failed to be impressed by the young ‘DDD’ – Dynamite Dubois.
The fight night was promoted by Queensberry Promotions and shown live on BT Sport.
The Undisputed 