Daniel Dubois has been sparring with Olympic gold medallist Tony Yoka to prepare for his upcoming clash with Anthony Joshua.
AJ topped the podium in the Olympic super-heavyweight division at London 2012 with a points win over Italy’s Roberto Cammarelle following victories against Erislandy Savon, Zhilei Zhang and Ivan Dychko.
Instagram – Daniel Dubois/ DAZNDubois has been sparring Yoka in preparation for Joshua[/caption]
He then turned over as a professional with Matchroom Boxing boss Eddie Hearn, while Yoka emulated him by scooping gold via a controversial split decision win over Joe Joyce at the Rio Games four years later.
Unlike AJ, Frenchman Yoka hasn’t hit the ground running in the pros and is currently bouncing back from three consecutive losses, which have come against Martin Bakole, Carlos Takam and Ryad Mehry.
The man enlisted with the task of rebuilding the Frenchman’s career is Don Charles, who also trains Dubois.
And ahead of ‘Triple D’s’ IBF heavyweight title defence against Joshua on September 21, Charles has had both men duking it out in the gym.
DAZN recently uploaded a picture of the heavyweight titans exchanging leather with the caption: “Daniel Dubois sparring Tony Yoka in prep for AJ,” accompanied by the eyes emoji.
Dubois was upgraded from interim to full IBF world champion in June after Oleksandr Usyk vacated the red and gold strap to pursue his rematch with Tyson Fury on December 21.
The Ukrainian has already beaten all three men so finds himself in a strange situation if he defeats Fury for a second time at the back end of this year.
HE Turki Alalshikh is hoping to stage Joshua vs Fury next and recently informed talkSPORT that he will make the all-British clash over Joshua vs Usyk III.
“For the business, of course, it will be a huge fight if Joshua wins,” he told talkSPORT’s White and Jordan show earlier this month.
“His third time [winning] a world title and [after] the result of Usyk vs Fury it will be a huge fight.
Joshua vs Dubois comes first on September 21Mark Robinson/Matchroom
“But you don’t know about the future. Imagine Tyson after the fight with Usyk wants to retire.
“I will give him the offer, but if he refuses, what can I do?
“First of all, Dubois has a very big chance and it is not easy.
“I think it is a difficult fight for Joshua and a dangerous fight for Joshua.
“If Usyk wins, still I want to see Fury vs Joshua if they accept.
“I will not try to do the third fight [between Usyk and Joshua] before having Fury vs Joshua.
“I think Joshua will win [against Dubois] but you don’t know.
“I picked Deontay Wilder against Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang, and he lost. This is boxing, especially the heavyweights.
“But I want to see Fury vs Joshua and the world wants to see Fury vs Joshua.”
HE Alalshikh did not clarify what would happen if Dubois beats Joshua.
talkSPORT will bring you exclusive live commentary of the heavyweight clash at Wembley Stadium between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois on Saturday, September 21. Download the talkSPORT app here.
