1. How would a potential fight between Daniel Dubois and Joe Joyce play out?
Andy Clarke (Boxing commentator)
I think Joyce would be a bit too much for Dubois were it to happen next. So I don’t think it should, or will, happen next. There’s no rush with Daniel, none at all, whilst for Joe it’s too high risk, low reward to be worth entertaining.
Nigel Wright (Retired former English champion)
Joyce is very fit and strong but is one dimensional. If his walk-forward-throwing-punches style doesn’t work, I don’t think he has experience or ability to change to plan B. Dubois, on the other hand, has a lot of power and more boxing ability to adapt to a fight. I would go with Dubois in five or six rounds.
Alan Hubbard (Boxing writer)
If ‘Dynamite’ Dan can again detonate the cracking right hand that blasted out Nathan Gorman – and there is every indication that he would – then Joyce would suffer a similar fate. The Olympic silver medallist has learned many things since turning pro rather late but, alas, how to protect his chin does not seem to be one of them. I’d pick Dubois to win inside five rounds.
Michael Conlan (Featherweight prospect)
I have Big Joe taking the win, but it could go either way. Both are big men and can punch very hard. Joe’s engine and chin will be a nightmare for most heavyweights and he’s just beaten Bryant Jennings, a very good world-level fighter, in only his 10th fight. Daniel is young, powerful and fearless. When the two collide, it will be very exciting while it lasts.
2. How will you remember Pernell ‘Sweet Pea’ Whitaker?
Andy Clarke
As probably the finest pugilist specialist of his generation. Pernell Whitaker was an Olympic gold medallist and a four-weight world champion who, like all the true masters, leaves behind a body of work that will be appreciated more with age.
Nigel Wright
He was a defensive master and very slick southpaw who was the first man to put a blemish on the great Julio Cesar Chavez’s record with a draw in a fight many thought Whitaker won. I will remember him, though, for his big fight against Oscar De La Hoya in 1997. He was a truly great fighter and an Olympic gold medallist. Rest in peace, ‘Sweet Pea’.
Alan Hubbard
‘Sweet Pea’ was that master of the noblest of arts: defence. Watching him launch his pulsating attacks from a platform of backfoot boxing was always a delight. More than anything he will be remembered for his astute ring craftsmanship and his ability to out-think as well as outmanoeuvre and outpunch his opponents.
Michael Conlan
I’ll remember ‘Sweet Pea’ as one of the best defensive fighters of all time. He was a wizard in defence with a huge heart and brilliant skills who made great fighters look average. He goes down as one of the greats of our time.
