‘Dangerous Dan’ triumphed within 35 seconds at the weekend

Promoter Frank Warren promises tougher opposition will be lined up to test the potential of new heavyweight hope Daniel Dubois, who won his debut in just 35 seconds in Manchester on Saturday night.

Dubois, an impressively built 19-year-old, based at east London’s Peacock gymnasium took just 35 seconds to slam roly-poly rival Marcus Kelly on the Manchester Arena show.

Warren, who is well aware of the title potential of his 6”5’, 16-stone-plus signing, admitted he would have like the debut to last longer, but added there were last-0minute problems.

“The opponent we originally selected pulled out a week before the fight and Kelly stepped in. He came out swinging, but did not last long,” said the promoter.

“We will be stepping up the the opposition for Daniel’s next date at the Copper Box Arena show in May,” added Warren, and Dubois’ trainer, Peacock gym boss Martin Bowers, was happy to agree.

Former Repton amateur Dubois looks forward to the date at the Arena just a few miles from his training base, when he will be on the undercard for Liam Walsh’s challenge for the IBF super featherweight title against Gervonta Davis.

As he stepped into the ring, Dubois’ powerful physique was a stark contrast to the obviously overweight Kelly, who had won his previous pro contest and came out with ambitious aggression trying to upset the odds.

However Dubois looked untroubled, gliding impressively around the ring and then moving in with long range jabs, before triggering short left hooks.

The tubby Truro fighter slumped to the floor where he stayed for a nine-count rising unsteadily and staggering forward as referee Lee Innes signalled box on.

Obviously unsteady, Kelly would have been an easy target for a lethal puncher and the referee was right to step in and end the debut for ‘Dangerous Dan’ little more than half a minute after the opening bell.

Dubois, highly rated by amateur bosses, ignored the appeal of a medal bid at the 2020 Olympics to sign his attractive pro deal offered by promoter Warren, now with the backing of BT Sport linking up with his BoxNation channel.

The new pro opted to return to the Peacock gym where his father first took him ten years ago and with the right people guiding his career, Dubois hopes to become Britain’s youngest ever world heavyweight champion.

“I am keen to fight regularly and gain the experience I need in pro boxing,” admits Dubois as he aims to rise through the ranks and set new records.