Royal Return

Big-time boxing is back at the Albert Hall after a long absence.

- Paul Wheeler

PROFESSIONAL boxing returns to the Royal Albert Hall for the first time in nearly seven years this Friday (March 8). Headlining a Queensberry Promotions show at the iconic Kensington venue – live on BT Sport 1 (UK) and ESPN+ (US) – is Greenwich heavyweight prospect Daniel Dubois.

Opposing the 21-year-old over 10 rounds is Romanian giant Razvan Cojanu, who unsuccessfully challenged for the WBO title against then-champion Joseph Parker in May 2017, losing a wide unanimous decision. The Burbank, California-based 31-year-old has lost both of his subsequent fights, too – via second-round KO versus veteran contender Luis Ortiz in July last year, and on a comprehensive unanimous verdict to the up-and-coming Nathan Gorman five months later.

The Voinesti native’s clash with Gorman only went ahead because Dubois – who had been due to face Cojanu seven days earlier – was struck down with flu during fight week. With promotional stablemates Dubois and Gorman seemingly on a collision course, the Londoner will be aiming to outdo his rival by dispatching Cojanu inside time.

After garnering early wins in his opening eight bouts, Dubois was taken the distance for the first time in his most recent contest in October – a near-shutout of seasoned gatekeeper Kevin Johnson, who is well known for his durability. Although Dubois would have preferred to continue his stoppage streak, getting some much-needed rounds in the bank will prove more beneficial in the long run.

It is not often that the hulking Dubois finds himself up against a bigger man, but Cojanu is both taller and substantially heavier. However, the 16-5 (9) visitor has been knocked out twice in the past. Dubois, with his powerful punches to head and body, can become the third person to defeat Cojanu inside the distance.