Daniel Dubois hailed as ‘the future of heavyweight boxing’ after knocking out Nathan Gorman

The Londoner overpowered his fellow prospect at The O2 to snatch the vacant British title

Daniel Dubois was hailed as “the future of heavyweight boxing” after his impressive knockout win over Nathan Gorman to win the British heavyweight title.

Dubois’ fifth round stoppage clinched the vacant title, becoming the third youngest in history, at a packed out O2 arena.

The 21-year-old fought his fellow prospect with both fighters putting their unbeaten records on the line, rather than navigating their own paths through the various organisations in the sport.

Dubois dropped Gorman in the third and then finished the contest in the fifth, confirming the hype surrounding him, as somebody who reportedly dropped Anthony Joshua in sparring.

“I was very confident in my power,” said Dubois. “I felt him fading. I just need to keep working and every fight is a learning fight for me.”

“There’s definitely still a lot to work on, but I was pleased tonight. That’s up to Frank Warren and my team (who he fights next). Everyone sitting down at the table and figuring out the next step.”

Promoter Warren then hailed Dubois’ jab and insisted he is the “future of heavyweight boxing”. 

“Daniel was very composed in the fight, and we saw Nathan has no quit in him. These are the two youngest fighters to fight for the British title. The key for me in this fight was the jab. And Daniel showed that. It was superb. I’ve said it all along, I think Daniel is the future of heavyweight boxing.” 

Daniel Dubois holds the British title (PA)

While Gorman reflected on his first professional defeat, admitting it was a learning curve. 

“I felt like I was really in the fight,” Gorman said. “I got caught with a good shot. A very, very good shot.

“I’ve always said if you get hit with a good shot in the heavyweight division you’re going down. 

“I’ll brush myself off and I’ll come again. This is a learning curve.”