Tyson Fury is going over old ground against Derek Chisora. That’s okay. Muhammad Ali, Joe Louis and the like all had their easy fights. It’s not a crime and it gives Del Boy a chance to bank some money.
By the same token it is not a fight anyone is getting excited about. The more meaningful bout is Daniel Dubois against Kevin Lerena. The South African has been identified as a sparring partner by Fury before he meets Oleksandr Usyk next year. Since Lorena is a southpaw with a low centre of gravity that makes perfect sense.
With luck Dubois will also be involved in prepping for a world title challenge. His own. As the WBA regular belt holder he is in line to take the mandatory slot for Usyk’s title.
Should Fury unify all the belts, then he will have to defend against Dubois at some point. Dubois is much improved following his defeat to Joe Joyce and at 25 is ready to be let off the leash.
Lerena is not without controversy having been cleared of a doping offence four years ago involving the same substance found in Conor Benn’s sample.
The IBO accepted the excuse that he mistakenly took a tablet prescribed for his wife. He is a tough boy, moving up from cruiserweight to try to make a name for himself at heavyweight. Lerena has a very good right hook. Daniel has to be ready for that, touch with the jab and drive that right hand through the target.
Lerena is also quick. That is a difficult attribute to nullify no matter what the division. He rolls his head and comes back with good combinations.
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But he doesn’t have great feet. Dubois will not have to go hunting for him. He is as explosive ever in the gym and looking forward to putting on a show. It could be interesting for four rounds or so until Dubois works him out. Once he nails him that will be that.
Of all the heavyweights out there Dubois has the most chilling checkout. And he is still improving, learning to be patient and work an opening. He can get even better and will as he steps up in class.
As for Fury, I expect him to hand out a beating with a knockout coming in the second half of the fight. He will keep Chisora on the end of that long reach of his then put him away in or before the championship rounds.
- Follow Barry on Twitter at @ClonesCyclone @McGuigans_Gym
