WBA regular champion Trevor Bryan was much more lively than his usual self at the weigh in for his highly anticipated defence against Britains Daniel Dubois where he weighed in 18 pounds heavier than the challenger at 259lbs. Don King promoted Bryan insists that he has been overlooked and is largely unknown by the public but promises to deliver tomorrow evening at what he considers his coming out party against a legitimate threat. Dubois 17-1 (16 Ko’s) appeared much the calmer at the weigh in and played down the brash intimidation tactics from the belt holder understanding that his fists will do the talking on fight night. Bryan referred to Dubois as a glorified amateur and emphasised that his submission against Joyce is an indication of what will happen on Saturday. Dubois and Francis Warren maintained their composure throughout the final presser and weigh in and allowed the American contingent to carry the show with outlandish predictions and highlight grabbing antics (Offering Dubois sanitary towels) whilst conducting a face off. The truth is that it’s balls to the wall for Bryan as his claim to a championship may be nearing its end as Dubois edges the odds as a substantial favourite, Bryan 22-0 (15 Ko’s) made a feeble defence in January over an inept Jonathan Guidry, where he appeared lucky to hold on to his unbeaten run. Bryan has evaded many of the bigger names in the division, often accusing them of turning down lucrative offers to meet him, and has never seemed to bring a fully conditioned polished version of himself to the public eye, even in his biggest win, a 2021 stoppage of a shopworn Bermaine Stiverne he appeared lacklustre and grossly out of shape. Don King and Stacy McKinley moved Trevor away from the distractions of Florida and chose to base training camp in Las Vegas at Clarence Adams gym, bringing former champion Larry Holmes into camp for a morale boost. McKinley, no stranger to quality heavyweights says that they have left no stones unturned and Dubois is in for a big surprise. Dubois, trained by Shane Mcguigan arrived in Florida 14 days ago and seem more than ready to take the opportunity by the horns and thrust onto the colourful title picture ahead of his conqueror Joyce. Bryan v Dubois heads a stacked card promoted by Don King Productions at the Jai Alai events centre in Miami Florida, televised on PPV in the US and BT sports in the Uk. It’s an intriguing matchup with both guys largely untested at world level despite the regular world championships being on the line.
