Queensberry

Daniel Dubois has backed Moses Itauma to rebuild following his August loss to Filip Hrgovic, to the extent that the WBO heavyweight titlist sees the 21-year-old as a future rival.

Furthermore, Dubois would like to fight Itauma sooner rather than later to ensure the contest – already an appealing one – is at its most competitive.

Dubois has been where Itauma currently finds himself.

In 2020, Dubois’ future was called into question when he was stopped by Joe Joyce, taking the full count on one knee to avoid further punishment.

There have also been two losses to Oleksandr Usyk.

But Dubois, fresh off consecutive stoppage wins over Fabio Wardley, can boast high-profile triumphs over Anthony Joshua and Hrgovic himself.

"Who's had a career like mine? Coming back from losses and then banging out good fighters. So I've been showing myself that I've got that power for a long time," Dubois told Sky Sports.

"Of course, from the first fight with Joe Joyce, a few, Usyk and all those events I feel like they make you stronger."

Dubois believes the same will be true of Itauma, who, before being stopped in the ninth round by Hrgovic, was widely regarded as the next dominant force in the heavyweight division.

"Of course he can,” Dubois said when asked if Itauma could rebuild. “He had the whole industry behind him. They won't let him give up I don't think.”

"It was a great fight between him and Hrgovic, so there's no shame in that really. Hrgovic just showed him that there's always someone out there that's stronger willed than you. More determination and he's got kids to feed.

"Let's see. I'll break them down now. I feel like I'm at that stage now. I know how I'll have to break them all down, whoever I get in the ring with next, I'll smash them up.

"I don't think I've even touched the surface yet really. I'm just starting to unload properly now. It's going to be a good few next fights."

So, what is Dubois’ secret?

"I'd say call it determination, just call it determination, will to win and a little bit crazy," he said.