Who Laughs Last, Laughs Best

Chris Le Gabach

Boxing, like everyone else, endured a dystopian era during the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing lockdowns. Just as we saw deserted streets reminiscent of an apocalyptic film, boxing events took place in empty arenas. It was in this setting, in 2020, that one of the heavyweight division's brightest prospects faced his trial by fire, which later became a lesson in both boxing and life.

Daniel Dubois (aka Dynamite aka DDD) took on Joe Joyce, an older and more experienced opponent who was also looking to prove he was ready for the big leagues. The fight took place at the former headquarters of the Church of England, behind closed doors, for the British, European, and Commonwealth titles. Paradoxically, the lack of audience, far from stripping away the humanity of the event, added authenticity as the exchange of punches between the boxers could be heard and almost felt, given the unusual circumstances.

The outcome of that fight sparked endless debate. Daniel, who had been boxing better, ended up kneeling and withdrawing to avoid a serious fracture to his left eye. This decision was criticised by many, who labelled Dubois a coward and a quitter. Undoubtedly, such criticism lacked both respect and intelligence.

DDD not only preserved his integrity but also chose to lose a battle that would ultimately help him win the war. It’s a common mistake among those fixated on short-term thinking to believe that a single defeat defines your present and future forever.

Dubois had to rebuild his career from the ground up, facing lower-tier opponents and participating in events as eccentric as their promoter, Don King. Despite setbacks, he managed to return to the elite, challenging Usyk for three world titles in 2023. However, his opportunity unravelled in a controversial fight where a punch of his, deemed legal by many, was ruled a low blow. Ultimately, he was knocked out after a barrage of punches.

At a time when the heavyweight division and Royal Saudi Arabia adviser and boxing promoter Turki's matchmaking needed figures like him, Dubois stood out in 2024 by facing higher-calibre opponents. He scored knockout victories against Jarrell Miller, who was undefeated but tainted by doping scandals, and Filip Hrgovic, a perennial contender with a style as difficult to face as it is to watch.

These victories, along with bureaucratic circumstances, led to him being crowned IBF world champion after Usyk was stripped of the title for prioritising a rematch with Fury over facing his mandatory challenger, the aforementioned Hrgovic. Thus, Dynamite achieved his long-cherished dream of becoming a world champion.

This achievement came with the added bonus of co-starring in a blockbuster showdown against an ascending and hungry Anthony Joshua, in a fight that sold out Wembley Stadium. With everything set for Joshua to take the first step towards a mega-money unification fight against Fury, Dynamite ruined the plans, shifting from co-star to main attraction.

Dubois displayed absolute superiority from the first round until the fifth-round knockout, flooring Joshua multiple times. It was an epic victory, awarded as Knockout of the Year, which Daniel refused to celebrate until he saw his opponent back on his feet and recovered—a true mark of a gentleman and a gracious winner, something sorely lacking in today’s landscape.

Dubois is often mocked for his lack of social skills, with some suggesting he borders on autism. These traits, far from seeming forced, add authenticity to a sport often lacking in it. Moreover, his journey offers a lesson on the importance of the long game, the overvaluation of undefeated records, the misguided demonisation of losses, and the dangers of hasty conclusions. As the saying goes: he who laughs last...