Daniel Dubois 'more exciting prospect than Anthony Joshua' as he targets first national title

The battle of London’s emerging major heavyweights continues on Saturday when Daniel Dubois challenges for his first national title.

The 20-year-old from Greenwich takes on Tom Little for the English heavyweight belt at the 02 Arena – with promoter Frank Warren hailing him as more exciting prospect than Anthony Joshua at the beginning of his career.

Rival heavyweight Joe Joyce of Putney scored the fifth straight victory of his professional career when he stopped Croatia's Ivica Bacurin with a first round knockout at York Hall in Bethnal Green last Friday.

Now Greenwich-based Dubois seeks to land the English title in only his eighth professional contest.

Reigning four-belt world champion Joshua never challenged for the British Boxing Board of Control’s English belt but won the British title in his 15th fight against Gary Cornish in 2015.

Warren said: “Daniel is the best young heavyweight I’ve seen at this stage of his career in my time in boxing.

“He has come a long way very quickly after having only seven amateur bouts.

“This fight is a step up for him. But needs these type of fights. It's part of the learning process.

“When he gets in the ring, he looks one of the most natural heavyweights I’ve seen.”

The 30-year-old Little from Hatfield has won 10 fights but has been defeated five times.

He was beaten on points in 2014 by Dorian Darch – who was knocked out in the second round by DuBois last December.

Little said: “There is a lot of hype surrounding Daniel. This is going to be his first real test.

“He is a good quality kid – but I mean kid. This fight has come way too early for him.”

Unbeaten Anthony Yarde of Hackney defends his WBO European & Inter-Continental light heavyweight titles against Dariusz Sek.

World title hopeful Martin Murray meets Robert Garcia ofMexico for the WBC Silver middleweight title.

Dubois v Little will be shown on BT Sport 1 and Box Nation TV from 7pm on June 23.