Solomon Dacres, the English heavyweight champion, is set to feature on Queensberry’s ‘Magnificent Seven Ride Again’ card on March 16th. Promoter Frank Warren expresses his desire to arrange a bout between Dacres and David Adeleye.
In October, David Adeleye faced a seventh-round stoppage in his British title fight against Fabio Wardley. His conduct following the fight has led to a suspension by the British Boxing Board of Control.
After referee John Latham signaled the end of the grudge match, a bloodied and disappointed David Adeleye pushed the referee away and followed it with a right hook to the official’s body. Adeleye (12-1, 11 KO’s) is currently suspended pending a hearing, but promoter Frank Warren is optimistic that the disciplinary procedure will be completed in time for Adeleye to face Solomon Dacres (8-0, 2 KO’s) in Birmingham.
“We want to make the fight between him and David Adeleye,” Warren said at Thursday’s press conference. “It’s a tremendous, tremendous all British affair. There’s a lot on the line for both fighters. David has been suspended by the British Boxing Board of Control pending a hearing concerning him pushing the referee and his behavior. That’s got to be dealt with and I’d like it to be dealt with quickly so we know where he is and whether he’ll be able to fight or not but that’s the fight we would like to make.
“For what he’s done, he’s got to pay the price whenever that is, that’ll be but this is a great opportunity for him as a comeback fight and a great opportunity for Sol to show what he’s all about. He took his last fight at very short notice which in some ways was a bit unfair. We signed him and wanted to give him an opportunity and I think there’s more to him than his last performance.”
It is said that you never get a second chance to make a first impression, and Dacres will be keen to ensure that his second appearance under the Queensberry banner is more impressive than his debut. The 30-year-old appeared fortunate to retain his title via a majority decision after struggling through his fight with Michael Webster in November but was a talented amateur and remains unbeaten as a professional.
Opportunities are plentiful for heavyweights in the current landscape, and Dacres recognizes the need to leave a lasting impression. He remains confident in his potential to rise as a leader among Britain’s group of talented young heavyweights.
“I believe I can certainly achieve that. My recent performance wasn’t stellar, but it was on short notice. I had been in Saudi Arabia enjoying the Fury vs. Ngannou event, and when I returned, they asked me to fight in two weeks. Despite not having proper preparation, I took the opportunity. Now, I’m training rigorously and have ample time to get ready. Let’s see how far I can go. I aim for the top.”
If Adeleye’s suspension is lifted, it appears to be an ideal opportunity for Dacres. The bout becomes crucial for the Londoner as he seeks to bounce back from the decisive loss to Wardley and establish his success at the domestic level.
Having witnessed Adeleye’s defeat to Wardley in Saudi Arabia, Dacres openly shared his opinions on Adeleye that night. He also has a confident prediction for the outcome when they eventually face each other.
