Daniel Dubois made a big statement in his first fight since losing to Joe Joyce last year.

Question marks were present regarding the future of Daniel Dubois when he surrendered his undefeated record to Joe Joyce at the backend of 2020.

The London heavyweight went some way to erasing some memories of that night as he returned to action with an emphatic win over Romania’s Bogdan Dinu.

Dubois was favoured to earn victory over Dinu, and with the second-round knockout, the 23-year-old captured the WBA interim title that will propel him to a lofty status in the star-studded rankings.

Under pressure to look impressive following the Joyce setback in November, Dubois, now with Shane McGuigan in his corner, looked confident from the first bell as he found the target of Dinu with ease.

A patient approach saw Dubois score well with the jab in the fight’s opener, and he exploded into life as soon as the next session started.

With Dinu seeking refuge on the ropes, Dubois found a short right hand that lifted Dinu off his feet. After getting to all fours, Dinu could not rise any higher, and he was counted out as Dubois celebrated wildly after getting his career back on track.

“I want to get back in the mix,” said Dubois in his post-fight interview. We’re gonna get there, man. I need to keep listening to what Shane tells me and be the best I can be.”