Jesus. I've been covering boxing for almost a decade now, and sometimes I still can't believe the brutal honesty that comes out of Eddie Hearn's mouth. The man literally has zero filter when it comes to predicting a fighter's demise.
So here's teh scoop: Joe Joyce is stepping back into the ring this Saturday in Manchester against Filip Hrgović after Dillian Whyte bailed with a finger injury. And Hearn? He's basically writing Joyce's boxing obituary before the man even steps through the ropes.
The Brutal Prediction That Made Me Wince
I was scrolling through The Stomping Ground interview yesterday while waiting for my kid's dentist appointment (45 minutes late, by the way) when I read Hearn's quote: "If you want a prediction he (Joyce) will get well beaten on Saturday and it will be inside three or four rounds, I think."
Damn.
That's not just a prediction—that's a career death sentence. And coming from Hearn, who usually tries to sell every fight like it's Ali-Frazier IV, it hits different.
What the Hell Happened to Joyce's Iron Chin?
Back in 2018, I watched Joyce take shots that would've dropped a rhino. The man was practically made of concrete. I remember betting my colleague $40 that Zhang wouldn't even dent him in their first fight. Poor wallet.
Hearn pointed out something that's been obvious but nobody wants to say out loud: "As his career has progressed the punch resistance has changed. Shots from Chisora that hurt him would never have hurt him before, the two Zhang defeats, thousands of rounds of sparring have been a problem."
This is the sad reality of boxing that we don't talk about enough. That granite chin everyone celebrates? It's actually a ticking time bomb. Every "great chin" eventually cracks. I've seen it happen to dozens of fighters over the years.
The Croatian Comeback Kid
Hrgović isn't exactly coming in on a high note either. The 32-year-old Croatian was undefeated until Daniel Dubois absolutely demolished him in Riyadh this past June. Started strong, finished face-down (metaphorically speaking).
After Dubois knocked him out in eight, Dubois got upgraded to full IBF champion when Usyk dropped the belt to focus on his Fury rematch. Then Dubois went and shocked everyone by knocking out AJ in September. Boxing's weird like that sometimes.
I actually ran into Hrgović's coach at a event in London last month. His response when I asked about the Dubois loss: "We learned what we needed to learn." Whatever the hell that means.
Saturday Night's Gonna Be Ugly (For Someone)
Look, I'm not saying Hearn is definitely right. The smartass in me wants to see Joyce prove him wrong just for the drama of it all. But the boxing journalist who's watched Joyce's last few outings? I can't disagree with Eddie's assessment.
Joyce has always been slow. Like, glacially slow. He's compensated with power and that aforementioned chin. But at 39, with those Zhang beatings still fresh in the memory bank and after looking absolutely pedestrian against Chisora... it's hard to see a path to victory against a hungry Hrgović looking to rebuild.
The Co-op Live arena might witness the end of a career on Saturday. Or maybe—just maybe—we'll see one last hurrah from the Juggernaut.
Why I'll Still Watch Even Though It Might Be a Trainwreck
I've spent $4K on boxing PPVs over the years that promised excitement and delivered absolute duds. But there's something compelling about watching a fighter with his back against the wall.
Joyce knows this is it. One more loss and he's done at the elite level. That kind of desperation either brings out career-best performances or leads to spectacular flameouts.
Either way, I'll be watching... probably while telling my wife "just one more round" at 4am.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are key elements of a fighter's training regimen?
A boxer’s training program is typically composed of a few key components. Technical skill development, strength and conditioning exercises, sparring and mental preparation are all part of a boxer's training routine. Tactics drills help develop fighting strategies, while technique-focused exercises improve defensive maneuvers and punch accuracy. Sparring allows for practical combat experience. Conditioning exercises boost athleticism. Mental training focuses on building confidence, focus, and resilience.
How do you progress from amateur to Professional Boxing?
The transition from amateur boxing to professional requires a significant increase in training intensity and mental preparation. Amateur boxers must build a track record by participating in local and regional competitions. A professional boxing licence is essential, as are experienced managers and coaches who can help guide your career and secure professional bouts.
What are the dangers of professional boxing?
Like all contact sports, professional boxing has inherent risks. These include acute injuries such as cuts, bruises, broken bones, and head trauma, as well as potential chronic conditions from repeated impacts, such as concussion syndromes or neurological disorders. While proper training, safety equipment and compliance with boxing regulations can reduce the risks, they will never be eliminated. Understanding and accepting these risks is a critical part of choosing to box professionally.
What kind diet should an amateur boxer follow to improve their performance?
A beginner boxer should eat a nutritiously balanced diet to fuel intense workouts and encourage recovery. It is generally recommended to consume a mix of carbohydrates for energy, lean proteins for muscle repair and growth, and healthy fats for overall health. It is also important to consume vitamins and minerals as well. Consulting a sports nutritionist to develop a diet plan that is tailored for the boxer's weight class and training schedule can be beneficial.
What should one look for when hiring a boxing or training coach?
A boxing coach should have experience in the sport, be able to work with other boxers successfully, have a compatible coaching style, as well as a solid understanding of its technical and strategic components. A good trainer will also emphasize safety, conditioning, and personal growth. In order to reach your potential in boxing, it's important to have a trainer who motivates and communicates effectively.
What age can you learn to box professionally?
Professional boxing has age restrictions. Most boxing federations require that boxers are at least 18 to fight professionally. On the upper end, while there is no specific age limit, physical capabilities and health factors will naturally limit the age at which one can compete effectively and safely. Before taking up a sport professionally, older athletes should be assessed thoroughly for their fitness and risks.
How important is mental toughness in professional boxing?
Mental toughness and physical conditioning are equally important in professional boxing. It requires resilience, focus, a high level of pressure tolerance, and a strong psychological attitude to overcome obstacles. Mental preparation involves visualization, stress management techniques, and developing a strong mindset to confront the challenges within the ring. A boxer without mental toughness may find it difficult to perform well under the extreme conditions of a professional competition.
Statistics
- A study showed that most professional boxers have spent more than 4 years in training before their first professional bout.
- Nutrition experts emphasize that over 70% of a boxer's diet should focus on carbohydrates and proteins for energy and recovery.
- Around 60% of professional boxers supplement their income with other activities or jobs, due to variability in fight earnings.
- Statistical data indicates that there has been a 15% increase in the number of professional boxing gyms over the last decade.
- Reports suggest that successful professional boxers can earn upwards of 50 times more than the median purse for entry-level professionals per fight.
- Approximately 80% of professional boxers start their career in the amateur ranks before transitioning to the professional level.
- The average age for boxers to turn professional is between 18 to 25 years, though many continue to compete well into their 30s and beyond.
External Links
How To
Boxing Defense: How to improve your defense
The importance of improving your defense in professional boxing is equal to that of perfecting your offense. Include drills focusing on head movements, footwork and block. You should regularly practice sliding, bobbing, wriggling, and using angles to evade a punch. Use defensive maneuvers during sparring sessions to create muscle memory under live conditions. Consider your sparring to identify any defensive flaws, then work with your trainer to correct them. Your ability in defending effectively can make a big difference to the outcome.
Did you miss our previous article...
https://sportingexcitement.com/boxing/from-blueprint-dreams-to-knockout-blows-the-unexpected-journey-of-david-adeleye
CricketBoxingFormula 1GolfHorse RacingPremier LeagueTennisPrivacy PolicyTerms And Conditions
