I still remember sitting in my living room back in November 2020, watching Joe Joyce systematically dismantle Daniel Dubois while my roommate kept insisting Dubois would "come back any minute now." Poor bastard lost $50 on that fight. The whole thing was eerie as hell - this massive heavyweight clash happening in complete silence at Church House with maybe 20 people watching. No roaring crowd, just the sound of Joyce's jab connecting over and over and over...
Remember When We Thought Joyce Was The Next Big Thing?
God. It's painful to think about now. After Joyce took apart Dubois that night, everyone (including me) thought we were looking at a future world champion. The Olympic silver medalist from 2016 was on a tear, and the way he handled Dubois - who was supposed to be the next Anthony Joshua - was clinical.
That jab. That fucking jab.
Joyce used it like a battering ram, targeting Dubois' left eye until it swelled completely shut. I've been watching boxing for 15 years and I've rarely seen an eye injury that horrific. By round 10, Dubois couldn't see shit out of that eye and took a knee. Game over.
The "Quitter" Narrative Was Total BS
What happened next still pisses me off. Instead of celebrating Joyce's brilliant performance, half the boxing world decided to label Dubois a quitter. Even some fighters jumped on that bandwagon (looking at you, Billy Joe Saunders). Meanwhile, the poor kid had a fractured orbital bone! Frank Warren had to come out defending his fighter, pointing out that Anthony Ogogo's career literally ended because he fought on with a similar injury.
Listen. Taking a knee when you can't see and your eye socket is broken isn't quitting - it's having a functioning brain.
Life Comes At You Fast (Sometimes With A Left Hook)
Fast forward to 2025, and it's like we're living in some bizarre alternate timeline. Dubois - teh supposed "quitter" - is now the IBF heavyweight champion of the world after knocking out Anthony Joshua in September. He bounced back from the Joyce loss, took his lumps against Usyk, then beat the hell out of Jarrell Miller and Hrgovic to earn his shot.
Meanwhile, Joyce...
Jesus. Where to even start? After beating Dubois, he looked unstoppable against Takam, Hammer, and Parker. I remember texting my buddy after the Parker fight: "Joyce vs Fury at Wembley is gonna be INSANE." Then came Zhang. Twice. Both ending with Joyce getting absolutely demolished.
Saturday Night: Career Suicide or Resurrection?
So now we're here. Joyce is 39 (ancient in heavyweight years) and coming off that embarrassing loss to Derek Chisora last July. I watched that fight at a bar in Manchester and some smartass two tables over kept shouting "PENSIONER!" every time Joyce threw one of those slow punches.
This Hrgovic fight wasn't even supposed to happen. Joyce was scheduled to face Dillian Whyte until Whyte injured his finger (or got cold feet... you decide). Hrgovic stepped in, and now Joyce is staring at what might be his last chance to stay relevant.
I've spent $4K on boxing tickets over the years, and I'll be there Saturday night. Part of me can't stand watching Joyce potentially get battered again. The other part can't look away.
The Cruelest Twist
Isn't it weird how boxing works? The night that was supposed to launch Joyce to stardom - beating Dubois - might end up being his career peak. And the guy who supposedly "quit" is now the one with the belt and the future.
This sport makes no damn sense sometimes.
And if Joyce somehow beats Hrgovic this weekend? Well... I'd have to eat every word I just wrote. Adn I'd be happy to do it. The Juggernaut deserves one more moment in the sun before it's all over.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do as a novice in boxing?
Beginners should focus on proper technique and form. You should master basic punches and develop your defense. Also, you need to improve on your footwork. Start slow, focus on technique rather than power, and consult a coach with experience.
How do I defend myself in boxing
In boxing, defense involves a variety of techniques. These include maintaining a solid defensive position with your hands raised, using footwork for distance and using head movements such as slips and rolls to avoid punches. The defensive skills you learn are as important as the offensive ones.
How important does recovery play in boxing practice?
In boxing, recovery is crucial as it helps your body heal and become stronger. A nutritious diet, proper rest, stretching and adequate sleep are all essential for recovery. Ignoring recovery can lead to overtraining, injuries, and decreased performance.
What should i look for in a boxing studio?
When choosing a boxing studio, you should consider a welcoming atmosphere, experienced and approachable trainers, a variety classes suitable for various skill levels, quality gear, and positive testimonials or recommendations by current members. A trial session can also help you get a feel for the gym's atmosphere and training style.
What is breathing important in boxing?
Breathing correctly is important in boxing. It can help regulate energy, keep stamina up, and relax you during a fight or training. Exhale sharply after each punch. Breathe rhythmically by inhaling and exhaling with your nose.
What is the correct stance for boxing?
The classic boxing posture involves standing with your legs shoulder-width apart. Your lead foot should be forward and your rear foot should be at a angle of 45 degrees. The weight of your body should be evenly distributed between your toes and knees. Your hands should be raised to protect your face. Keep your elbows tucked into your torso to protect it.
Statistics
- Around 90% of boxers suffer a minor injury over the course of a year, with only 10-15% experiencing a moderate to severe injury.
- Approximately 80% of boxing injuries occur during training, not in actual competition.
- Approximately 50% of beginner boxers drop out within the first six months, highlighting the importance of sustaining motivation and setting realistic goals.
- Nearly 95% of boxing trainers agree that mental conditioning is just as important as physical training for beginners in the sport.
- Research indicates that nearly 70% of punches thrown by boxers during a match are jabs.
- An analysis of boxing workouts demonstrates that participants can maintain a heart rate at 75-85% of their maximum, which is the optimal range for cardiovascular training.
- On average, beginners who undergo proper boxing training can expect to burn anywhere from 300 to 500 calories per hour.
- Nearly 80% of boxing training injuries are related to incorrect technique, especially within the first three months of taking up the sport.
- Cardiovascular fitness improvements can be seen after just 12 weeks of consistent boxing training.
- Women are joining boxing in increasing numbers, rising by about 15% in the past decade, indicating growing gender diversity in the sport.
External Links
How To
How to Build a Home Boxing Workout
The first step to creating a workout for boxing at home is to create a routine. Combine cardiovascular exercises such as running or jump-roping to improve endurance, with strength training, including push-ups, abdominal workouts and core exercises for muscle development. With shadowboxing, you can focus on your stance and punching technique. If you own a heavy bag or a bag round, incorporate bag rounds to your routine. This will help with power and combination.
Did you miss our previous article...
https://sportingexcitement.com/boxing/eddie-hearn-dms-jake-paul-to-fight-aj-this-year-gets-left-on-read
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