Jesus. Nothing like a heavyweight throwing age-related shade to spice up a boxing presser. I was watching the Joyce-Hrgović press conference yesterday with my buddy Dave (who still owes me $50 from our last boxing bet), and we were howling at the back-and-forth these two giants had over something as simple as... age.
When 39 Feels Like 40
So there's Filip Hrgović, sitting there with this smug little grin, telling everyone that Joe Joyce is "40 years old" like he's some kind of geriatric case. Joyce had to correct him - "Actually, 39. But near enough." The look on Hrgović's face was priceless.
I mean, c'mon. One year difference and the Croatian acts like he caught Joyce lying on his Tinder profile.
Hrgović, who's 32 himself, couldn't resist twisting the knife: "Okay, I didn't know. If he's 39 then he's young." The sarcasm was thicker than the Croatian's accent. "I thought you were 40. But, look, he's definitely not at the peak of his career and fighters get old and that's just the reality."
Seven Years That Apparently Change Everything?
The Croatian kept hammering home the age difference. "I'm seven years younger and I think it's going to play a role in this fight." Yeah, because those seven years really helped you against Daniel Dubois last June, didn't they, Filip?
Sorry. That was mean. But accurate.
Manchester's Career Resurrection Attempt
Let's be real for a sec. Both these guys are coming off losses that HURT. Hrgović got stopped by Dubois in eight rounds last summer, while Joyce suffered through a brutal points loss to 41-year-old (see who's old now?) Derek Chisora.
This Saturday night in Manchester is essentially career life support for both men. Win and you're back in the conversation. Lose and... well, teh promoters start looking at you like damaged goods.
I watched Joyce's last fight with my dad, who's been following boxing since the 70s, and even he was wincing. "Poor Joyce," he kept saying. "He's absorbing punishment like a human punching bag." Not exactly the reputation you want.
The "Remember When I Beat You?" Card
Joyce has one psychological edge here - he beat Hrgović as an amateur back in 2013. And boy, did he make sure to mention it.
"It's a good fight. It's good to share the ring with Hrgović again – we had a good scrap last time, 12 years ago," Joyce reminded everyone. "The same result is going to happen. I'm going to win and then get elevated back to the top of the sport."
I watched that amateur fight on YouTube last night (instead of finishing my work report... oops). It was scrappy and wild, nothing like their current styles. But Joyce definitely had Hrgović's number.
The Last-Minute Replacement Nobody Expected
Worth mentioning that Hrgović wasn't even supposed to be here! He stepped in for Dillian Whyte, who pulled out with an injured finger. (Seriously, Dillian? A FINGER? In 2018 I fought an amateur bout with a sprained wrist and... OK fine, I lost badly, but at least I showed up.)
Hrgović claims he was already in shape: "It was short notice. I had just a few weeks. But I was already in good shape. That is why I accepted this fight."
Sure you were, buddy.
Knockout Promises (Because Of Course)
Both fighters are promising knockouts. What a shock.
"I'm looking forward to winning on Saturday, knocking him out, and getting back to the top. That's the plan," said Hrgović, as if any boxer has ever said "my plan is to lose badly and retire in shame."
Listen. This fight is going to be violent, messy, and probably ugly at times. Two big men with their careers hanging by a thread... it's like watching two wounded animals fighting over the last scrap of food.
And I'm absolutely here for it. Got $200 riding on Joyce by decision with my smartass brother-in-law who thinks Hrgović's youth (all seven years of it) will be the difference.
Saturday night. Manchester. Two desperate heavyweights. One career-saving victory up for grabs.
Who said 39 was too old for a comeback?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is boxing good for getting fit?
Yes, boxing improves overall fitness. This full-body workout is intense and improves cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, endurance coordination and agility. Moreover, it is an effective form of stress relief and can boost your confidence and discipline.
Can boxing improve mental well-being?
Boxing can significantly improve mental health by reducing stress, enhancing mood, boosting self-esteem, providing a sense of accomplishment, and promoting discipline. The mental focus needed during training can act as a kind of meditation. This helps to improve your concentration and clarity.
How can I protect meself in boxing
To defend yourself in boxing you can use a few techniques. For example, maintaining a solid defense with your hand up, using footwork as if to maintain distance and utilizing head movements like slips, roll and weaves. The defensive skills you learn are as important as the offensive ones.
What is the best way to learn boxing for beginners?
Beginners should not spar immediately. It is best to wait until you have a firm foundation and are fit enough. It's vital to spar under the supervision of a coach and with proper protective gear to ensure safety and productive learning experiences.
How long does it take to become proficient in boxing?
The time it takes to become proficient in boxing varies widely among individuals, depending on factors such as natural ability, consistency in training, quality of instruction, and dedication to practice. On average, with regular training, you could see significant improvement in your basic skills within a few months.
How do you choose the right size boxing glove for your hand?
The size and type of boxing glove you need depend on your weight, the level of protection required, and the activity you're engaging in (e.g., heavy bag work, sparring, or competition). Gloves come in ounces. Beginners often begin with gloves that are 12oz and 14oz for general training, then move up to heavier gloves when sparring.
Statistics
- About 25% of people who take up boxing transition to competitive amateur boxing within their first two years of training.
- Women are joining boxing in increasing numbers, rising by about 15% in the past decade, indicating growing gender diversity in the sport.
- Surveys reveal that close to 40% of new boxers join the sport for self-defense purposes rather than for competition or fitness.
- Cardiovascular fitness improvements can be seen after just 12 weeks of consistent boxing training.
- 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 50% of beginner boxers drop out within the first six months, highlighting the importance of sustaining motivation and setting realistic goals.
- Research indicates that nearly 70% of punches thrown by boxers during a match are jabs.
- Roughly 75% of beginners do not employ adequate defensive tactics in their first sparring sessions.
- On average, beginner boxers improve their punching power by 10%-20% after six months of consistent training.
- Nearly 80% of boxing training injuries are related to incorrect technique, especially within the first three months of taking up the sport.
External Links
How To
How to Stand Properly in a boxing Stance
A proper stance is the foundation of boxing. Stand with the feet shoulder-widths, non-dominant forward. Distribute your weight evenly and angle your back foot 45 degrees. You can protect your chin by bending your knees, keeping your elbows close, and holding your gloves high. To remain agile, keep your feet flat on the ground. Your body should remain relaxed, but ready to move fast and throw effective punches.
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