Heavyweight boxing

JOE JOYCE is banking on a set of specially-imported eight-inch Cuban heels helping him topple Daniel Dubois on Saturday.
The 35-year-old Putney ace has been separated from US-based coach Ismael Salas for most of lockdown, relying on Zoom calls to keep in touch with the celebrated 5ft 6in trainer.

Joe Joyce is finally sparring his trainer – who wears heelsCredit: BT Sport

Ismael Salas and his 8 inch Cuban heels are hopefully testing Joyce ahead of his mouthwatering clash against Daniel DuboisCredit: BT Sport

But the 2016 Olympic silver winner has finally managed to have the little mastermind fly over to finish off the crucial camp and the 6ft 6in Juggernaut has been able to do pads with his platform-booted mentor
Joyce said: “It’s been great to finally have got Salas over here.
“I’ve been doing great work with my other coach on the pads while Salas has been away and I’ve been sending him clips of my sparring and training and the team has been talking on FaceTime.
“Salas has done lots behind the scenes but it’s good to have him here in person because he’s really hands on with his training, with the pads and his high heels.

“From the first time back in the gym he just brought it back to the fundamentals and just built it up from there, to get my technique back in line and refine things.
“And now we actually have a gameplan that we’re working to.”
If Joyce’s masterplan backfires, the 11-0 powerhouse will only have himself to blame.
Before being robbed of a gold at the Rio games he sparred a skinny, less confident, teenage version of Dubois and gave him some expert advice that led to this crossroads.

Joe Joyce is hoping his coach has the secrets to unlock a victoryCredit: BT Sport

Joyce was showing Salas his training via Zoom callsCredit: BT Sport

The 2020 Olympics Dubois would have targeted have been delayed by the pandemic and instead he the British and Commonwealth champ is headlining a show on the same night as the man Joyce told him to model his career on.
“I remember giving him advice because he was thinking of turning pro” Joyce recalls. “And he was basically asking what I thought.
“I said you can either stay on to potentially fight at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, or you can do a Mike Tyson route and turn pro early.
“He seems to have taken that advice and turned pro and it seems to be good that he didn’t stay, because he’s 15-0, he’s having a good career so far and things are looking up
“Dubois could have still been on Team GB with no potential for the Olympics. Instead, he seems to have done well. Until he agreed to fight me.”

Daniel Dubois, like Joe Joyce, is undefeated as a professionalCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Daniel Dubois vs Joe Joyce promo More

MIKE TYSON and Floyd Mayweather have been on bad terms ever since 2001.
And Iron Mike nearly took the beef to a whole new level in 2014 when he pretended to punch him on stage.

Mike Tyson threw a fake punch at Floyd Mayweather in 2014Credit: YouTube / ESNEWS

The pair have been on bad terms since 2001Credit: YouTube / ESNEWS

But the stunt did not faze ‘Money’ Mayweather who laughed it off and proceeded to awkwardly hug the heavyweight icon.
The pair reportedly fell out after a 2001 police raid on Tyson’s Las Vegas home which Iron Mike accused Mayweather of calling.
Tyson could never prove Mayweather’s involvement and later admitted he was over it.
He said: “I’m good with it now. You can forgive, but you have to remember.”

But this was not the case in 2014, when the two met on stage at a boxing event.
Mayweather could be seen shaking hands with other well known boxing guests before Tyson rushed up to him.
Mayweather held his hand out to shake but Tyson ignored and it threw a punch at the middleweight champ – deliberately missing his face by just inches.
Money did not even flinch and instead smiled and awkwardly hugged Tyson – who makes a comeback to the ring this Saturday against Roy Jones Jr.

Mayweather didn’t flinch and awkwardly hugged Tyson insteadCredit: YouTube / ESNEWS
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The footage seems to show the incident ending in a jovial fashion but that illusion was shattered a year later when Tyson slammed Mayweather for suggesting he was the greatest boxer of all time.
Iron Mike said: “He’s very delusional.
“Listen, if he was anywhere near that realm of great as Muhammad Ali, he’d be able to take his kids to school by himself.
“OK, he can’t take his kids to school by himself, and he’s talking about he’s great?
“Greatness is not guarding yourself from the people.
“It’s being accepted by the people. He can’t take his kids alone to school by himself. He’s a little scared man. He’s a very small, scared man.”
Tyson also revealed his one fantasy fight would be against Mayweather.
Mayweather recently opened up on another feud – this time with rapper 50 Cent.
And YouTuber Logan Paul is sparring again having called Mayweather out – saying he ‘would snap the f***er in half’.

Roy Jones Jr, 51, shows off incredible hand speed ahead of Mike Tyson fight More

ANTHONY JOSHUA and Tyson Fury can be expected to fight at least once abroad as they have ‘sizeable’ offers from around the world, Eddie Hearn has revealed.
The heavyweight champions have already verbally agreed to a double header for next year.

Eddie Hearn said Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury can be expected to fight at least once abroadCredit: PA:Press Association

Fury and Joshua have ‘sizeable’ offers from around worldCredit: Getty Images – Getty

And their promoters have always warned the show will go wherever the money is.
As a result, Joshua’s matchmaker Eddie Hearn admitted he will aim to secure one bout on home soil, with the other likely to be an away a fixture.
Hearn told talkSPORT: “If you go to a fighter and their teams and, pulling numbers out of the sky, say you have £50million to fight in the UK or you have £100m to do the fight in the Middle East, it’s a very short conversation.
“Because they understand the risks involved.

“If you ask Tyson and you ask AJ, ‘where do you want this fight to happen?’ – blimey, obviously in the UK!
“Two British heavyweight world champions and we will do everything we can to make the fight here, by the way.
“And I do believe that is what the fighters want as well.
“But even in the current environment, there has been a number of sizeable approaches from around the world to stage this fight – the biggest fight in boxing.”

Joshua’s last fight saw him reclaim the heavyweight belts in Saudi Arabia against Andy Ruiz Jr last December.
It reportedly earned him a career high £66m payday as Middle Eastern money men put up the mega-bucks to stage the rematch.
And Fury has also reaped the rewards of taking his career over to the US after he signed a deal with Top Rank and ESPN, said to be worth £80m.
Hearn revealed both the British stars are in the driving seat and will make the final decision on where their proposed unification takes place.
He said: “This is a sport where both fighters put their health and their faculty and sometimes their life on the line.
“You can’t expect fighters in a fight of this magnitude, the ultimate fight of their career, to take half the money to do it in the UK.
“We’re in a situation at the moment in this country and, at the moment rightfully so, where the government doesn’t invest money to bring major sporting events to this country.

“They’ve got enough on their plate, they certainly shouldn’t be looking at that at the moment.
“Yet many countries, and we saw the Ruiz fight in Saudi Arabia, have funds in place to bring major sporting events to their countries.
“So a lot of those countries are going to be making major financial plays to stage this fight. Ultimately, it won’t be me who decides.
“It will be the fighters who decide.”
Before talk of the undisputed title decider can progress, Joshua, 32, has to first beat Kubrat Pulev, 39, in a mandatory defence on December 12.
Fury, 32, was in talks to face German Agit Kabayel a week prior, but without a crowd it was financially impossible.
He also faces a wait to find out the verdict on staging his trilogy with Deontay Wilder, 34, who he beat in Febuary.
Wilder has initiated a mediation after Fury tried to walk away from their immediate rematch, believing the clause expired in October.

Hearn slams Government for snubbing sport from bail-out and not understanding the importance of the sport on communities More

DANIEL DUBOIS is the quiet heavyweight nicknamed Dynamite who comes from a family of boxers including Olympic hopefuls.
Dubois faces Joe Joyce on Saturday in the biggest and toughest test in his 15-fight unbeaten career.

Daniel Dubois has earned the nickname Dynamite due to his power Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

Dubois is unbeaten in his 15 professional fights Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

But the 23-year-old – who was born in Greenwhich – has dedicated his whole life to the sport, leading up to his shot at the European title.
He first joined the boxing gym aged nine as his dad Dave wanted him off the mean streets of South London.
Ever since, for him and his fighting siblings Caroline, Prince and Solomon, it has been a family affair.
Dubois spent the summer in lockdown with his two brothers and sister, as they trained in his new home in Hertfordshire.

And he revealed 19-year-old Caroline – who has hoping to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics next year – acted as the head trainer.
Dubois told SunSport: “Caroline takes the training sessions every day, she enjoys picking the exercises and circuits more than I do.
“She has our youngest brother Solomon acting like the teacher’s assistant so there is no slacking.”
Dubois has helped his little sister in her career ever since she first started boxing as a nine-year-old.

Big brother Daniel holds the pads for amateur sensation Caroline Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

Dubois training with Caroline and brother Prince Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

There, Caroline fought under the boy’s name Colin to ensure she could share the ring with the boys.
She said: “It feels a bit crazy looking back on it now, considering where I have got to, but back then ‘Colin’ seemed like the only way to start my dream.
“Boxing clubs in those days were not interested in girls so my dad and Daniel, after some convincing, let me come up with the plan.
“Me and Daniel just had to remember our lines every time we went in the gym.
“He denies it was his plan but he did a lot to help me get started. I had short hair and kept quiet, so it was OK.”
As Caroline waits to see if the Olympic Games will go ahead next year before deciding whether to turn pro, Daniel’s career is only heading in one direction.
He has been taken the distance just once, with his power proving too hot to handle.
Dubois made his debut in 2017 at 18, having had just seven senior amateur bouts, despite starring as a youth boxer in Team GB.

Dubois turned pro at 18 after just seven amateur bouts Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

British heavyweight legend Frank Bruno pictured with Dubois Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
But he rejected the chance to contest for a spot in Tokyo to instead take his heavy-hands into the paid ranks.
His biggest win to date was a fifth round knockout against former sparring partner and amateur team-mate Nathan Gorman.
Since the win last year, the youngster has three more knockouts to his name.
But his most recent, against Ricardo Snijders in August, came a tune-up ahead of his headliner against Joyce on the weekend.
The pair – who also sparred in Team GB’s Sheffield HQ – were due to fight in April on pay-per-view.
But amid the coronavirus pandemic, it caused constant delay and even threatened to KO the clash entirely.
Until Dubois and 35-year-old Joyce agreed to fight behind-closed-doors and on normal TV, as they were given the credit they deserved and a new date.
The winner will emerge as the British, Commonwealth and European champion, and elevate themselves into world title contention.

Dubois knocked out Nathan Gorman in round five Credit: Richard Pelham – The Sun

Joe Joyce and Dubois fight for the European title Credit: Richard Pelham – The Sun
Dubois is already the No2 ranked challenger in the WBO, behind Anthony Joshua’s mandatory Oleksandr Usyk.
And even though he remains tight-lipped, the punching prodigy is confident his fists will do the talking and put him in line to ‘take over’ the division.
Dubois told us: “It may not have come across but I am ferociously confident in my ability because of the work done in the gym.
“I was a boy among men when I sparred on the GB team, I am a baby in terms of experience now in the pro game but don’t mistake my quietness for self doubt.
“I’m not even that quiet or shy, you can’t afford to be when you are one of ten siblings and want to get fed.
“But when it comes to boxing my approach has been strictly business.
“Beating Nathan Gorman for the British title – in a fight a lot of people thought was going to be 50-50 – just confirmed what I already knew about my potential.
“And seeing older targets and potential opponents lose – in very good and hard fights – only makes me more confident I can take over soon.”

Daniel Dubois vs Joe Joyce promo More

MIKE TYSON has dramatically transformed his body back into fighting shape ahead of his comeback.
The American faces fellow legend Roy Jones Jr this Saturday over eight exhibition rounds – his first fight in 15 years since he retired.

Mike Tyson ahead of his boxing comeback against Roy Jones Jr

Tyson prepares to fight for the first time in 15 years Credit: Instagram

Back in the day, Tyson stuck to a strict and brutal training schedule and diet under his trainer and mentor Cus D’Amato.
And while it’s not known if the 54-year-old has kept to those standards, his stunning shape ahead of his ring return proves he is on the right track.
Here SunSport reveals Iron Mike’s iconic regime that helped him become the youngest heavyweight champion of all time aged 20.
DIET
According to ManOfManny, Tyson used to consume anywhere from 3,000-4,000 calories a day.

He would start off with oatmeal, milk and Vitamin supplements like magnesium and fish oil tablets.
For lunch he would go for chicken breast, as it’s a muscle-building food, high in protein and low in fat and carbohydrates.
His carbs were made up of rice, which is packed full of whole grains and provided him with energy.
His favourite drink was orange juice, full of Vitamin C and natural sugars, to lift calorie consumption while giving a healthy energy boost.

For dinner Iron Mike got a nice blend of protein between steak and pasta.
And he would again enjoy a glass of OJ to go with it.
In between meals Tyson had a protein shake blended with SIX bananas, to aid muscle growth and recovery.
And as a heavyweight, he did not need to worry about making weight, meaning he could enjoy a cheat snack every now and then.
He loved ice cream and cereal – both loaded with sugar.

Tyson will fight over eight exhibition rounds Credit: @kingsmma_hb

TRAINING
In a breakdown released by Bodhizone, Tyson’s workout schedule was rammed.
Like most boxers in the past, Iron Mike would start his day early with a three to five-mile jog around 4am.
After two hours he would come back, shower and go to sleep again until about 10am, when it was time for breakfast.
By midday he would be in the gym for his first boxing session, which was normally ten straight rounds of sparring.
Tyson then did three sets of Calisthenics, including squats, tricep extensions, pushups, shrugs with 30 kilos and neck crunches.

Tyson on the pads with his current trainer Rafael CordeiroCredit: @kingsmma_hb

Cordeiro has overseen Tyson’s training camp Credit: @kingsmma_hb

Overall, he would perform ten sets of each over his six days of training.
Afterwards, at 2pm the heavyweight would then have lunch before returning back to the gym for more boxing.
This consisted of sparring, bag work, pads with his trainer, and an hour on the stationary bike as well as more Calisthenics.
At 5pm, Tyson would do four more sets of the same calisthenics routine and then slow shadow boxing, focusing on just ONE technique.
Two hours later he would have dinner, before his final session of the day at 8pm, which was a light 30 minutes on the exercise bike for recovery purposes.
Tyson was in bed at 9m, watching TV or studying fight films before hitting the hay.

REST
Tyson trained six days a week, taking Sunday off.
He would do extra chores around Cus’ house or watch old fight films with his coaches while not training.
Now, Tyson enjoys smoking marijuana, as he owns his own ranch in California.
The two-time champion claims to be burning through around £33,000-a-week alongside his business partner Eben Britton.
Tyson and Jones, 51, will be drug tested ahead of their fight, by Voluntary Anti-Doping Association.

Tyson revealed he has stopped taking marijuana while in campCredit: Refer to Caption
But VADA WON’T be testing for cannabis, say BoxingScene.
It could matter little though, as Tyson revealed he has stopped taking marijuana while in camp.
He said on Joe Rogan’s Podcast: “Pretty much stopped, when you do something like this it’s all about change.
“Listen, you can’t continue being a comedian if you’re not sharpening your psyche.
“Even when you’re doing this here, you’re practising your comedian act. You have to continue to practice.”

Roy Jones Jr, 51, shows off incredible hand speed ahead of Mike Tyson fight More

ROY JONES JR goes into his fight against Mike Tyson as an underdog – according to those in the boxing business.
The American – who started his career as a light-middleweight – is also the bookies outsider.

He faces fellow legend Tyson in an eight-round exhibition on Saturday, and has been left with it all to do inside the ring.
But Jones, 51, only retired in 2018, meaning what he lacks in size and power he could make up in with activity and form.
Here SunSport runs down the predictions from fighters, promoters and trainers.
Mike Tyson
Iron Mike did not have too much to say on the fight – only warning it will be all-action.

The 54-year-old told TMZ Sports: “Pain, baby, pain. A lot of pain.”
Prediction: Violence

Mike Tyson fights for the first time since retiring in 2005
Evander Holyfield
Holyfield twice beat Tyson and wants to face him for a third time after announcing he is also coming out of retirement.
He is backing his old rival to beat Jones if he lands one of his trademark shots – but fears if he fails it will be a snooze fest.

Holyfield, 58, told Teddy Atlas: “I think if Tyson catch him, he gonna hurt him. But if Tyson can’t catch him, it’s gonna be a lousy fight.”
Prediction: Tyson… if he can land.

Evander Holyfield twice beat Tyson and wants a third fightCredit: Reuters
Danny Williams
Williams scored one of the great British upsets in a boxing ring after he knocked out an out-of-sorts Iron Mike in 2004.
But he still tips Tyson’s size and power to be too much for Jones.
Williams, 47, said: “I think Roy is going to get seriously hurt. He is a natural middleweight.”
Prediction: Tyson

Brit Danny Williams upset Tyson in 2004 Credit: Reuters
James ‘Buster’ Douglas
Buster Douglas became the first man to beat Tyson, with his 1990 upset still considered one of the greatest shocks in boxing history.
He came into the fight a 42/1 underdog – and he gives Jones even LESS chance of repeating his victory.
Douglas, 60, told DJ Vlad: “I think he has a chance but it’s a slim chance. Slimmer than Buster Douglas.”
Prediction: Tyson

Buster Douglas in 1990 became the first man to ever beat TysonCredit: Reuters
Amir Khan
Khan revealed both were an inspiration to him in his career, but questioned why they are coming out of retirement.
Still the former champion – who jumped from welterweight to middleweight in 2016 before being KO’d by Canelo – is backing the smaller man.
Khan, 33, told Fight Hub: “I don’t know what’s made Mike and Roy fight each other. I mean, they might be friends, I don’t know.
“But who’s going to win this fight? Roy Jones, in my opinion.”
Prediction: Jones

Amir Khan has predicted Tyson will lose against Jones
Freddie Roach
Legendary trainer Roach cornered Tyson towards the end of the heavyweight’s career.
They still keep in touch now, and Roach has no doubt his friend will win by knockout.
He told told Press Box: “I think Mike knocks Roy Jones out.
“But I did warn Mike that he has to be careful of Roy’s left to the body. That’s the punch Roy used to knock out Virgil Hill.”
Prediction: Tyson

Legendary trainer Freddie Roach cornered Tyson towards the end of the heavyweight’s careerCredit: Rex Features
Tyron Woodley
Former UFC welterweight champion Woodley is another who has looked up to Tyson and Jones.
As a result, he feels Iron Mike’s power over the eight rounds will prove too troubling.
Woodley, 38, told Mike Swick: “I’ve studied them so much. I’ve watched so many films, so many fights with both of them.
“I think if Mike Tyson touches anybody, they’re going down no matter how old he is. I just don’t see him not touching Roy at some point in the fight.”
Prediction: Tyson

Ex-UFC welterweight champion on Tyson’s podcast
Jeff Mayweather
Floyd Mayweather’s uncle – a trainer – runs his own boxing channel, often asking for predictions ahead of big fights.
But in his own verdict, he tips Tyson to just edge out Jones.
Mayweather said: “Overall, if I would have to bet my money, I would pick Tyson because I know he has the power.
“And as big as he is, he has some tremendous hand speed.”
Prediction: Tyson

Floyd Mayweather’s uncle Jeff with Tyson
Oscar De La Hoya
De La Hoya works with Jones’ great rival Bernard Hopkins as they run Golden Boy Promotions.
And the American – who wants to make a comeback of his own – is tipping Tyson to come out on top.
De La Hoya, 47, said on Instagram: “I’m going to have to go with Tyson.
“But it wouldn’t surprise me if Jones Jr pulls something off – like he always has in his career.”
Prediction: Tyson

Jake Paul
The YouTuber faces ex-NBA star Nate Robinson on the undercard of Tyson’s comeback.
And he predicts Iron Mike will win the night’s main-event.
Paul, 23, told the Mayweather Boxing Channel: “I think uncle Mike’s going to take it home. But Roy Jones is looking dangerous too.
“I think he’s (Tyson) is gonna stop him. Those punches look to vicious, I think round, fourth round he’s going to connect with one of those Mike Tyson’s uppercuts or hooks.”
Prediction: Tyson

Jake Paul is fighting on Tyson’s undercard against ex-NBA star Nate Robinson

Roy Jones Jr, 51, shows off incredible hand speed ahead of Mike Tyson fight More

UFC president Dana White gave a priceless reaction to hearing Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr are NOT allowed to knock each other out.
The Baddest Man on the Planet, 54, steps back in the ring this weekend for the first time in 15 years against Roy Jones Jr.

Dana White laughed at the news there would be knockout in Mike Tyson’s comeback fight

UFC president White banged his head on the table after journalists told him the nature of the exhibition bout

Tyson has lost six stone and is in incredible shape ahead of his first fight in 15 yearsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/miketyson/

The pair – with a combined age of 105 – are set to do battle in an eight-round exhibition bout at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
But when MMA guru White was informed by journalists after UFC 255 that for an exhibition fight KO’s are deemed ‘too dangerous’ and the scrap would instead be referred to as ‘heavy sparring’ – he couldn’t hide his disbelief.
As reported by talkSPORT, White banged his head on the table and laughed at the unusual rules for a high profile fight.
He said: “There’s no knockouts? They’re not allowed to knock each other out? How do you enforce that?

“I’d like to bet that doesn’t happen. Can you bet on that?! Oh s***! You can’t even bet on this fight?
“I did not know that. I don’t even know what to say to that.”
Iron Mike was famed for his fearsome knockouts during his heavyweight career – finishing 44 of his 50 wins inside the distance.
And despite his age the veteran has got himself in incredible shape for the contest – losing SIX stone for the clash.

The California State Commission, who are in charge of the fight, have decided it isn’t about delivering a brutal KO blow but rather a showcase for ‘exhibiting’ skills.
The pair will wear heavier 12-ounce gloves for the eight two-minute rounds in the headline bout on a busy undercard.
But the contest will be stopped inside the distance if either fighter can’t continue.
And California State Athletic Commission executive director Andy Forster said: “Tyson and Jones Jr. won’t be wearing headgear for the fight.
“They’ll be lacing up 12-ounce gloves and there won’t be any judges present at the fight to score the action.
“So, technically, there won’t be a winner unless a knockout somehow occurs, or either fighter is deemed unfit to continue.
“They can move around and make some money, but I told them if you get cut, it’s over.”

Roy Jones Jr, 51, shows off incredible hand speed ahead of Mike Tyson fight More