“I got out in nature on my one wheel skateboard thing, that helped me,” he said. “Going to see family and friends. Reviewing the footage as well and seeing where I went wrong. t wasn’t that I was thinking, it was a distraction and something to feel good about and enjoy. “I have hobbies away from boxing, I swim, dive, cycle and the one wheel is my new thing. It helps me take my mind off it and enjoy life. It means it’s not boxing, boxing, boxing.”In Joyce vs Zhang previous encounter, Joyce's fight was stopped in the sixth round due to grotesque swelling around his eye, rendering him unfit to continue. This loss not only led to relinquishing the WBO 'interim' belt but also cost him the No. 1 position in the sanctioning body rankings, with the title held by unified champion Oleksandr Usyk.
“I’ve made a lot of minor adjustments in the build up some of the things with the team, and tactics and weight,” Joyce said. "I’m coming in more practised and prepared. I was a little bit light, Zhang was heavier and stronger. “I had to make sure I was eating right and eating enough. When I started previous camp I was already on fight weight so it was hard for me to keep the weight on. It was just something in my protein shake that wasn’t agreeing with me. “Maybe I overlooked him a bit and got tactics wrong, there were some minor last minute changes and weren’t practised. This time they have been practised and hopefully it will be a better outcome.”Joyce acknowledged that he has made minor adjustments in his preparation for Joyce vs Zhang 2, including changes in team dynamics, tactics, and weight management. He learned from his past mistakes, ensuring he maintains the right weight and nutrition throughout his training camp. He also noted that some last-minute tactical changes had not been adequately practiced in their previous bout but assured fans that this time they would be better prepared. Regarding the Joyce vs Zhang rematch, Joyce decided not to wait, recognizing the slow pace at which mandatory challenges and undisputed fights can materialize in the heavyweight division. He understood the importance of seizing opportunities, given his status as the No. 1, mandatory, and interim champion. Despite the setback, Joyce remains confident in his abilities and aims to prove that he is more than just a fighter with an iron chin.
“I wasn’t going to wait,” he said. “Especially with how the mandatories go. Daniel Dubois has had his chance with Usyk, now it’s Filip Hrgovic with the IBF so then it should be the WBO interim champion. I will be back in time and nothing will have changed so I had to take the rematch. “It’s hard enough when you’re No 1, mandatory and interim champion and still waiting for the undisputed fight, so these fights take so long so you don’t have time to waste going around the long way. I was in the fight and I can beat him.”Joyce emphasized his desire to become a world champion and the excitement and challenges that come with pursuing success in the sport of boxing. As he readies himself for the Joyce vs Zhang rematch, he is determined to showcase his skills and determination on the path to achieving his world title dream.
“I know my strengths and weaknesses,” he said. “It’s the boxing media building me up as ‘look at his chin’ but that’s not what I’m all about. I’m going to be a world champion. That’s what I got in it for - to be successful. I enjoy the lifestyle, the excitement and the challenge that comes with boxing.”
"I have one name - Deontay Wilder. I had a good convesation with Shelly Finkel yesterday. We want to make a fight. We received an offer, as did Deontay Wilder. Now, at the moment, we can't move forward with that, but we do have other offers that have come in, and we have opportunities to do that in other locations. "We'll speak to AJ about a couple of offers that have come in and hopefully we can go straight into that fight. "In the Middle East. We have to digest them, we have to speak to them about when the fight would take place. The original date was January, now there are talks of potentially February or March. Do we fight in December? "One name remains the focus for next fight and that's Deontay Wilder."Interestingly, Hearn raised questions about Wilder's track record, despite his formidable reputation. He pointed out that Wilder lacks a victory over an elite heavyweight throughout his career, suggesting that he has never defeated a top-five ranked heavyweight.
"I think Deontay Wilder is extremely exciting, but he does not have one elite victory on his resume. I don't think he's ever beaten a top-five heavyweight in his whole career."
“I want to do whatever the fans want to see,” the 34-year-old said after his latest win. “There’s some huge names out there, there’s some big opportunities. World titles, big fights, it’s all on the table.”In recent discussions, there has been talk of a potential grudge match between Eubank Jr and Conor Benn. They were initially slated to face off in October 2022, but their pay-per-view event was canceled due to Benn failing two drug tests. Benn is set to make his long-awaited comeback in Florida and is expected to call out Eubank after the fight. Promoter Eddie Hearn is eager to initiate negotiations for a potential showdown in Britain, possibly in December, which could prove to be a highly lucrative and exciting matchup.
“He’s very tricky with his glove. I think he cheats.”While discussing these concerns with his team, Ngannou emphasized the need to check every glove meticulously before Fury vs Ngannou . He expressed dissatisfaction with relying solely on the U.K. commission's check on the gloves, insisting on additional scrutiny. Despite the Nevada Athletic Commission clearing Fury of any wrongdoing in the past, Ngannou remains apprehensive, advocating for either a bare-knuckle fight or thorough verification of the gloves used.
“We are talking about it with the team, and they’re like, ‘Oh, there’s the U.K. commission with the gloves,’” Ngannou said. “I’m like, ‘Bro, we’re going to get there, we need every glove to be checked.” “You don’t tell me about this commission, ‘Oh, the gloves get to be checked,’” Ngannou continued. “If you want us to fight bare hands, bare-knuckle, let’s go bare-knuckle. But don’t give me 10-ounce gloves and wear 8-ounce or 6-ounce gloves because he has no protection. No.”Joe Rogan challenged Ngannou’s claims, questioning the evidence behind them and disputing fan-made videos suggesting that Fury had manipulated his gloves. Ngannou maintained that double-checking was necessary, given that multiple people, including Fury’s past opponents, have raised concerns about his gloves.
“But his opponent complains about his gloves,” Ngannou replied. “It might not be [true], but we have to check that. ... I think we have nothing to lose by double-checking, because it’s been more than once that people talk about his gloves, and even his opponents.” “I’m sure they talk about it,” Rogan said. “[Fury] kicks their ass.” “But in the boxing world, you have to worry about everything,” Ngannou said. “If somebody says something in boxing, you better double-check.”Ngannou, transitioning to boxing after a successful MMA career and rejecting a new contract from UFC, has signed a profitable deal with the PFL. He is set to make $10 million from the Fury vs Ngannou fight, which will be available on ESPN+ pay-per-view. The Fury vs Ngannou match came into fruition after a potential bout between Fury and Oleksandr Usyk fell through, leading Fury to shift his focus to Ngannou. Francis Ngannou is firm on his stance, emphasizing the importance of precaution and scrutiny in boxing, particularly when there have been recurring allegations or complaints from different quarters.
“Although it’s a sport, we don’t deal with teams, we deal with individuals. And sometimes people look after themselves rather than the sport in general, which is slightly disappointing,” Smith told talkSPORT. “I understand why they do it. But no, I don’t think he should be boxing. Personally, I don’t think he should be boxing until this matter is cleared. “Hopefully, that’ll be done as soon as possible,” he added. Responding to several announcements by Hearn and Benn that he’s cleared his name, Smith gave a damning verdict on that insistence. “He hasn’t cleared it [his name]. There are a number of issues that are still outstanding, which everybody’s aware of. “We’ve decided to appeal a decision. Once the appeal has taken place, we’ll take it on board from there. “But when Eddie says he’s cleared his name, according to us, we haven’t had an explanation of how the positive test came about. So I don’t quite agree with Eddie on that one.”Smith disputed claims made by Hearn and Benn that Benn's name has been cleared. He highlighted that several issues related to the positive test results are still pending resolution and that an appeal is in progress. This weekend, Benn is scheduled to fight Rodolfo Orozco in Orlando, Florida, under the Texas Athletic Commission's jurisdiction. However, the cloud of controversy stemming from two separate positive tests for the same banned substance, clomifene, still hangs over him. The World Boxing Council (WBC) acknowledged that contaminated supplements might have caused Benn's adverse findings, leading to the cancellation of his fight with Chris Eubank Jr. last October. Benn disagreed with this explanation. Although the WBC reinstated Benn in their rankings in April, he was removed again in July due to inactivity. Benn's return to the ring this weekend is accompanied by unresolved issues and the possibility of suspension by the British Boxing Board of Control, which could raise further questions about his situation.
“I believe Joe has enough to find a way to win if he boxes smart. If he doesn’t do that, he probably will get frozen out of the heavyweight division,” said Haye when speaking to the PA press agency. “What manager or promoter would want to risk their guy fighting Joe in a minor eliminator or in a 10-rounder. He would be too good for his own good. “He is a very world class fighter so young fighters coming through, he would be too much for them. No manager or promoter in their right mind would chuck their young fighter in with Joe if he loses this fight. “It would be a long road back and a long road back you can’t afford at the age of 38.”
“Toughest opponent is my own self. Every single time. The only person that can beat Tyson Fury, is him himself. Mentally. The toughest battle I’ve ever had is mental health. You never, ever defeat it. You can never win against it. Ever.”Fury's past struggles with depression and addiction, following his victory over long-reigning champion Wladimir Klitschko, are well-documented. He openly discussed experiencing suicidal thoughts during that dark period. After nearly three years away from the ring, Fury made a successful comeback, eventually defeating the hard-hitting American, Deontay Wilder. More recently, a Netflix series offered fans a glimpse into Fury's life, highlighting his battle with bipolar disorder, as recognized by his family. On the podcast, Fury also shared his strategies for coping with mental health challenges. He emphasized the importance of setting small short-term goals, maintaining a structured daily routine, prioritizing fitness and health, and taking life one day at a time. Additionally, he stressed the significance of maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle.
“My top tips for battling mental health is this. Small short term goals, a structured routined lifestyle, fitness and health, working out and stuff, and just living one day at a time. Eating well, drinking well, and that’s about it really.”Fury's immediate goal is to face MMA star Francis Ngannou in a boxing match on October 28 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
“I can’t divulge anything that’s going on at the moment, but if you had a Christmas Wishlist with one fight you wanted to see in the heavyweight division, it could very well happen.” “I’m going to say this: The Saudis will make everybody’s Christmas come true – that’s all I can say.”Issues such as purse splits, venue selection, and rematch clauses previously derailed the Fury vs Usyk fight earlier in the year, with some observers pointing fingers at "The Gypsy King." Adding to Brown's encouraging remarks, Fury's promoter, Frank Warren, also expressed quiet confidence in arranging a Fury vs Usyk bout. Fury's upcoming exhibition bout with MMA star Francis Ngannou, set to take place in Riyadh next month, received mixed reactions from boxing fans. However, the excitement would reach new heights if an historic Fury vs Usyk showdown were to follow.
“I just thought that Zhang was timing him nicely with that backhand. Walking him into it, picking him off with the jab and then timing him. It caused the damage on the eye. You want Joe Joyce to be able to just get his head off the centre, maybe get his guard up, block a few shots, roll and slip, but he just doesn’t do any of that. He hasn’t got it in his arsenal. You can’t teach an old dog new tricks. What age is he? 38? So he’s not going to change. He’s going to come and do what he does and hope his fitness and his strength is enough to win. But Zhang I feel has got his number.”Froch emphasized that it might be challenging to teach an older fighter like Joyce new defensive techniques before Froch vs Zhang 2. Given Joyce's age, around 38, Froch believes he is unlikely to change his approach and will rely on his fitness and strength to win. However, Froch believes that Zhang has figured out Joyce's style.
“Not get hit early on, make Zhang work. But to do that he’s going to have to defend himself, and he’s got no defence. He’s got no head movement. If he’s walking into shots, I feel like the writing’s on the wall. This is a must-win fight for him as well, otherwise where does he go? Back-to-back defeats against Zhang – he’s in trouble.”Froch echoed the common sentiment that for Joyce to succeed against Zhang in Froch vs Zhang 2, he must avoid early punches and force Zhang to work harder. But this strategy requires improved defense, something Joyce currently lacks. Froch believes that if Joyce continues to walk into Zhang's punches, it doesn't bode well for his chances. This Froch vs Zhang 2 is crucial for Joyce; another defeat to Zhang could spell trouble for his career.
“Yeah listen if I was lumping a bet on it, I’d say Zhang is the smart money. But it’s a two horse race. Anything can happen, and Joe Joyce would’ve learnt from that. He was devastated.”
“It’s always been on his mind. I think the time away from the sport has made him realise he misses it and loves it. I think he feels like if it’s not before the end of this year, it’s probably not going to happen.” “So he’s put his foot on the pedal, trying to work off some of the weight he’s put on his semi retirement. So he”s working away, step by step.” “He does boxing for the love of it. He actually misses the sport and it’s looking like he is committed to a comeback.” “I think the goal will be to get down to 168, for sure. But for his first fight, let’s see. His weight has come down a fair bit, he just needs to stay consistent to get it down to where we would all like it to be.”While Saunders aims to compete at the super middleweight limit of 168 pounds, Davison suggested that for his first fight back, they'll assess the situation and make adjustments as needed. Saunders has already made progress in shedding weight, but consistency is key to reaching their desired weight. Promoter Eddie Hearn has expressed his interest in arranging a rematch between Saunders and his old rival John Ryder, whom Saunders narrowly defeated for the British middleweight title in 2013.
“Andy Ruiz. I like that fight. I think he pulverises Ruiz this time. But I would like to have seen the Dillian Whyte fight, that would have been a very good fight.”Bellew also conveyed his eagerness for a Joshua vs Fury match, expressing disappointment in the general lack of competition in the heavyweight division, which he perceives as being filled with either marginal contenders or inadequate competitors.
“But [Tyson] Fury, obviously, that’s the one I really want to see. It’s tough, the heavyweight division isn’t as deep as it should be – there are fringe contenders or you’re not very good.”Frank Warren has suggested another British boxer, Daniel Dubois, as a suitable contender to face Joshua, proposing that a match between them would be mutually beneficial at this point in their careers.
“It’s gone on for so long I’m almost switched off to it. He’s getting a lot of hate which I don’t like to see but he’s got this dark cloud over him cause he failed a drugs test. Great he’s moving on, but I want to know what’s going on with him getting a British Boxing Board of Control license.”Carl Froch, speaking with Talk Sport Boxing, expressed his frustration with the protracted saga. He noted the public backlash Benn has faced due to the failed drug test and questioned the status of Benn's British Boxing Board of Control license. Froch also highlighted the issue of Benn choosing to fight overseas instead of addressing the licensing matter in the UK, describing it as a "grey area." He emphasized the importance of professional boxing maintaining its credibility, especially in the eyes of casual fans, and stressed the need for accountability and adherence to regulations.
“It’s a shame. It puts a grey area on why he’s allowed to fight in Florida and not Britain. But I understand, it’s a technicality. But also you have to hold professional boxing as paramount importance in terms of how it looks to the armchair fan and if it just looks like they’re pulling one over on the Boxing Board or doing their own thing and sticking their middle finger up to the correct officials and it’s bad and it shouldn’t be happening.”Froch ultimately called on Benn and his team to engage with the Board, face any necessary consequences related to the failed drug test, and only then resume Benn's professional career.
“When are they going to sit in front of the board and take their punishment for the failed drugs test? Because my understanding is that’s what needs to happen before Connor Benn can move on with his professional career. Until then they’re just p**sing in the wind.”Negotiations between Benn and Chris Eubank Jr have surfaced, suggesting a potential future bout for both fighters if Benn emerges victorious this weekend. However, the location for this match remains uncertain. Promoter Eddie Hearn revealed that, during the process of securing a license to fight in the United States, consultations with the British Boxing Board of Control were conducted to address these matters.
"If I don't win this fight I'm done as far as I'm concerned so that's going to give me even more fire to work hard and to win this fight. I feel normal just like any other Camp to be honest um I know it's a big fight you know as a world I know it's a world title fight but I think the keys to is to keep calm don't be under pressure because I've been up for so many years and I've made so many mistakes that I've learned from so now my mindset now is you know what it's just like any other fight we've got to work harder and do what I do from time I like the pressure go um from time."Davis also spoke positively about his opponent, recognizing him as a strong and fit fighter, despite his age, and understanding that he should not underestimate him. When asked about retirement, Davis mentioned his intention to continue boxing but emphasized the need to focus on the current fight and not look past it.
"Mitchell um good fight or strong fighter fit and I know he got robbed in his last fight so in this next fight could be looking to make a statement um against me and he's old but listen man when you're old up in Venezuela is that young in England mate those guys don't eat burgers and drink beer that's why these guys are 45 years old and they're still fit as hell so I can't look at his age and say he's over the hill he's not over the hill."Further in the interview with Fighter Talk TV, he expressed gratitude for his coach, Will, who has been patient and supportive throughout his boxing career. Davis shared that this title shot, though significant, feels like just another day in his job, emphasizing his dedication to his craft.
"He's been very patient with me you know my boxing career has been up and down and I got with Will at the down part of my boxing career so you know I'm always thankful that he waited he had faith when the fight dates I had and then they got canceled and it's taking time away from his wife and kids and his family and you know all these things and then you know is the business at the end of the day and my culture was patient enough to wait with me and to ground it out with me through the hard time."For Full Interview:
“Andy Ruiz did business with us the same way he attempted to do business with Tyson Fury, he out priced himself.” “He wants to act like he wants this fight, but it’s just big name association. Fighters and their team, they hid behind the business aspect of boxing, and it’s the perfect time to hide behind business because everyone is in to instant gratification – and that is what Andy did.” “It’s frustrating. And the more and more I talk about it, the more it gets frustrating.”The WBC had ordered a final eliminator between Wilder and Ruiz at the beginning of the year, but even this mandate failed to bring about a fight between the two. In terms of inactivity, Deontay Wilder has not been in action since autumn 2022 when he swiftly dispatched Robert Helenius in under a round at the Barclays Centre in New York. Despite earlier assurances to fans that a highly anticipated showdown between Wilder and Anthony Joshua was "confirmed" for December, this long-anticipated bout also appears to be facing uncertainty at present.
"Lol KSI manager freaking out behind the scenes and making Adin’s manager kick me out of the chat!" Paul wrote to his 4.6million followers after the fact. "Soft!" Taylor responded by writing" "I’d never freak out over you, you fraudulent poser. Should have not ducked if you want that KSI clout. Get your attention elsewhere by fighting crippled old men."With the KSI vs. Tommy Fury fight drawing closer and Logan Paul also participating in the event, anticipation is building for what promises to be a sell-out crowd.
“Yeah, I mean, anybody at the top. I feel like, with all due respect, if you’re at the top, you’re standing in the way. I’m a competitor at the end of the day and I got a family to feed.”When asked if he would emulate the strategy used by Tyson Fury to defeat Wilder, Franklin was hesitant to commit. He acknowledged that while he has observed useful techniques from Fury, their fighting styles are distinct, making it difficult to adopt an identical approach. He emphasized the need for caution when facing Wilder's renowned punching power but stated his willingness to engage both strategically and aggressively when the opportunity arises.
“I can’t really say that cause me and Fury are two different style fighters. But I seen some things that he was doing that could help. I seen some of the things he did when we sparred. I’d utilise that. I don’t want to steal stuff from people. But we’re perfecting our prep, I view a lot of footage, I see small things to use but I wouldn’t say he gave me an overall game plan of beating Wilder.” “I mean yeah, he has power, you have to be aware of the power, you don’t want to be putting yourself in a situation where you get clobbered with the right hand, but I like to box, I like to brawl. When the time presents itself, I’ll be strategic but do what I gotta do. I”ll try to be smart about it.”A Franklin vs. Wilder match could be a significant bout for both fighters at this juncture of their careers. It would also be an engaging contest for Wilder, who has been inactive since his last one-round fight in October of the previous year.
“I want to see him take each fight as it comes, not to keep looking down the road and thinking about how he wants to be the youngest guy to win a world title. I want him to look at that [next] fight like he is fighting for a world title and go out there and put a world title performance on. Go out there and look the absolute business, that is what I want to see from him, in every fight. I want the world to see what we see in him, because he is exciting, he’s young and I believe that he will be the face of the heavyweight division in the future.”Up next for Itauma is a bout against Amine Boucetta from Belgium, who has a record of 7-8. The fight is part of the undercard for the rematch between Zhang and Joyce. Itauma will aim to add another knockout to his record, although Boucetta has proven to be a durable opponent, having been stopped just once in his career.
“A fight with Conor Benn down the line would be huge, but he shouldn’t be fighting right now – he shouldn’t be anywhere near a boxing ring, that guy. I think it’s pretty bad for the sport. It’s a bad look, guy popping dirty twice and still getting to box. He’s basically had a slap on the wrist and is getting away with it and is now getting back to it. I don’t think it’s a great look for the sport.”As for Benn's career plans, promoter Eddie Hearn has suggested that Benn might stage a comeback in a less high-profile match in the U.S. soon. Additionally, there's buzz that Benn could square off with family rival Chris Eubank Jr., who recently triumphed over Liam Smith. Negotiations for this matchup are said to be in the works, even though Eubank has expressed an interest in fights with other notable boxers like Gennady Golovkin and Canelo Alvarez.
“I don’t know, what’s Triple G done in a while? He’s 41 years old … I don’t think [Eubank] does, no. Cause the last things to go is a boxer’s power, and he’s that well-schooled that even an old, past his best, reflexes gone a little bit [Golovkin] lands a shot on Eubank Jr I think it’s fight over. So no, I don’t think he beats Triple G if I’m honest.”Golovkin has been inactive since his trilogy defeat to Saul 'Canelo' Álvarez at 168 pounds in September of the previous year, and his future plans in boxing remain uncertain. Meanwhile, Eubank seems to be leaning more towards a fight with Conor Benn. This match had been scheduled previously but was canceled at the last minute due to a banned substance being found in Benn's system. Eubank's promotional team is confident that they can secure a British license for the fight in time for December and potentially host it in a stadium setting.