Bellew vs Haye 2: Joe Joyce reveals secrets from his sparring sessions
Wednesday 25 April 2018 15:47, UK
Olympic silver medallist Joe Joyce has provided an insight into his sparring in David Haye's gym…
Joyce features on the undercard to Haye's rematch against Tony Bellew, live on Sky Sports Box Office on May 5, in his fourth pro fight as he bids to take Lenroy Thomas' Commonwealth title.
Joyce's reputation precedes him despite only having had three pro fights…
What's the most difficult sparring session that you can remember?
Joyce: Quite a tough one was when I sparred Mike Perez, the Cuban. It was one of those spars where I thought: 'I'm not looking forward to sparring tomorrow!'
Tell us about sparring Anthony Joshua...
We’ve had many wars…
What do you gain from sparring?
Joyce: I love it. I love everything about boxing - pads, hitting the bag, sparring. It's all fun and games. Even more so in the ring, when I'm trading blows and coming out victorious.
You work on timing - slipping shots, blocking shots. Also landing shots - when to throw, when not to throw.
You can work on stuff that you've done on pads. It's a live person throwing punches back so, it's all well and good practising on the pads, but you need to put it into practice.
You are preparing for a fight alongside Haye. But you don't spar him...
Joyce: No I haven't, yet. I did movement work with him in LA. Seeing Haye behind the scenes in the gym, he is looking beastly. He is a lion ready to pounce so you want to keep your distance!
Are you an interested spectator when Haye spars?
[Haye] is looking ferocious. Light on his feet, and looking strong and solid in sparring.
Cuba's Ismael Salas is a new trainer in the gym. Has he helped?
Joyce: Ismael is a great coach for me. He really gets the best out of me. He improves my technique. He's a great guy to be around - he's a teacher. I couldn't be in better hands. I'm less stiff now, a bit more flowy.
