EVERY time I watch Joe Joyce fight, I feel like I’ve stepped back in time and am watching George Foreman in the 1970s. The way he moves and punches is so similar. His beatdown of Alexander Ustinov was no exception – it was just like “Big” George, albeit with about 50 per cent of the power, yet all the strength.When I watch Daniel Dubois in action – while not so striking – I see something of a young Mike Tyson. I can’t put my finger on why, but I think it might be a similarity in the footwork, or it could just be a mannerism thing. Should Dubois get past Nathan Gorman, which I believe he will, there is talk of a clash between Joyce and Dubois. So maybe we will see a version of the match that was mooted many times in the early ‘90s, when people realised that Foreman’s comeback was more than just a gimmick.
I think at this stage in their careers, Joyce would get past Dubois in a barnburner. Had the Tyson-Foreman fight occurred post-Buster Douglas, I think George may have pulled it off with a Michael Moorer-style come-from-behind win. However, we will of course never know. Mark Bambury
TWO TRIBUTES
I WAS sad to hear of the passing of both former British Boxing Board of Control General Secretary Ray Clarke and popular ex-pro featherweight Keith Tate. In August 1978, I travelled to London to be interviewed by Mr Clarke, who sent me back to Newcastle as the new Northern Area Secretary – a position I held until January 31 this year. In those early years, the highlight of the Board’s AGMs were the nights out with Ray, who was a fine host and a grand storyteller. I saw Keith’s pro debut at New St. James’ Hall in Newcastle on October 1964 – a points win over Tommy Connor. In March and April 1965, Tate boxed two thrilling draws with Monty Laud. He was a fine gentleman and a smart boxer, who I wrote a piece on for Boxing News back in the day. May both rest in peace. John Jarrett
BOXING IS BEING FAILED
READER Michael Coverley hit the nail on the head in the May 16 issue. Boxing is being failed by its organisers and corrupted by managers and promotors. Weight divisions are a joke, new ‘titles’ seem to be created every week, and the public are regularly overcharged to watch mismatches. Pay-per-view is being milked for all it’s worth, but in time, promoters will kill the goose that lays the golden egg. The public will get fed up with watching one-sided fights. Max Winberg
TRULY AMAZING POWER
DEONTAY WILDER showed against Dominic Breazeale why no heavyweight should take him lightly. His power is truly amazing, and his athleticism makes him so awkward. If he connects correctly, you’ll hit the canvas. He may not be the best boxer, but he’s improved a lot.Patch Hammond
