Former trainer Teddy Atlas has revealed there is one current fighter he would love to have worked with.
The renowned American boxing commentator and former fighter gained fame for his work with top fighters like Mike Tyson, Michael Moorer and Timothy Bradley.
His no-nonsense coaching style saw Atlas play a pivotal role in developing fighters’ technical skills and mental toughness and he remains an insightful and often blunt pundit with plenty of views on the modern game.
Speaking to Froch on Fighting, Atlas was asked who he would like to have trained and picked a current British heavyweight.
“I like to train guys that I think had the mental constitution, the physicality, but they needed help to get over the hump, to get from point A to point B.
“Right now, since I’m over the pond, and listen it’s too late, he’s past himself now, the ship has sailed, but Joe Joyce, the heavyweight.
“He had heavy hands, a good chin, a good mentality, I’d like to have worked with him earlier before he got used up. I feel he never learned the real art of the sport.”
Former Olympic silver medalist Joyce was on a good run of form soon after he turned pro, with big wins over Daniel Dubois, Carlos Takam and Joseph Parker.
However, he was then twice stopped early by Zhilei Zhang in back to back fights. His attempt to rebuild saw him beat Kash Ali but lose to Derek Chisora last time out in July 2024.
Joyce was due to take on Dillian Whyte in Manchester on April 5, but Whyte has pulled out with a finger injury. The card goes on, however, with Joyce set to fight dangerous replacement opponent Filip Hrgovic.
