Respected boxing promoter Richard Schaefer is well known for being a man who can spot talent in professional boxing.
In years gone by Schaefer is credited by many as having been the leading force in building Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions.
In recent years Schaefer has gone out on his own after a period away from the sport and an extended break.
A man who has been involved in staging some huge fights in the sport in the past, these days Schaefer in conjunction with David Haye runs his own promotional outlet known as Ring Star.
One of the fighters he promotes now is unbeaten heavyweight prospect Joe Joyce from the UK who is based for his training in the US.
Joyce takes on former champion Bermane Stiverne this weekend on the Chris Eubank Jr vs James DeGale bill in London and speaking ahead of the fight Schaefer made a rather extraordinary claim about who good Joyce is already.
Even at this early stage in his pro career Schaefer told Boxing Social:
“Joe is a generational talent. A fighter which I believe already today after only seven fights is the best heavyweight in the world. I have a lot of experience when it comes to fighters and fights and so on, so I don’t say that lightly. I know some people might say what is he talking about but I’ve seen Joe and what he’s done and what he’s capable of. He’s never going to beat guys with his with speed. He’s not a very fast guy but he’s a very powerful guy. He’s in the hurt business. One punch and you go down. Seven fights and seven knockouts.”
He added:
“If you can punch and you can take a punch that’s a difficult combination to beat in the heavyweight division.”
I have nothing but respect for Richard Schaefer but to say Joe Joyce is already the best heavyweight in the world ahead of Deontay Wilder, Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury at this early stage of his pro career is quite something.
My word.
That’s simply crazy at this point in Joyce’s career ahead of only his 8th professional bout on Saturday.
That said, the fight against Stiverne this Saturday night promises to be a very intriguing one.
Expect some big bombs to be unleashed by Joyce.
