A world exclusive from Danny Flexen as Joe Joyce starts his California trial with GGG trainer Abel Sanchez
The promising professional career of Commonwealth heavyweight champion and Olympic silver medallist Joe Joyce recently hit a bump in the road when trainer Ismael Salas decided to retire to Doha. Joyce has been vocal regarding the benefits derived from the Cuban’s teachings, particularly in the areas of flexibility and force transference.
Undefeated Joyce is currently searching for a new trainer, which is one of the reasons he recently rejected the chance to face Nick Webb, at just two weeks’ notice, on this Saturday’s O2 bill. British Boxing News can exclusively reveal that right at the front of the queue to become the new boss in the London “Juggernaut’s” corner is Abel Sanchez, the Big Bear, California-based guru who handles GGG himself, Gennady Golovkin, recent beaten WBSS cruiserweight finalist Murat Gassiev, and other talents. In fact, we spoke to Sanchez at 8am PST this morning, just three hours before he was due to meet Joyce for the first time and kick off their month-long trial period. Talk about good luck!
“I’m actually meeting them today,” revealed Sanchez, who explained that Sam Jones, Joyce’s manager, had texted him to arrange the extended visit at 6,750 feet. “I have always been a believer that we should work a bit together to see if we can be ‘married’. If we gel; I wanna make sure he likes me and I like him, but if he has the right personality and work ethic, then yes, I’d love to train the boy. Well, I should say man and he is 32 years old and already experienced. If we get on and he’s willing to do what we need him to do… I’m looking forward to working with him. He’s here for three-four weeks, they’ve got a place here for a month, if it works he’ll be here for a month and if it doesn’t, we’ll find out real soon.”
Abel’s Summit at Big Bear presents myriad challenges, not least the altitude and the collection of ambitious, accomplished fighters looking to progress. Sanchez has few concerns about Joyce’s conditioning however.
“He’s a guy who throws a lot of punches, he seems to be in good shape,” Sanchez continued. “In Big Bear it’s about altitude and aptitude but, more than anything, solitude because you are away from everything. But it’s a small gym, and the group of people we work with, Joe would fit in. Not only do we have Gassiev but also Arsen Goulamirian, who is the WBA Interim cruiserweight champion. They can help each other because if they move up they will face guys the size of Joe.”
Sanchez encouraged us to give him another call in two-three weeks so we will endeavour to keep you updated on this pilgrim’s progress.