DOMINIC BREAZEALE has sparred over 160 rounds ahead of his fight with IBF world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua on Saturday, with many of those rounds being with cruiserweights.
Joshua, mainly known for his knockout power, also has very fast hands, something Breazeale’s head trainer Manny Robles is well aware of.
In preparation for the unbeaten champion, Robles drafted in fast cruiserweights to help his man learn how to deal with speed and power.
“We’ve a lot of good sparring, over 160 rounds. Weโve been sparring since before we got the call to fight Anthony Joshua, in camp and training,” Robles told Boxing News.
“In total, we did about 160 rounds, 750 rounds of training in the gym. Thatโs just boxing, outside of strength and conditioning, roadwork etc.
“With sparring partners, I was looking for speed and size. We had Murat Gassiev, Dmitry Kudryashov โ top, world rated cruiserweights, big, fast cruiserweights. Of course they werenโt cruiserweights at the time, they were heavyweights.
“Gerald Washington as well, a big, fast undefeated heavyweight. Those were the top guys.”
Breazeale and his team flew in to London from their camp in California just over a week ago, and Breazeale’s wife and eldest son joined them yesterday.
Robles noted the importance of Dominic’s family to the fighter, but was also quick to point out that the unbeaten 30-year-old has not travelled across the Atlantic to lose.
“I donโt take anything away from Anthony Joshua, this is a very tough fight, we know that but thatโs why Dominic is so confident, because of the work we put in the gym. Weโre not here to see if we can, weโre here because we can,” he said.
“All heโs got to do is look back and see his family, his wife and kids, theyโre why heโs here and why he trains as hard as he does. Heโs dedicated.”
Robles trained Breazeale as an amateur, and oversaw his transition into the London 2012 Olympic Games. When Breazeale turned over, he moved to a different trainer, though purely for logistical reasons.
Robles and Breazeale teamed up again last October, and the Joshua fight will be their second together after Dominic stopped Amir Mansour after five rounds in January.
Breazeale, a heavy underdog, is not fancied by most observors in this fight, though Robles hopes Joshua and his team feel the same way.
“Iโve been following his [Breazeale’s] entire career, every single one of his fights and understanding what he needed to improve on, but not being a part of it so I had to understand I wasnโt his coach. So when I got the phone call to work with him of course I was happy and I said โI know exactly what you need to work on.โ
“I sure hope theyโre looking ahead of us, that works for us. If heโs looking ahead at other fights and what not, thatโs a big mistake. Letโs hope he is.”
For exclusive interviews and our big-fight preview and prediction, check out the latest issue of Boxing News.
For a FREE bet on the fight CLICK HERE.