The relentless, come-forward style of Alen Babic has made him an ideal sparring partner for Britain’s best heavyweights to test themselves in the gym.
‘The Savage’, who has ten knockouts from eleven wins, has been an entertaining undercard fighter in the UK since 2020, propping up shows for his mentor, Dillian Whyte.
It’s who Babic is facing in the gym, though, that’s providing him with the most experience. He has been invited into the camps of both Tyson Fury and Joe Joyce as they prepare for their heavyweight contests.
Asked by iD Boxing about a potential fight between the two, the fan-favourite Croatian didn’t go as far as picking a winner, but did say that he believed Joyce to be the more dangerous man.
“It’s a crazy fight. I think Tyson is a mad man, he really is. He’s one of my favourite personas. I was in his camp for one month and he was so good to me and gave me everything. He is a true persona. I think Joe Joyce [doesn’t have that] persona – not even close like Tyson Fury.
But Joe Joyce is, in my opinion, a more dangerous guy right now. I think Tyson Fury is more spent, you know? He also said his arms hurt, his elbows, everything. He’s f**ked, in his own words.
I think Joe Joyce is that kind of juggernaut, he just doesn’t feel pain. Something like myself. He just doesn’t feel pain, he just goes on. I don’t know if it’s smart for Tyson Fury [to take that fight.]
I think that’s the toughest fight … but I will never count Tyson Fury out. He’s the champion and that’s not for nothing.”
The records back up his sentiments, with WBC Champion Fury having 33 contests in a professional career that kicked off in 2008. Joyce, whilst three years older, has had just the 15 pro fights since turning over from a successful amateur career in 2017.
Both undefeated, it’s a fight that fans are keen to see and, thankfully, one that Fury and Joyce seem up for. In the meantime, the former has the small matter of an undisputed bout with Oleksandr Usyk to deal with.