I've sparred with Daniel Dubois' powerful punches; now, I'm learning under Ricky Hatton's guidance to claim the world title.
John Hedges prepares for the English cruiserweight title bout, armed with more than just words from Ricky Hatton. His past encounter with Daniel Dubois serves as an invaluable asset, giving him a taste of the heavyweight powerhouses he's facing.
Hedges doesn't shy away from recounting the intense sparring session with Dubois, three years his junior, at Newlands Gym. Despite the size difference, Hedges stepped up, ready to dance.
"He was seven stone heavier than me at the time, but I said, 'Let's do it.'" reminisced Hedges to talkSPORT.com.
The spar was meant to be about body hits, but the two quickly found themselves getting into it. Hedges, with his speed and agility, was able to outwork Dubois during their session.
However, things took an unexpected turn when Hedges landed a backhand that grazed Dubois' head, catching the current IBF world heavyweight champion off guard.
This encounter with Dubois has given Hedges a newfound confidence, a reminder that he can mix it up with the world's best. As he enters the ring against Liverpool's Nathan Quarless this weekend, Hedges will have no fear.
Meanwhile, Dubois stands on the cusp of becoming the unified heavyweight champion of the world, set to face Oleksandr Usyk in a four-belt shootout on July 19 at Wembley Stadium.
Hedges, who closely watched Dubois' victories against Filip Hrgovic and Anthony Joshua, acknowledges the challenge Usyk presents, describing him as a "generational talent."
To fully prepare for his upcoming fight, Hedges has been sponging up every piece of advice he can get from Ricky Hatton, who famously tipped him as one with a bright future in the sport.
Hedges reached out to Hatton after the former welterweight and light-welterweight world champion praised his potential. They share a similar perspective on boxing, which has strengthened their bond.
As Hedges spars with heavyweights, light heavyweights, and cruiserweights, his ambition remains to remain in the heavyweight division as a prize fighter. His ultimate goal? To make a splash in the heavyweight division, where the money lies.
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- John Hedges, the NFL manager, has been seeking advice from boxing legend Ricky Hatton, as he prepares for his upcoming cruiserweight title bout, drawing confidence from his past intense training session with Daniel Dubois.
- Meanwhile, Dubois, a heavyweight powerhouse, is on the verge of becoming the unified heavyweight champion of the world, facing Oleksandr Usyk in a high-stakes four-belt showdown on July 19 at Wembley Stadium.
- Aspiring to make a splash in the heavyweight division where the money lies, Hedges is training rigorously, emulating techniques learned from Hatton and keeping a close eye on the sport's top names, such as those competing in the NFL, Premier League, and boxing.
