Teddy Atlas has reflected on Joe Joyce’s most recent loss to Zhilei Zhang by labelling the British heavyweight a ‘wasted talent.’
Atlas, a former trainer with plenty of glory in boxing’s most prestigious division, has hit out at the way Joyce has been developed and believes more could've been done to help improve him.
Joyce began 2023 as a heavyweight on the rise after earning the WBO interim title against Joseph Parker last year.
Now with his career in the balance following back-to-back losses against Zhang, the next move for Joyce is crucial. Atlas, never one to shy away from voicing his opinion, has had his say on the 2016 Olympic silver medallist.
“When I’m watching it, I’m saddened,” said Atlas on The Fight podcast.
“I actually get angry that he never got taught any of the basis like defence, the fundamental things that you’re responsible to teach a guy if you’re gonna wear that hat as a trainer.
“There’s nothing worse than wasted talent. This kid never got a chance to develop.”