Mike Weaver Interview: Why Anthony Joshua Will Defeat Dominic Breazeale
By Robert Brizel, Head Real Combat Media Boxing Correspondent
In a Real Combat Media international interview exclusive conducted over Facebook, former World Heavyweight champion Mike ‘Hercules’ Weaver predicted International Boxing Federation World Heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua would defeat challenger Dominic ‘Trouble’ Breazeale in London on Saturday and retain his IBF world title, and gave his expert analysis and commentary on Joshua’s best challenger to date.
Joshua, 16-0 with 16 knockouts, Hertfordshire, England, United Kingdom, will defend his IBF World Heavyweight title at 02 Arena in London for the first time against Breazeale, 17-0 with 15 knockouts, Alhambra, California.
Robert Brizel: “Anthony Joshua versus Dominic Breazeale.”
Mike Weaver: “Who wins?”
Robert Brizel: “In the United Kingdom Saturday night, I say Joshua wins as Dominic Breazeale is another big guy, but not with the sort of boxing pedigree Joshua has. Agreed?
Big guy like Breazeale and Seth Mitchell are also pretenders. You proved this, Mike, in your win over Carl ‘The Truth’ Williams, so you should know better than most. And the crowd goes crazy……like your bout with Carl Williams, Anthony Joshua stopping Dominic Breazeale is the same story here, the same type ending as your bout with Williams. Agree. State your opinion, champ.”
Mike Weaver: “My pick is also Anthony Joshua. This is because Dominic Breazeale as trained in California at the gym where I work out. Something worth noting, I am not fond of how Breazeale’s team got him in a trying move (ready preparations) for a big man (like Joshua).”
Mike Weaver vs. Carl Williams 1986: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydBQoKgbuKA
Robert Brizel: “what do you think of Joshua as a heavyweight champion?”
Mike Weaver: “Well I think Anthony Joshua is alright as a proficient world heavyweight champion, but I notice he has a weakness. He likes to push his right hand instead of throwing it. It could leave him vulnerable to left hook counters from Dominic Breazeale during the bout.”
Robert Brizel: “Both Anthony Joshua and Dominic Breazeale were super heavyweights competing for the gold medal in 2012 UK Olympic Games in London. Joshua won the gold modal, Breazeale lost his lone Olympic bout to Magomed Abdusalamov. Do you think their amateur backgrounds figure into the outcome of their heavyweight championship bout?”
Mike Weaver: “Their amateur backgrounds aren’t going to have anything to do with this fight. Whoever land the more effective punches first will determine the outcome of the fight.”
Robert Brizel: “What is the name of the gym you work out in where you know Dominic Breazeale, and where is it? What are your observations about Dominic Breazeale’s fighting style and technique? What are his strengths? What are his flaws? Do you think he has enough ability and experience to step up and fight Anthony Joshua?”
Dominic Breazeale: “The gym we trained in at the same time is the Crossroads Boxing Gym in Ontario, California, where Breazeale trains at sometimes. Well Breazeale lived in California He’s in England now. When he trains, I watch him. I believe he’s being trained the wrong way to fight Joshua, but that’s just my opinion, as well as the same opinion of another another ex pro fighter who also is a trainer at the gym. Of course, we didn’t say anything to Breazeale’s people. Some trainers think they know everything, and you can’t train a 6’7 heavyweight (properly) to fight like the little guys you are using to train and spar him. They aren’t like Anthony Joshua (in size or style).”
Robert Brizel: “Very true, Mike. Little guys are not the correct sparring partners for Dominic Breazeale. So let me ask you. How would Deontay Wilder fight Anthony Joshua? How would Tyson Fury fight Anthony Joshua? How would you fight Anthony Joshua? How would you fight Dominic Breazeale?”
Mike Weaver: “Deontay Wilder would try to fight Anthony Joshua at long distance range, hoping to set him up, and land his right hand. Tyson Fury will fight Anthony Joshua the (exact) same way he fought and defeated) Wladimir Klitschko, walk him down, outwork him and outmuscle him. I would have to fight both Anthony Joshua and Domini Breazeale with pressure, to get inside of their long arms, and work to the body to set up my hooks and right hand lead.”
Robert Brizel: “Mike, what is your overall prediction for Joshua versus Breazeale? What will the overall game plan of each fighter be? How will the fight end, a decision, a knockout or a TKO, and why do you think the result will end that way? Will you be watching the bout on TV?”
Mike Weaver: “It’s going to be (end with) a knockout! It might be an interesting fight. Both Joshua and Breazeale should be cautious of one another. If Breazeale fightsa the way I him doing, not to mention what else he is doing wrong, then I think it will be a bad move. Joshua may be a little bit faster, and will be moving side to side trying to set up his right hand. As long as he does not leave his right hand out there and get countered by a left hook he will be alright.”
Robert Brizel: “Looks like we both think Anthony Joshua will win this bout. It could be an interesting scrap for a few rounds. I just don’t see Breazeale winning any rounds. He did not win any rounds against Amir Mansour. Mansour strangely bit his tongue in half as he was wearing only a bottom mouthpiece, and he gave up between rounds because he could not breathe. I think Breazeale needed a few more big fights of experience before (stepping up to fight) Joshua. Give me a thorough prediction. What round will Anthony Joshua defeat Dominic Breazeale in?”
Mike Weaver: “I can only tell you for sure Anthony Joshua will win between rounds one and 12. Lol………..We will see what happens. I’ll be watching. Okay, have a good day!”
Robert Brizel: Thanks champ! Thanks Mike, with friendship, for your amazing insight, and for a great interview. I think it will be an exciting heavyweight world title bout at 02 Arena in London Saturday when Joshua and Breazeale step into the ring!”
Mike Weaver: “You are welcome.”