French heavyweight Johann Duhaupas will return to the ring in September after one year without a fight to his name.
Speaking to WBN this week after prospective opponent Tony Yoka announced his opponent, Duhaupas is ready to make up for lost time.
Duhaupas was announced in the opposite corner to Yoka for the July 13 bout earlier this year, until firmly denying any agreement in an interview with WBN.
‘The Reptile’ is now looking forward to getting back to action before aiming for another world title shot.
“I decide to stop for one year to take care to my wife and my new baby,” Duhaupas exclusively explained to World Boxing News.
“After the Jarrell Miller fight (a unanimous loss in April 2018), it was not time to think about boxing. I needed a break and to consider my future.
“After speaking with my team, I decide to continue boxing. I still want to fight the biggest fighters out there.
“I have still been training every day. This is my mentality and not an obligation. Now, I will come back in September.”
Representative Mehdi Ameur outlined the plan for the rest of 2019 after accepting the decision of Duhaupas.
“I always respect the decision of my fighter because boxing is a hard sport. At the same time, it’s such a beautiful sport.
“Johann is currently one of the great European fighters out there. He made his name in the USA when giving Deontay Wilder such a hard fight. Also, his coach is American.
“I give all my best efforts to Johann for being what he is today and I will do everything to help him any way I can.
“It’s a real pleasure to work with him as when he decides something he won’t give up until the end.
“Now it’s my part, and for his come back we have a double objective. We want a comeback fight in September and then want to make a big fight for December.
“A lot of fighters want to fight versus Johann and we have had many offers, but we will decide who the opponent will be in July,” he added.
YOKA v DIMITRENKO
Asked for his opinion on Yoka facing Alexander Dimitrenko after serving a one-year suspension, Duhaupas wasn’t too impressed.
“In France, all the public are focused on Tony Yoka for his come back and his next step,” he pointed out.
“Dimitrenko is a good opponent with experience, but he has lost all his power. They know he can’t win versus Tony Yoka and all the experts in boxing know it.
“It’s a good opponent for Yoka to come back, but still a simple opponent. I hope Tony Yoka will be one day be French champion and we can meet in the future,” concluded Duhaupas.
Phil Jay is Editor of World Boxing News. Follow on Twitter @PhilDJay
