Former WBC heavyweight title challenger Johann Duhaupas is ready to fight two up-and-coming contenders in 2019.
The rugged Frenchman, who gave Deontay Wilder a torrid time in their 2015 encounter, is always ready to face any ranked opponents.
Over the last three years alone, ‘The Reptile’ has traded blows with Erkan Teper, Manuel Charr, Alexander Povetkin, Robert Helenius, Jarrell Miller, and Wilder.
Duhaupas has revealed his latest targets in a pair of future world title challengers as we turn the page to a new year.
“I’m ready to allow Filip Hrgovic and Joe Joyce. I’d like them both to fight me in 2019,” Duhaupas exclusively told World Boxing News.
“I have a lot of experience. I believe I can knock Hrgovic and Joyce out within eight rounds. Both of these fighters haven’t fought anybody yet, and all they do now is look good on paper.
“I need a big challenge. I want to be the actual best fighter they have faced and fight them soon.”
WILLING
Duhaupas continued: “I am ready to fight anybody anywhere. Like Tyson Fury said after his big fight against Deontay Wilder. ‘All the fighters are now afraid to fight me!’
“My promotor Mehdi Ameur is doing his best to develop my career at the world level, and for that, I will fight anybody anywhere.
“My trainer David Godber (from Alabama, USA) provides me with his experience. He’s an old Marine, and he told me I would have been a good Marine.
“My team around me are very strong and have big experience. I will perform in the ring and show our team spirit.
“Boxing isn’t only an individual sport, it’s a collective sport, and I will take on anybody,” he added.
Hrgovic and Joyce are set for a big twelve months as both are expected to be competing at the top level by 2020.
Duhaupas could provide a good test for both, whilst it’s now up to the undefeated pros to accept the challenge laid down by the 37-year-old warhorse.
Phil Jay is Editor of World Boxing News. Follow on Twitter @PhilDJay.
