Heavyweight Joey Dawejko remains tight-lipped about sparring sessions with Anthony Joshua, a topic World Boxing News aired after AJ’s first loss.
According to a source who had access to the gym at the time, Joshua was hurt badly in a session with Dawejko. However, the Philadelphia native has never confirmed or denied the incident.
Dawejko spent time with Joshua in camp as the heavyweight champion at the time prepared to fight Andy Ruiz Jr. As everybody knows, Joshua was out of sorts and battered by Ruiz during a painful loss on his American debut.
During the aftermath, WBN was initially told that Agit Kabayel put Joshua down before being quickly corrected to Dawejko.
After catching up with Dawejko before returning to Team Combat League on Sunday, the 34-year-old still won’t open up on what transpired with the two-time champion.
Asked if he was finally willing to discuss what happened in that sparring session, Dawejko told World Boxing News exclusively, “There’s nothing to discuss. I was his sparring partner, and that’s it.”
The Philly Smoke team member would be drawn on Joshua’s fight with Daniel Dubois. Dawejko believes AJ could become a three-time world ruler on September 21.
“I think it’s going to be a pretty good fight. I don’t know if Dubois’ chin is going to hold up. Joshua may be too much of a puncher for him,” predicted Dawejko.
On a potential fight with Tyson Fury, Dawejko isn’t so optimistic about Joshua’s chances.
“I don’t think he can win. Fury will beat Joshua, and I’ve always said that. There aren’t too many guys that can beat Fury, and I was surprised that Oleksandr Usyk managed to do it,” he concluded.
Right now, Dawejko is trying to claw his way to the semi-final of the TCL. Philly Smoke battles Las Vegas Hustle this Sunday. A victory puts his team just one win away from making the final.
If Dawejko can claim the championship, he will aim to land a big-name heavyweight on the professional circuit and have another crack at the big boys.
Philly Smoke vs Las Vegas Hustle is live this Sunday from 2300 Arena. The Quarter-Finals also see NYC face Miami on July 21. Doors Open: 2:00 PM, First Match: 3:00 PM – 2300 S Swanson St, Philadelphia, PA. Visit Team Combat League for tickets.
Read all articles and exclusive interviews by Phil Jay. Learn more about the author, experienced boxing writer, and World Boxing News Editor since 2010. Follow on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
