Big Joe becomes a Queensberry fighter
Bourne in his amateur days with fellow Clearys fighter Reni Bulyka
IT has become a tale of two formidable heavyweights at Edwin Cleary’s thriving Leamington gym.
Both managed by the man himself, both recently signed to Frank Warren’s major promotional company, Queensbury.
The fight public know plenty about all conquering amateur Lewis Williams who heralded his arrival in the pro ranks in November with a second round stoppage of Lamah Griggs. The 25-year-old hot prospect is out again on February 8 at Manchester’s Co-op Live arena.
Big Joe Bourne, a 6ft 4ins, 19-and-a-half stone powerhouse, is something of an unknown quantity, however. The 27-year-old has clinched a dream promotional deal after 17 amateur contests and Midlands level title successes.
What’s more, Joe, who hopes to make his debut in March, only turned to boxing four years ago after making a name for himself in rugby and powerlifting.
Even he seems surprised by the sudden turn of events. “By the two years mark in boxing, I thought ‘I can have a stab at this’,” he said, “but I never thought it would go this well.
“Five years ago, when I was 25 stone, I would never have dreamed of signing to Queensberry. That’s why, at times, I feel in shock.”
It’s no fluke, however. Joe possesses a slide rule jab, likes a fight and hits very hard.
He is an athlete who played academy rugby, made a handful of appearances for Bedford Blues before injuries scuppered a promising career. He then climbed to the top as a powerlifter and competed in Japan, yet turned his broad back on the sport.
“I was sick and tired of it,” he admitted. “I thought, ‘I’m more than this’. I was just not happy.”
Boxing has brought out the best in Big Joe – and he predicts he’ll be even better in the pro game. He’s built for it.
“In the amateurs, you are up against guys built for the amateurs – 105 kilos (16st 7lbs),” Joe said, “almost made for the points game. The only way you can beat them is by stopping them and you are trying to stop them with amateur gloves over only three rounds. You are playing their game.
“I always wanted to show my ability and go out there and box well. I would beat people unanimously on points, but my style is to get rid of you.”
He also has a formidable fanbase: “I’ve taken a lot of supporters with me to amateur shows, I’ve had 150 people there.”
Poster announcing Bourne has signed with Queensberry
Joe insists he’s much more than a brawler.
“I have a lovely, quick jab, an old-school jab which I’m looking forward to showcasing,” he said. “There’s a lot of old-school heavyweight style within me. I have good feet, quick hands and I can punch. People are going to see my body composition and think ‘another fat heavyweight’, but there’s a lot of athleticism in there.”
In style, Joe and Lewis Williams are chalk and cheese – and the difference make for a positive dynamic in the gym. Williams came into the pros with the textbook skills honed by Team GB, Bourne possesses the profession’s bulldog traits.
“Sparring Lewis gives me the top amateur career I never had,” Joe said. “I give him the rough and tumble the pro game will bring. It’s a great dynamic.
“Lewis humbles you. He’ll hit you and if you tense-up and try to swing back, you’ll miss. I have to take a step back and be calm.”
Joe refuses to make bold predictions about what the future holds and is keeping both feet firmly on the ground.
He added: “Throughout my sporting careers, I’ve only ever set smart goals. From the start I said I only wanted boxing to give me a normal life, not immense riches.
“I feel I could be British title level, winning the title is another thing, but I’m capable of getting to that level. I’ll never get ahead of myself, I’m just doing the best I can. I know what I’m about – I can take a punch, I like a scrap.”
Whatever happens, fans can expect fireworks from Big Joe Bourne. The journey has started and it looks like being an exciting one.