Joe Egan claims that he was taught a harsh lesson by two destructive heavyweights, posting a photo of his damaged face on social media.
The former professional boxer is perhaps best known for becoming the sparring partner of Mike Tyson, shortly after the pair crossed paths at the legendary Catskills Boxing Gym in Brooklyn, New York.
With ‘Iron Mike’ honing his craft under the tutelage of iconic trainer Cus D’Amato, Egan soon began to offer some form of resistance to the pulverizing puncher.
And so, after withstanding countless rounds of punishment, the Irishman had proven himself to be a worthy sparring partner by the age of 17.
- Read More [Mike Tyson became a ‘savage’ after conversation with legendary boxing trainer Cus D’Amato]
Joe Egan reveals cuts above both eyes following brutal sparring session
While the majority of his career was seemingly spent in the gym with Tyson, Egan had amassed a professional record of 3-1 before retiring in 2004.
His one blemish was handed by journeyman Denroy Bryan who, despite finishing his career with 20 losses, was able to stop ‘Lord of the Ring’ in the fourth round.
Needless to say, Egan had failed to live up to his alias in a professional sense, but nonetheless earned himself a formidable reputation in the gym.
Sure enough, his sparring with Tyson had afforded the limited bruiser a plethora of storytelling opportunities, recalling the tremendous force behind the American’s punches.
At the age of 59, though, it would appear that Egan no longer possesses the remarkable durability he once had.
After sparring two unknown heavyweights, he revealed a photo of the damage around his eyes, having patched his gruesome cuts up with multiple stitches.
“First day back sparring after 20 years,” Egan wrote on X. “I sparred with 2 excellent heavyweights and was severely punished.
“But walking through pain barriers is something I’ve had to do my whole life and will continue to do until my last breath.”
- Read More [Who is Mike Tyson? Get to know the former heavyweight king who owned three tigers and is fighting Jake Paul]
Joe Egan wants to fight John Fury
Despite the clear evidence of his regression, Egan has expressed an interest in returning to boxing, just like his good friend, Tyson, did against Jake Paul last month.
Only, instead of taking on someone who is over 30 years his junior, Egan has been calling out John Fury – the father of Tyson Fury – for the last few years.
But while the pair are roughly the same age, their lack of activity in the ring and, more importantly, potential health issues, can only raise a further of concerns over their potential showdown.