Number one ranked amateur flyweight and bantamweight Joe Fields is on the hunt for gold at Almighty Fighting Championship 28 in Barnsley on Aug.20.
Fields’s goes toe-to-toe with current AFC flyweight champion Shawon Choudhury in a highly-anticipated bout in the UK amateur circuit. The pairing are set to headline the fight card, which shows you the magnitude of the bout. Strap yourself in, and remain seated. This one is not to be missed.
I had the opportunity of speaking with one-half of the main event in Joe Fields to get his thoughts on his upcoming title fight and much more. Read the full exclusive interview below.
Interview With Joe Fields
August 20th is closing in, and you make the walk for the second time this year. How have things been inside and outside the gym since your last outing vs Sheldon Ryan?
Things have been quality. Since my last fight, I’ve gone full-time with MMA, and it’s made a huge difference to my training schedule + recovery. I’m training more than ever, and I’ve improved so much in such a short space of time because of it.
On that topic, touching on your last fight with Sheldon, how many times have you watched that back and how pleased were you with your performance?
I’ve watched it quite a few times with coaches, mainly just to see what I could’ve done differently / improve on. I performed well, considering my hand was still not 100% from my previous fight, which is why I was more wrestle-heavy. I identified some things to improve on and have made the adjustments to my game which you’ll see on August 20th.
How much extra fuel has the circumstances given you this time round in preparation? An opportunity to leave Barnsley with the AFC flyweight championship and headlining the card?
For me, I’m motivated from a personal standpoint. I obviously prepare for a specific opponent, but I’m just trying to be the best / most well-rounded version of myself. The fact it’s for a title hasn’t really changed my motivation as I’m always full motivated as I choose the toughest matchups, and it’s a sport where if you’re not motivated, you pay with your health. However, due to it being five rounds and my first title fight, I’ve worked harder than ever.
Joe Fields Talks Working With Vets
You posted a photo last week of yourself with the Hardwick brothers getting some work in. As well as Paddy Pimblett the week before. What’s it like working with vets like them guys? How much confidence does that give you leading into your fight with Shawon?
Working with the Hardwicks has been massive for my development. Getting coached by active fighters has been a new experience, and seeing how hard they work has rubbed off on me and seeing their achievements has just given me more drive and made me realise I can achieve my own goals and aspirations. Training with Paddy down at NextGen was also great. Working alongside high-level veterans while Being an amateur has definitely given me some experience beyond my years.
Shawon has proven to be a tough task and is a champion for a reason. What are your overall thoughts on him as an opponent? How do you feel you match up with him from a stylistic standpoint?
Shawon’s a good fighter. A lot of the boys down at ACE MMA have a similar style and are all well-rounded. I know he’s going to come prepared. However, I know he can’t be doing more than me to prepare, which gives me all the confidence going into the fight.
Zoning In
Shawon and ACE MMA always bring a loud crowd. Is it hard to zone in when dealing with that, or are you someone that can block it out as soon as that Octagon door shuts?
To be honest, I never really hear anything other than my corner. I’m almost I’m like a trance. I don’t really have any emotion until after the fight, so it won’t affect me. And we will bring a louder crowd. The atmosphere will be unreal, and we will show why amateurs should get to headline more often.
What type of fight are you anticipating from Shawon? What are you expecting him to bring to the table on Aug. 20?
I think Shawon is going to come out fast, twitchy and reactive like he always does, but I feel like he won’t want to close the distance, and when he does, we will see what happens.
Lastly, what would it mean to you to attain Almighty Flyweight gold in eleven days?
It would mean everything to me. Everything I’ve done since my last fight in February has been working towards this. I don’t take time off training. It is my life, especially with me not having to balance it with university, and the last ten weeks have been pure focus and hard work. I’ve cut no corners. All my hard work has led up to this moment, and I won’t leave that cage without my hand being raised.
Featured image credits to DN4 Photography
