Joe Toone is in search of his first amateur mixed martial arts win at British Fighting Championship 4.
Earlier this year, Toone made his debut on Unity Fighting Championship and fell short to Sayem Hoque. Despite falling short on the judges’ scorecards, there are still many positives to take away from Toone’s showing.
Ahead of the fight, we had the chance to talk to with Joe Toone before making the walk against Ste Leonard in the Middlesbrough Sports Village.
Interview With Joe Toone
Joe, your second amateur outing is coming up next weekend. How are you feeling ahead of this one, having gone through the whole process once before this year?
Ahead of this fight, I’m feeling good as I believe my skills have really improved since the last outing. But im also cautious this time as I still know what my weaknesses are.
Touching on your debut, despite the result, how did you find the experience as a whole and was it an environment you felt comfortable in?
Looking back at my debut, I’m actually grateful for the loss as I think it humbled me massively about my skills and made me realise there’s so much more to this sport than people realise.
Toone on BFC 4
You faced Sayem Hoque two months ago on your debut. Talk us through that fight, what went wrong, what did you learn, and what measures have you taken to ensure your hand gets raised in preparation this time?
When I faced Sayeem, I really underestimated his skill level, and that was a massive mistake. I had a good start to the fight, but as soon as I was against the cage, it was over. My gas tank was also very poor compared to what it is now. So, the measures I have taken have been to make sure I’m fit to give it my all for all three rounds and that if I get put against the cage, I know what to do and how to use it in my favour.
Ste Leonard is the face across the cage from you on fight night. With him making his debut, I assume you don’t know anything about him, and it’s been a case of focusing on your own skill-set and what you’ll be bringing come fight night.
On the topic of Ste, I’m unsure what he will have to offer in the cage, but with his possible experience, I need to be very cautious. He’s going to be strong, so I need to be fast.
Just highlight what it would mean to you to get your hand raised and get that first win under your belt at BFC 4.
Getting the first win under my belt would mean the world and would give me much-needed confidence in my skills.
