Boxing news: Heavyweight banned for biting opponent's stomach lined up to face British star Joe Joyce
Aidan Magee sports round up 200124
British boxing heavyweight Joe Joyce's next opponent has been confirmed as Kash Ali, who was infamously banned from the sport after biting David Price's stomach during their bout back in 2019.
Ali was disqualified from the bizarre incident, which left a clearly visible bite mark on Price's body.
He was subsequently banned from boxing for six months and slapped with a £10,000 fine.
Ali apologised for his actions in the wake of the fight, admitting he was "embarrassed" for what he did.
Joe Joyce lost to Zhilei Zhang twice last year
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He said at the time: "The occasion got the better of me and those who know me, including David, can testify that my behaviour on Saturday during the fight was not a true reflection of who I am.
"The 31-year-old made his return later that year against Artur Kubiak and won the bout via TKO.
He went on to win his next five fights before injury curtailed his progress and lost on his return against Bohdan Myronets.
Now Ali is set for his most high-profile fight since that controversial bout with Price five years ago when he takes on Joyce in March.
The 'Juggernaut' is looking to rebuild his career after suffering a setback against China's Zhilei Zhang.
Joyce was originally the mandatory challenger for Oleksandr Usyk's WBO heavyweight belt after beating Joseph Parker in 2022.
But he suffered back-to-back defeats to Chinese heavyweight Zhang, who ended up calling out Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua after his second win over Joyce.
He's now set to make his return to the ring against Ali in a bid to climb back up the rankings and get back on track for a world title shot.
Speaking after losing his rematch to Zhang, Joyce admitted to having some regrets about fighting the dangerous 40-year-old.
Kash Ali was banned for biting David Price
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Joyce said: "Zhang is a great fighter and a great southpaw.
"He's a fellow silver medallist and probably avoided by most.
"So it was probably a bit too far of a risk.
"I needed to fight a southpaw because I hadn't fought a southpaw for a long time.
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Joe Joyce is looking to make his comeback
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"But yeah it's just disappointing because I got myself into the position I was in and then it was obviously a risk too far and I paid the price."
Joyce also ruled out any suggestion that he was contemplating retirement after his loss to Zhang.
However, Carl Frampton said at the time that he was unsure where Joyce would be able to go next.
"There were no changes made from the last performance, which we all would agree was very, very bad," Frampton said.
"I feel for Joe, it's difficult to see where he goes from this point.
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