JAKARTA - Currently, all things related to boxing in the UK are probably only about Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury. However, there is one fighter who deserves the spotlight for being a nightclub tycoon.
Joe Fournier, 38, lifted the WBA International light heavyweight belt in 2017. Making his debut two years earlier, he was unbeaten in his entire career in the ring.
But Fournier's story before putting on the gloves involves money, nightclubs, and even enjoying a casual work relationship with socialite Paris Hilton.
Fournier is the founder of the exclusive Bonbonniere club in London, having been investing in popular venues for lavish parties since 2012.
This is what led him to hang out with celebrities like Nicole Scherzinger, 50 Cent, and Paris Hilton in jobs that generate £ 20-30 million a year.
Fournier was born to a wealthy family in 1983, attending the elite Lycée Francais Charles de Gaulle de Londres school, Kensington. However, divorce made his life change completely by moving to Hounslow.
"I went from having a chauffeur-driven car to school every day to taking the bus", he told The Sun.
After being forced to retire from basketball due to injury, Fournier opened his own gym business. He sold his business in 2012 to an FTSE 100 company, resulting in new ventures at nightclubs now located around the world.
Fournier met former British heavyweight David Haye through his multi-million-pound nightclub business.
One time, he went to the boxing gym to lose weight. The 38-year-old has finally turned professional, lifting his first belt after five years of hard work.
A few months later, his first match against Jorgen Burgos was won by knockout. After subsequent battles in England, Belgium, and the Dominican Republic he remained unbeaten.
However, after winning over Mustapha Stini, Fournier failed his drug test and missed fighting until December last year. Fournier won the appeal to reduce her sentence. He then organized a fight against Wilmer Table for the WBA title.
Always ambitious, Fournier already has her next fight, against super middleweight Callum Smith.
"I'll buy him a jet or a house if he fights me!", Said Fournier.
The fight hasn't happened yet - but the nightclub owner continues to train. Fournier is rumored to be appearing in the Jake Paul vs Ben Askren battle next month.
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