Bad Blood Boils: Isley Fueled by Grudge to Settle Score vs Hicks
The Olympic Rematch: Troy Isley vs. Joseph Hicks — Everything You Need to Know
Who Are These Fighters?
Imagine two kids who grew up boxing together, fighting for the same dream: making the Olympic team. That’s Troy Isley and Joseph Hicks.
| Fighter | Record | Fun Fact |
|---|---|---|
| Troy Isley | 16 Wins, 0 Losses (6 Knockouts) | Made the 2020 U.S. Olympic Team! |
| Joseph Hicks | 12 Wins, 1 Loss (7 Knockouts) | Narrowly missed the Olympics due to a rule change. |
ELI5 Explanation: A "knockout" (KO) is when a boxer hits the other so hard they can’t get up before the referee counts to 10. A "record" like
16-0means 16 wins and zero losses.
The Backstory: Rivals Since the Amateurs
They didn’t just meet once. They fought twice back when they were amateurs (non-professionals) trying to make the Olympic team.
- First Fight (National Championships): Isley won.
- Second Fight (Olympic Trials): Hicks won.
Because they each won one fight, the series is tied 1-1. This third fight is the "Rubber Match" — the tie-breaker to see who is truly better.
IMPORTANT POINT
Isley says he was injured going into that second fight (the Olympic Trials) and even had surgery right after. He believes he wasn’t 100% when Hicks beat him.
Why Did Only Isley Go to the Olympics?
This is the part that stings for Hicks.
- Isley won the Olympic Trials (despite the injury) and went to Tokyo 2020 (held in 2021 due to COVID).
- Hicks was the alternate. Usually, if the starter gets hurt, the alternate goes.
- The Twist: Because the Olympics were delayed a year by the pandemic, the rules for qualifying changed. Hicks lost his spot because of bureaucracy, not boxing.
The Big Fight: Where & When?
They are finally settling the score as professionals.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Event | Undercard of Claressa Shields vs. Kaye Scott |
| Location | State Farm Arena, Atlanta, Georgia |
| Broadcast | Streaming live on DAZN |
| Weight Class | Middleweight (160 lbs limit) |
| Rounds | 10 Rounds (3 minutes each) |
ELI5 Explanation: An "undercard" is the series of fights that happen before the main event (the big fight everyone bought tickets for). "Middleweight" means both men must weigh 160 pounds or less on fight night.
What Isley Is Saying: "I’m Coming to Dominate"
Isley is currently ranked #5 in the world by The Ring Magazine and #9 by the WBC (one of the major boxing organizations). He is highly motivated.
His Game Plan:
- Revenge: "It adds a lot of fuel," Isley said.
- Respect: "He’s a good, solid opponent… I ain’t taking him lightly."
- Dominance: "I’m coming to dominate. It’s gonna go my way all 10 rounds."
- Statement Win: He doesn’t just want a ‘W’; he wants to look amazing so promoters give him a shot at a World Title.
ELI5 Explanation: A "World Title" is the championship belt. There are four major organizations (WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO). Being "ranked" means a group of experts thinks you are one of the best 10 or 15 fighters in that weight class.
Isley’s New Team: Salita Promotions
Isley started his pro career with a huge company called Top Rank but became a Free Agent (free to sign anywhere) in late 2025. He recently signed with Salita Promotions.
- Debut with them: He stopped Leonardo Di Stefano in the 5th round.
- Isley’s take: "They’ve been promoting me how I should have been… They’re 10 toes down getting me back to championship positions."
Who Is Joseph Hicks Right Now?
- Age: 32 (older than Isley).
- Recent Form: Coming off his first win since 2024.
- Last Fight: Beat Todd Manuel by Unanimous Decision (all 3 judges scored it for Hicks) in a 6-round fight on February 10.
- Style: He has serious power (7 KOs in 12 wins) and already beat Isley once.
ELI5 Explanation: A "Unanimous Decision" means the fight went the full distance (all rounds finished), and all three judges agreed on the winner. No knockout needed.
Why This Fight Matters for the Division
The Middleweight division is described as "wide open." That means there isn’t one super-dominant champion scaring everyone away.
- If Isley wins impressively: He jumps the line for a World Title shot.
- If Hicks wins: He proves his Olympic Trials win wasn’t a fluke and catapults himself into the rankings.
Summary: The Checklist
Rivalry: 1-1 tie from Amateur days.
Stakes: Pride, Rankings, and a path to a World Title.
Narrative: Isley claims injury last time; Hicks says he won fair and square.
Styles: Isley (Boxer/Puncher, High IQ) vs. Hicks (Power, Experience).
Platform: Big stage (Shields Undercard, DAZN, Atlanta).
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
1. What does "Undercard" mean?
It’s the supporting fights before the main event. Think of it like the opening bands before the headliner at a concert. However, this fight is the co-main event or featured bout, meaning it’s the best fight on the undercard.
2. Why is Isley ranked so high if he hasn’t fought big names yet?
Rankings look at amateur pedigree (Olympian!), skill level seen in the gym and early pro fights, and activity. Beating an Olympic alternate like Hicks (who has a winning record) validates that ranking.
3. What happens if the fight ends in a Draw?
If the judges score it even (e.g., 95-95, 95-95, 96-94 for the other guy), it’s a Split Draw or Majority Draw. They keep their current records (Isley 16-0-1, Hicks 12-1-1), and they’d probably have to fight a 4th time!
4. How can I watch this fight?
You need a DAZN subscription. It is a sports streaming service (like Netflix for sports). You can watch on your Smart TV, phone, tablet, or computer.
5. What weight is "Middleweight" exactly?
The limit is 160 pounds (72.5 kg). They weigh in the day before the fight. If a fighter is over 160 lbs, they have a few hours to cut weight, or they face penalties (fines, fight cancelled, or title ineligible).
Final Thought: This isn’t just a boxing match; it’s Chapter 3 of a trilogy. One man went to the Olympics, the other got left behind by a pandemic rule change. Now, they get paid to settle it.