Joe Fournier

Jocelyn Faisal Jules Fournier, known in the boxing world as “The Billionaire,” was born on January 23, 1983, in Hounslow, London, England. Fournier’s early years were marked by a transition from affluence to modest means. Born to a Monegasque father and an English mother, he experienced a comfortable lifestyle until his parents’ divorce. Following the separation, he moved with his mother to Hounslow, London, where they faced financial challenges. Fournier has recounted the shift from being chauffeured to school to taking public transportation. He attended Lycée Français Charles De Gaulle in Kensington and later the American Community School. Fournier pursued higher education in human biology and sports science at St Mary’s University.

Fournier's entry into professional boxing did not follow the traditional amateur route, as he transitioned into the sport later in life after establishing himself in business. Fournier turned professional in 2015 at the age of 32. His debut fight was against Jorge Burgos in the Dominican Republic, which he won via first-round TKO. He continued to build his record with a series of knockout victories, primarily fighting in the Dominican Republic and the UK. In 2017, Fournier claimed the WBA International Light Heavyweight title after defeating Wilmer Mejia. However, this victory was later overshadowed by a positive test for a banned substance, leading to a suspension. Fournier’s boxing endeavors also include high-profile exhibition matches. In 2021, he faced former world champion David Haye in an exhibition bout, losing via unanimous decision. In 2023, he fought YouTuber KSI in a match that ended controversially; the initial KO victory for KSI was overturned to a no-contest due to an accidental elbow strike.

Before boxing, Fournier made his mark in the fitness industry by establishing a chain of gyms, which he later sold to a FTSE 100 company. He then ventured into the nightlife scene, owning several high-end nightclubs, including Whisky Mist and Bonbonniere London. Fournier is known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly through the Joe Fournier Foundation, which supports underprivileged children in Hounslow by funding coaches and after-school programs. He has expressed interest in public service, including aspirations to run for mayor of Hounslow.

Fournier’s jab is the anchor of his strategy as a Western European fighter. He employs combinations that are both strategic and powerful. One of the most fundamental combinations in this style is the “one-two” (jab-cross), which serves to measure distance and then chin-check the opposition. Building on this, the “one-two-three” (jab-cross-lead hook) combination introduces a lateral field of attack that can target either the body or the head. A well-placed body shot, in particular, can lead to knockouts—as seen in Terence Crawford’s victory over Julius Indongo. Such punches can incapacitate opponents and end bouts instantly.

Despite having a solid one-two, Fournier’s approach relies heavily on his physical strength to dictate the pace of the fight. He’s a “practice-makes-perfect” fighter who uses repetition to sharpen his craft. While being a physical specimen. His bouts reveal a tendency toward powerful hooks and overhand rights, designed to exploit defensive lapses. He’s a physical bully—able to press opponents against the ropes with his size, age, and experience, making them feel every inch of the ring. Notably, in a sparring session with former heavyweight champion David Haye, Fournier recounted landing a significant left hook that bloodied Haye’s nose, highlighting his punching power ability to capitalize on even small openings.

Joe’s footwork is tank-like—he marches with purpose, cutting off space like a man laying siege. But within that heavy frame lies the precision of a rifleman; each step is calculated, like a sniper finding the perfect line of sight before pulling the trigger. It’s not his hands that make the damage possible—it’s his bookwork: foot placement, weight transfer, and ring positioning that load his punches before they ever leave his shoulders.