The Joe Joyce hype train continues as one of the most prolific British boxing trainers has advised all other heavyweights to avoid him.
Having stopped the seemingly unstoppable Joseph Parker, Joe Joyce is enjoying praise from fans, pundits, and fighters alike. The big man from London’s punch resistance is the stuff of legend, and his ability to come forward and wear opponents down is a puzzle that none of them have been able to figure out in a 15 fight professional career.
One man who is no stranger to preparing for heavyweight fights is Adam Booth, who saw David Haye, under his guidance, win a world title in the top division. Speaking to Pro Boxing Fans, Booth spoke of ‘The Juggernaut’ in the highest regard.
“Any chance you have of avoiding Joe Joyce, avoid him. Joe Joyce is a nightmare for absolutely any heavyweight. If you can’t put him on the floor and nail him to the canvas, you’re in for a hard night.
I don’t care who you are – it doesn’t matter if it’s Tyson [Fury], Deontay [Wilder], AJ [Anthony Joshua] – Joe Joyce is the nightmare for everyone. He’s almost like the British version of George Foreman, to some extent.”
Joyce is currently resting and recuperating after his 11th round knockout of Joseph Parker – the most impressive victory of his career so far. The win made him WBO Interim Champion, meaning he’s next in line for a shot at Oleksandr Usyk’s belt.
Now, whether or not that fight happens is another question. Before Joyce gets his shot, it’s widely expected that an undisputed fight between Usyk and Tyson Fury will take place, with Saudi Arabia in Spring next year targeted. Should that be the cause, Joyce may face his stablemate, Fury, depending on the outcome.
He could still face Usyk, but the Ukrainian has recently expressed no interest in the matchup. Another possible outcome is that the belts are vacated and we see various title fights between top contenders in the division.
Whatever happens, Joyce will be demanding his title shot sooner or later, and, if Adam Booth is to be listened to, the opponent at the time should move tentatively.