Joe Joyce gave an honest assessment of his showdown with Joseph Parker this Saturday night, admitting the New Zealander was a formidable opponent and the fight was not one without risk.
Speaking to Ring TV, ‘The Juggernaut’ made no bones about the threat Parker will pose in the Manchester Arena.
“It’s going to be a tough fight. I believe it’s going to be my hardest fight to date. He’s tricky, he got good head movement, good footwork, and he really wants it”
“It’s going to be very even. I think maybe he underestimates my skills as well as my relentless Juggernautness [sic]. My footwork is good, my head movement is good, my hand speed… People worry about my hand speed but my timing is good. I’m pretty well-rounded. So is he.”
“That’s why it’s extra exciting, because it’s a risky fight.”
As mandatory contender for the WBO world title currently held by Oleksandr Usyk, Joyce is well aware he comes into the fight this weekend with it all to lose.
However, despite his praise for Parker as a fighter and his awareness of the dangers the former world champion poses, Joyce remains convinced the contest only ends one way.
“It’s going to be an enjoyable fight which ends with me knocking him out.”
The fight is seen as a genuine 50/50 by pundits and fans, with observers struggling to pick between Parker’s ability and speed versus the Joyce’s famed durability and relentless pressure.
With a stacked undercard featuring a compelling British title clash between Ekow Essuman and Samuel Antwi as well as international superstar Amanda Serrano’s first time fighting on British shores, the card on September 24th is certainly one of highlights of the domestic autumn schedule so far.