Joe Joyce has called out Deontay Wilder for a showdown as he looks to get back into world title contention, but a shock twist means the fight could happen not as people expect.
Joyce twice lost to Zhilei Zhang during 2023, with his formidable chin cracked and his confidence seemingly shattered. Meanwhile, Wilder also had a winless year, as he too lost a big opportunity by losing to Joseph Parker, with a shot at Anthony Joshua going amiss.
Speaking to OLBG, Joyce identified ‘The Bronze Bomber as a potential opponent for later in the year.
“I like the Deontay Wilder fight considering the story, with me beating Parker and Parker beating him, it’s got a good story.
“All the top names have been discussed as fighting likely for me, I’m a big name and people know about me. My team has talked about Wilder and different fighters too. Wilder’s on the shortlist.”
Wilder has also threatened to make the move into MMA in the past, yet Joyce explained why he would also be happy to take on the former WBC world champion in the cage, as well as in the ring.
“I’m from a martial arts background, over the years I’ve done karate, kickboxing, kung fu capoeira, the only thing is the grappling side and I’m not too fond of that. I could do the striking and kicking, like in K-1.
“You’d have to train in three different disciplines to fight in MMA, but I’d consider it for the right money. If Deontay Wilder’s game, I’m game. He’d have to watch my kicks, watch out The Juggernaut’s about.”
Before Joyce can truly accelerate a potential Wilder clash, he must first get back to winning ways against Kash Ali, whom he fights on March 16th in Birmingham.