Joe Joyce has a keen eye on an undisputed bout between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, with the winner entering his firing line and giving him a shot at heavyweight glory.
Whilst ‘The Juggernaut’ – whose stock is high in the division just now – has predicted Fury to win in the past, he believes that it’s not going to be an easy night at the office.
Joyce faced the Ukrainian champion in the amateur ranks, losing via points decision. It’s that experience paired with Usyk’s title-winning displays against Anthony Joshua that has him thinking Fury has his hands full.
He spoke to ID Boxing News about the fight.
“I saw, with Usyk against Joshua the second fight, Usyk was with it. As soon as the bell rung he was throwing loads of punches … all the way through the fight with his footwork, staying on him, staying close range.
I think Fury – he’s got longer range and he’s taller and he’s got that good flicker jab – but then if Usyk is throwing so many punches, Fury will probably have to hold a lot and be the bigger man and stuff.”
[Usyk’s] amateur record is crazy. Like 350 fights and not many losses, same with his pro career in cruiserweights and now heavyweights. It’s not like he’s fighting easy heavyweights, he’s looked really good.
So I think it’s going to be a tougher fight than people think. People think Fury’s just going to wipe the floor with him.”
Joyce is currently the WBO’s Interim Champion, meaning he’ll be one of the first in line for a shot at the winner should the undisputed fight go ahead.
Whilst he’s been keen to avenge his amateur loss to Usyk, a Wembley fight against ‘The Gypsy King’ is further up his list. For that to happen, the four-belt clash has to be signed and fought. The latest news from behind the scenes is positive.