Joe Joyce has given his thoughts on a potential fight between himself and Tyson Fury, and admits he’s not sure he’d be able to put Fury on the canvas and keep him there.
Fury is expected to face Oleksandr Usyk next in a bid to become the first undisputed heavyweight world champion since Lennox Lewis.
However, an all British clash with Joyce is believed to be plan B should the Usyk fight not materialise.
In an interview with IFL TV, Joyce admitted Fury would pose a very tough test and said he envisaged that the pair of them would still be standing in the closing stages of the fight.
“With Fury, we’d live with each other till the later rounds and trade heavy punches. It’s about that determination and will.”
“It’s just going to be a hard fight because I don’t know if I’m going to be able to knock Fury down – and if he’s going to stay down!”
“He’s a tough guy, he’s from a long history of fighters in the traveller community and he turned pro at 21 so he’s been in it his whole life.”
“He’s the one to beat right now, but I think I’ve got a good shot.”
Fury was ringside to witness Joyce demolish his friend and team mate Joseph Parker in 11 rounds at the Manchester Arena, a performance that saw the Olympic silver medalist announce himself as a legitimate contender in the heavyweight division.
‘The Juggernaut’ then returned the favour to Fury by attending his defence of his WBC world title against Derek Chisora last month, before getting embroiled in a three way face off with ‘The Gypsy King’ and Usyk.