Joe Joyce says that he is confident of avenging his amateur loss to Oleksandr Usyk if they meet for the interim WBO heavyweight title, with a potential clash between the pair being planned for the spring.
“Before all my fights, I don’t feel fear. I’m just relaxed and chilled,” Joyce said to The Guardian. “It gives us an opportunity to fight the winner of AJ-Fury. I’m fairly confident I can beat him [Usyk].
“I saw the fight against Derek Chisora. [which Usyk won on points] and he’s put on more muscle and weight and he’s slowing down a little. At the same time I know it’s going to be tough because he’s so skilled. But can he weather my punches for 12 rounds?
2012 Olympic gold medalist Usyk claimed a points verdict over Joyce back in 2013, before turning professional and eventually claiming the undisputed cruiserweight crown.
Joyce believes that it would be a different story this time around having garnered plenty of experience since their amateur encounter eight years ago.
“He was fresh from the London Olympics where he won a gold. I hadn’t fought many southpaws and Usyk’s an incredible fighter. He’s had 350 amateur fights and won 95% of them. So he was too seasoned.
“It was a bit like myself and Dubois where I had so much more experience. It will be different next time and I’m hearing it could be in the spring.”
