Joe Joyce is very much on the fast track to a world title shot, and that is something that is reflected by his decision to face Philadelphia’s former world title challenger Bryant Jennings relatively early on in his career.
‘The Juggernaut’ is up against ‘By-By’ as part of a mammoth chief support to Daniel Dubois’ British heavyweight title showdown with similarly undefeated counterpart Nathan Gorman, in front of what will likely be a capacity crowd on Saturday night at the O2 Arena in Greenwich, London. The choice of opponent raised a few eyebrows, but according to Joyce, Jennings is someone who he has had lined up in his crosshairs for quite some time.
It is easy to understand why, considering the fact that Jennings is a respected contender and was generally featured in the top ten heavyweight bracket, prior to his twelfth-round stoppage loss to undefeated Colombian Oscar Rivas; albeit in a fight he was winning. Before the Rivas setback, Jennings had registered a decision victory over fellow Pennsylvanian Joey Dawejko and a ninth-round technical knockout of Alexander Dimitrenko.
Jennings is well-rounded, mobile, tenacious and an adept spoiler with considerable professional experience. He will hoping to capitalise on the lessons he learnt in 2015 – namely, back-to-back losses to Wladimir Klitschko and Luis Ortiz – to successfully frustrate, outfox, and ultimately upset the home favourite.
Meanwhile, Joyce is hoping to propel himself into world title contention sooner rather than later, and a resounding victory over someone as seasoned as Jennings will allow him to do just that. Like Jennings, Joyce is athletic and relentless, but his relentlessness is further complemented by amateur pedigree, physical strength and punching power that make him one of the division’s most formidable prospects.
Joyce will be looking to make a statement. Therefore, expect the 2016 Olympic silver medallist to start fast and in characteristically aggressive style, pummelling Joyce into submission and forcing a crude stoppage inside five rounds to potentially set-up a high-stakes clash with the winner of Dubois against Gorman.
Article by: Navi Singh
Follow Navi on Twitter at: @DarkMan________