World-rated super-bantamweight Davey Oliver Joyce returns to action with a testing assignment against Romanian dangerman Ionut Baluta at the LS-Live in Wakefield on August 25.
Baluta (13-2, 2 KOs) upset former IBF 122lbs champion TJ Doheny (W8) in March in Dubai, just before the Covid-19 lockdown stopped boxing around the world. A month earlier, former Irish Olympian Joyce (12-1, 9 KOs) moved down from featherweight to halt another ex-world title-holder Lee Haskins (WTKO5) in a career best performance.
The stage is set for a fascinating fight between two men on an upward career trajectory.
“I’m happy to get back into the ring again as it’s been a while. I haven’t stopped training during lockdown and I’ve been keeping my head clear,” said Joyce.
“It’s great to be back in camp. We have never left really. We’ve been back working with my coach Pete Taylor for several weeks. When the good weather came in, we did a lot of sessions outdoors while the gyms have been closed. too.
“I’ve watched Baluta’s last fight with TJ Doheny. He’s not bad, and throws lots of punches on the back foot. TJ didn’t perform against him, but I’m in a different mind frame. I’m used to taking on guys like this so I’m looking forward in getting in there.”
Joyce vs Baluta adds to a competitive bill on August 25, which also features Lewis Crocker facing Louis Greene for the WBO European welterweight title, Lee McGregor taking on Ryan Walker, Gary Cully fighting Kieran Gething and the debut of Belfast hope James McGivern