The Juggernaut plans to rumble to the top of the heavyweight division, but first Joe Joyce needs to establish himself as the leading contender at Queensberry Promotions.
That chance will come on November 28 when Joyce fights bitter rival Daniel Dubois in an all-London clash that has world title ramifications.
Hall of fame promoter Frank Warren has championed Dubois since launching his pro career in April 2017, back when ‘Dynamite’ was a fresh-faced 19-year-old. Rio Olympics silver medallist Joyce joined the Queensberry Promotions banner two years later and is keen to assert his supremacy, with the British, Commonwealth and European heavyweight titles also at stake.
“Right now, Daniel is a top boy for Queensberry and BT Sport so if I beat him, or when I beat him, I will be one to watch,” said the 35-year-old Joyce.
“According to Frank, the winner could potentially get a world title shot and that is definitely what I am in boxing for, so I am looking forward to beating Dubois and being No.1.”
Dubois is currently the WBO’s No.2 contender, just one spot behind Oleksandr Usyk in the race for a crack at unified champion Anthony Joshua. With the Ukrainian pressing for his shot against Joshua in a convoluted heavyweight division, the WBO belt may become vacant with AJ opting to face WBC champion Tyson Fury in a two-fight series instead.
That could mean the winner of Dubois-Joyce meeting Usyk for the vacant WBO crown. Joyce previously lost to Usyk as an amateur in the World Series of Boxing.
“Imagine that, it would be unbelievable,” continued Joyce. “I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself though because I’ve still got Dubois in my face to take on.
“I definitely wouldn’t be afraid of [Usyk’s] power, more his skill really because he’s got good head movement. When I fought him it was quite an even fight, although he did catch me clean a few times, I had less defence and I was still a bit novicey back then.
“He was fresh off winning gold at London so he is a good fighter and I think the later rounds, especially with pro gloves on, would be the deciding factor if we got in the ring again.
“He wouldn’t be able to hurt me, which would be very dangerous for him.”