Joe Joyce is closing in on his first world heavyweight title shot and could face the winner of Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua this year or next.
The Ukrainian defends his WBA, IBF and WBO belts for the first time on August 20 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia 11 months on from the night he beat Joshua at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Joyce will end a 12-month absence from the ring tomorrow night when he faces Christian Hammer, and a win will solidify his position as the WBO’s number one contender. Boxing Social’s Andi Purewal caught up with ‘The Juggernaut’ after yesterday’s final press conference and asked him for his Usyk-Joshua 2 prediction.
“That’s an intriguing fight. It’d be good if AJ beats him but it’s a big ask because Usyk’s such a skilful fighter, he seems to be in good shape.”
“Joshua’s obviously making an adjustment with [Robert] Garcia and hopefully he can use that and what he’s learned in the [first] fight.”
“It’ll be interesting to see which way it’ll go. Whether it will be repeat or revenge.”
“I’d say probably Usyk again will get the victory but I’m not writing off AJ because he’s got a puncher’s chance and he can punch.”