Tonight’s the night that Joe Joyce and Joseph Parker face off for the WBO Interim Title in Manchester.
Two durable heavyweights, one unbeaten and one a former champion – it’s no wonder that many fans will be tuning in on the basis that this is a true 50/50 clash.
Backers of both men are as confident, with Joyce’s fans claiming his incredible ability to wear down opponents will win him the fight, and Parker’s pointing out that Joyce has never faced someone like the New Zealander before.
As we wait for the ring walks and the first bell, Boxing Social has compiled some predictions from big names in the sport…
Frank Warren
“He [Joyce] is relentless and he comes forward. I’m hoping he’s going to break down Joseph Parker. I’m hoping the engine he’s got, the fact that he is a juggernaut, he’ll get on top of him and wear him down”
Amanda Serranno
“They’re both great guys, and they’re heavyweights so with heavyweights you just never know.”
Anthony Crolla
“When we talk about Joe Joyce, we are talking about the most underrated fighters in boxing. I go Joe Joyce points. Possible there’s a very late stoppage but I’m going Joe Joyce points.”
Ricky Hatton
“It really is a 50/50 fight. I think it’s the perfect fight for where both the boys are at their stages. I can’t see this disappointing. It’ll either be Joe Parker on points, or Joe Joyce by a late stoppage, and he might be behind on points as he stops him.”
Frazer Clarke
“Joe Joyce. I don’t think Parker can keep him off for long enough.”
Andy Lee
“If you look at the two boxers and judge them on ability, skill, ring generalship, I’d say that Joseph Parker’s leagues above Joe Joyce. The way I can see the fight playing out is that Joe [Parker] boxes and wins a very clear decision.”
Eddie Hearn
“I don’t know what happens in that fight. I think Joe Joyce may be a slight favourite, but it’s an interesting fight.”
Nathan Heaney
“It’s a great fight, but I can’t see how he [Parker] is going to keep Joyce off. I play this game and it’s got the thing called The Juggernaut, and you have to kill it with a million bullets before it dies – that’s essentially what Joe Joyce is, he is The Juggernaut.
Johnny Fisher
“For me, Joe Joyce’s engine, durability, his experience, his toughness, and what he’s learned under Ismael Salas – that’s what’s going to give him the win in this fight.”
Anthony Yarde
“I just think right now Joe Joyce is on a steam train. I think his confidence is very high, but again, Parker is a sharp shooter. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Joy Joyce wobbled in a fight, and he’s been hit by big punchers, he’s been hit clean. I think that’s what wears down his opponents.”
Tyson Fury
“I think it’s going to be a hell of a fight, and may the best man win, but I’m edging towards my man, Joe Parker by late stoppage or unanimous decision points.”
Carl Frampton
“I have been sitting on the fence … I think if I had a pound I’d put it on a draw. I think it’s going to be that close – but if you ask me for a winner, just about edge Parker on points.”
Ben Shalom
“Joe Joyce is hard for anyone to beat because of his physical attributes, and I think they [Parker’s team] are more saying when it comes to a skilled fighter, mover, boxer, then Joseph Parker probably is a different level. But, Joe Joyce is that big, that strong, that tough – that’s what makes it a very interesting fight and I believe it’s a 50/50 fight.”