Joe Joyce and Derek Chisora are set to feature in an all-British slugfest this month.
Coming off a win over Gerald Washington, Chisora fights on with the clear goal of competing 50 times before retiring whilst Joyce looks to properly bounce back from two losses to Zhilei Zhang after a low-key comeback win against Kash Ali.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, fan-favourite British heavyweight Dave Allen discussed his experiences of sparring both, calling Joyce the strongest he’s ever been in the ring with.
“When I sparred Joe, around 2014-2016, he was ridiculously strong. I’ve sparred and boxed all the best heavyweights in the world and none of them was as strong as Joe Joyce, or as tough. He dished out most of the punches in sparring to be honest, but when I hit him he didn’t really show much. I think he is weak to the body, a bit susceptible to body shots. I’ve seen that in the gym and the Bryant Jennings fight as well.”
As for Chisora, ‘The Doncaster De La Hoya’ says he hasn’t been hit harder than by Chisora despite him not being fully fit.
“I sparred Chisora once before the [Lucas] Browne fight. I was fit, he wasn’t. The first two rounds I did with Chisora are two of the hardest rounds I’ve ever done with anyone. It was horrible. He’s one of the biggest punchers I’ve ever been in with and it shocked me to be honest. He hit me really hard.
He weren’t that fit. We ended up doing eight rounds and I ended up getting top-side of it to be honest. I’m not a bulls***ter. I knew he weren’t fit. He set about me, blew himself out and then the next six rounds I got top-side of it.”
Allen went on to say that the fight is coming too late and that both men are close to the end of their campaigns, but ultimately picked Joyce to win, potentially by stoppage.
“For me, I think Joyce wins. I think he will wear Chisora down and maybe stop him late. But Chisora’s punch power is not to be underestimated. I think Joe is physically stronger and for Chisora that’s bad news.”
