Joe Joyce has an inside track on what it’s like to fight both Joseph Parker and Daniel Dubois.
Joyce established himself as a well-ranked heavyweight contender after turning professional following his silver medal in the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.
After winning his first 11 fights in fine fashion. Joyce stepped into the ring with Dubois back in November 2020. He imposed himself early and landed plenty of his heavy jabs on Dubois’ eye.
It caused serious damage and eventually, in the 10th round, forced Dubois to to a knee and allow himself to be counted out in order to save himself for another day.
After beating Carlos Takam and Christian Hammer, Joyce then took on former WBO world champion Parker and stopped him inside 11 rounds – a career best victory – but was then rather derailed by two back-to-back knockout losses to Zhilei Zhang.
Speaking to Fight Hub TV, Joyce was asked about the upcoming IBF title contest between his former rivals.
“Parker is very tricky, he’s hungry, he’s still young and he’s getting stronger as well. He looks strong, he’s had a great camp, he’s tricky. Dubois hits hard and they both have good momentum. It’s a tough fight for both and may the best man win.”
He stopped short of a prediction but outlined how he thought the fight could be won by either man.
“Thinking about it I was going to say methods of victory. Parker is more likely to go points. Dubois is more likely to finish by knockout.”
Whoever comes out on top will be well-placed to take on unified champion Oleksandr Usyk in an undisputed contest.
