Joe Joyce: I’m still fresh in the game, I have things I want to achieve
Joe Joyce doesn’t feel that he has anything to prove to himself when he fights Derek Chisora at the O2 Arena this weekend.
But it sounds like the former interim WBO champion will enjoy shutting a few other people up. For all the latest fight odds, visit our sportsbook.
Chisora believes that Joyce, 16-2 (15 KOs), is still suffering from the mental effects of his two stoppage defeats to China’s Zhilei Zhang.
“Chisora always brings excitement”
A doctor ruled that Joyce’s eye was too badly damaged for him to continue in his first fight with Zhang. But the left hand that ‘Big Bang’ landed in the rematch sent Joyce down heavily and brought his career to a shuddering halt.
As well as the memories of the pain and distress of being knocked unconscious – something that Joyce seemed immune to for years – he also has to deal with the disappointment of having been kicked back down the mountain, having worked so hard to drag himself to within touching distance of a world title fight.
Joyce took the positives from a slow, grinding but crucial comeback win over Kash Ali in March but is expecting Chisora to ramp up the mind games this week.
“I don’t really want to talk about the past because that was last year but it’s good that I’m back on winning ways and I’ve got plenty more left in the tank and plenty more to prove,” Joyce told Queensberry.
“I didn’t think I would ever fight him. I’m really excited for this fight because you know that Chisora will always bring war and excitement at press conferences. Going into fight week I’m sure that there will be more from him.”
“I have actually got skills and footwork”
Although he has a world class jab and genuine bone-bruising power, Joyce has always displayed an almost abnormal ability to absorb punishment without it affecting him physically or damaging his self belief. His all-action approach made him a favourite with boxing fans and a series of top level heavyweights came apart under his relentless pressure and Joyce’s career peaked with a stoppage win over Joseph Parker in 2022.
Those who know boxing intimately enjoyed Joyce’s rise but always watched his progress with a wince, aware that his willingness to take two to give one was a very dangerous game.
Now that Zhang has cracked the seemingly unbreakable chin, many wonder how effective Joyce will be. The 38-year-old Olympic silver medallist seems almost insulted by the idea that he was a one trick pony and points to his list of accomplishments as proof that there is more to his game than pressure.
“I feel that I’m more than that. I’m not just someone who can take hits and keep moving forward. I have actually got skills and footwork. You don’t get a silver medal easily,” he said.
“I got into the sport late at 22 and won everything in the amateurs. I’m the most decorated male boxer for a long time. I started my professional career in a ten rounder and in my fourth fight I had the Commonwealth strap.
“I progressed very quickly through the ranks and I’ve had some very exciting fights. I almost got there with the WBA, kind of got there with the WBO but winning the interim but the belts were tied up. It’s third time lucky for the full title and that’s what I’m going for but also to be in very big fights and the excitement around it.
“I think it’s gonna be a tough fight”
The general consensus is that whilst Chisora is undoubtedly at the end of an exciting career, Joyce, too, is only one defeat away from the end.
The margins are tight. A defeat may spell the end but the heavyweight division is boxing’s land of milk and honey. And, in reality, both fighters carry the weight of name value that ensures the winner’s name will be instantly tossed right back into the mix for a big, meaningful fight.
Although a defeat to Chisora would be a catastrophic blow to his hopes of finally getting that elusive world title shot, Joyce isn’t even considering that as an option. He is preparing for the best version of Chisora and believes that he still has lots to accomplish.
“I think it’s gonna be a tough fight for both of us. He’s coming to the end of his career although he’s only two years older. I’m still fresh in the game and I’ve still got things I want to achieve,” he said. “He’s fought all the best in the division and he always brings war. You know what you’re gonna get; excitement and entertainment. That’s what he brings to the table.
“Talk is cheap but when he starts taking The Juggernaut’s punches, he’s gonna feel them. He’s not going to have anything to say when he’s picking himself up off the canvas.”
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