Joe JoyceMBE (born 19 September 1985) is a British professional boxer. He held the World Boxing Organization (WBO) interimheavyweight title from 2022 to 2023. At regional level, he has held multiple heavyweight championships, including the Commonwealth title twice between 2018 and 2021; the British title from 2020 to 2022; and the European title from 2020 to 2021.
Born on 19 September 1985[3] to a Scottish-born Irish father and a mother of Nigerian origin, Joyce grew up in London and studied at Elliott School, based in Putney.[4][5] He took up boxing at the age of 22, having his interest in track and field athletics curtailed by injuries, and joined Earlsfield ABC, based in Earlsfield, London.[4] Joyce is on record saying ‘I don’t really like boxing, but I enjoy doing it’, highlighting the fact that he was not a big boxing fan growing up, and only started watching some of the greats after getting into boxing properly.[6]
He had success during 2015 and 2016 in the World Series of Boxing, and in April 2016 won a gold medal at the European Olympic trials to qualify for the Olympics.[11][12] On 21 August 2016 Joyce won the silver medal in the super heavyweight class at the 2016 Summer Olympics, losing in the final, via a controversial split decision to Tony Yoka of France.[13][14] It was the final medal won by Team GB at the Olympics.[13]
Professional career
Early career
Joyce turned professional in July 2017 at the age of 31, signing with Hayemaker Ringstar.[15] On 6 September 2017, an official announcement was made for the first boxing event which would take place at indigo at The O2 in London on 20 October 2017. Haye confirmed that Joyce would headline the card, making his debut against former British title challenger Ian Lewison (12–3–1, 8 KOs).[16] Joyce put on an impressive display in a hard earned victory.[17][18][19] Promoter David Haye spoke to Metro after the bout stating he offered British heavyweight champion Sam Sexton a career-high payday to fight Joyce next, but hadn't heard anything back. He also offered David Allen a fight, who turned it down to rematch Lenroy Thomas. Haye hoped to get Joyce back in action on the undercard of his rematch with Tony Bellew in December 2017.[20]
On 2 November, Joyce confirmed that he would fight on the Tony Bellew vs. David Haye II undercard on 17 December.[21] Two days later, British boxer Tom Little (10–4, 3 KOs) was announced as his opponent.[22] The event was rescheduled to 5 May 2018. On 30 January 2018, Hayemaker Ringstar announced that Joyce would make his next appearance at the York Hall in London on 16 February against 25 year old Croatian boxer Rudolf Jozic (4–1, 3 KOs).[23] On 3 February, whilst backstage at the O2 Arena in London for Lawrence Okolie vs. Isaac Chamberlain, Derek Chisora met with Haye and Joyce, where Chisora revealed Haye had contacted his manager Steve Goodwin and offered £60,000 for him to fight Joyce. Chisora later stated if the money was right, he would fight Joyce on the Tony Bellew vs. David Haye II card on 5 May 2018.[24] Joyce knocked out Jozic in the first round after landing a right hand to the head towards the end of the round. When the result was announced, the timekeeper included the 10-count, announcing the time of stoppage as 3 minutes and 6 seconds. After the fight, Haye stated a new six-figure offer would be presented to Chisora, which would see him earn around the same purse he received in his loss to Agit Kabayel.[25][26]
On 1 March, speaking ahead of his next fight at the York Hall on 17 March against 7ft tall American Donnie Palmer, Joyce stated that Chisora had rejected the offer to fight him.[27] Joyce knocked Palmer out inside the first minute of round one at the O2 Arena.[28] On 24 March, after Chisora knocked out his French opponent Zakaria Azzouzi and then called Joyce and Haye over during his post-fight interview with Sky Sports. Prior to calling them over, Chisora referred to Joyce as a Chihuahua. Chisora first asked Haye if he had confidence in Joyce and then stated, "In front of the British public on live television, I’ll make a deal with you right now: if he (Joyce) beats me you write me a cheque of £1, if I beat him you give me your purse against Tony (Bellew) and your TV rights." Haye rejected the offer. Chisora then told Haye to not mention his name again. Haye told Sky Sports, "We offered him the same money he got for (Kubrat) Pulev, more money than he got for the European title, but you said no. Okay, we understand."[29][30][31]
Commonwealth champion
On 16 April 2018, it was announced a deal was in place for Joyce to challenge for the Commonwealth heavyweight title against Jamaican boxer Lenroy Thomas (22–4–1, 10 KOs).[32] Two days later, Sky Sports officially announced the fight for 5 May.[33] Joyce entered the ring wearing a sombrero. He knocked Thomas down three times before the fight came to an end in round 2. Two knockdowns came from body shots and the final knockdown came from a left hook to the head. After the fight, Joyce stated he would like to challenge for the British heavyweight title. By winning the belt in just his fourth professional bout, Joyce broke a 106-year record.[34][35]
On 21 May, it was announced that Joyce would make a first defence of his Commonwealth title on 15 June at the York Hall in London, live and exclusive on Dave.[36] On 8 June, Ghanaian boxer Richard Lartey (12–1, 9 KOs) was confirmed as Joyce's opponent.[37] A day before the fight, Lartey was replaced by Croatian journeyman Ivica Bacurin (29–13–1, 18 KOs).[38] In a non-title fight, Joyce knocked Bacurin out in less than two minutes. After the fight, there was talks around a potential fight with British champion Hughie Fury.[39][40] On 18 June, Joyce said he was open to fighting American heavyweight Bryant Jennings (23–2, 13 KOs) on 18 August 2018 in New Jersey. Jennings was initially in talks to fight former WBO champion Joseph Parker on the same date, however Parker opted to fight Dillian Whyte on 28 July.[41]
After Kell Brook suffered an ankle injury and ruled himself out of the Whyte-Parker PPV card, there was rumours that Joyce would fight domestic rival Nick Webb on the undercard.[42] Joyce quickly denied the reports and stated he had no intention in fighting in July. He also stated he had parted ways with trainer Ismail Salas after Salas had announced himself semi-retired and moved to Doha, Qatar.[43]
Signing with Al Haymon
On 24 July 2018, Joyce started a one month trial with world-renowned trainer Abel Sanchez.[44] Seven days later Joyce and Sanchez reached a deal to team up full time.[45][46] On 15 August, Joyce signed a deal with powerful American advisor Al Haymon. It was said that Joyce would make his US debut before the end of 2018.[47] On 4 September, it was announced that Joyce would fight Iago Kiladze (26–3, 18 KOs) in an 8-round bout at the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, California, on 30 September.[48] Joyce kept his unbeaten run alive with a fifth round knockout win over Kiladze. Joyce knocked Kiladze down three times in dropping him in rounds 2, 3 and 5. The fight was stopped after the third knockdown with Kiladze appearing hurt. The official time of the stoppage was at 41 seconds of the round. Kiladze didn't appear to cause any damage with the shots he landed and Joyce appeared to use his jab more.[49][50]
Joyce vs. Hanks
After being listed as a next possible opponent for Joyce, former world title challenger Gerald Washington (19–2–1, 12 KOs) welcomed the bout, which was likely to take place on the Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury Showtime PPV undercard on 1 December 2018.[51] Joyce spent the next few weeks as one of Fury's sparring partners.[52] On 30 October, it was revealed that Joyce would fight returning American boxer Joe Hanks (23–2, 15 KOs) on the Wilder-Fury card at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.[53] Joyce weighed 262 pounds compared to Hanks' 247+1⁄2 pounds.[54] It was reported by the CSAC, Joyce would make $40,000 and Hanks would take home $50,000.[55] Joyce put on an impressive performance in knocking out Hanks in the first round of their scheduled 10 round bout. Hanks had his moments earlier in the round. He landed several clean shots that made Joyce take a few steps back. Joyce came back and hurt Hanks with right hands. Joyce then landed a hard left to the head, knocking Hanks down. Hanks managed to beat referee Jerry Cantu's count; however, the fight was waved off. The time of stoppage was 2 minutes and 25 seconds of round one,[56][57] awarding Joyce the vacant WBA Continental heavyweight title.[58] In the post-fight presser, Joyce called out Luis Ortiz, also stating he was ready for bigger challenges. Ortiz accepted, claiming he does not turn down a challenge.[59]
Joyce vs. Stiverne
On 23 January 2019, PBC announced Joyce would return to the UK and fight former world titleholder Bermane Stiverne (25–3–1, 21 KOs) on the James DeGale-Chris Eubank Jr. PPV undercard on 23 February 2019 at The O2 Arena in London. Joyce explained the fight was made after Stiverne made comments about "taking Joyce to school", when they sparred previously. Stiverne explained he felt insulted that Joyce, who had only 7 professional bouts under his belt, wanted to fight him.[60][61] Before the fight, Joyce stated he would not be finishing the fight in round 1, as he 'was not there yet', but predicted he would take Stiverne out by round 8.[62] Stiverne came into this fight at 273 pounds. Joyce kept his knockout streak alive by finishing Stiverne in round 6 of their scheduled 12 round bout. Both boxers started the fight aggressively throwing punches. By round 2, Joyce began landing shots which wobbled Stiverne. With his guard no longer high, Stiverne stayed on his feet and finished the round. in round 3, Joyce landed a big right hand, which sent Stiverne into the ropes, forcing the referee to make a 10-count. Stiverne recovered and managed to get through the next couple of rounds due to Joyce slowing down his pace. The end came when Joyce trapped Stiverne against the ropes in round 6 and landed two right hands, forcing referee Howard Foster to stop the action.[63] Stiverne had no complaints with the stoppage and walked slowly back to his corner. After the bout, Joyce's co-promoter Richard Schaefer said Joyce would likely return on Wilder's undercard in May and then look to challenge for the WBA 'Regular' title later in the year. With the win, Joyce retained the Commonwealth belt and won the vacant WBA Gold heavyweight title.[64][65]
In March 2019, Joyce became the mandatory challenger for European heavyweight champion Agit Kabayel.[66] Joyce also became linked with fighting British prospect Daniel Dubois for the vacant British heavyweight title, with Frank Warren also stating he had no issued with making the fight happen.[67][68] On 17 April 2019, Joyce revealed he had split with trainer Abel Sanchez, having moved back to UK to train with Adam Booth in London.[69]
Signing with Queensberry
Joyce vs. Ustinov
On 25 April 2019, Joyce signed with Frank Warren's Queensberry Promotions to co-promote him, alongside Ringstar Sports. It was announced Joyce would return to the ring on the undercard of Billy Joe Saunders vs. Shefat Isufi on 18 May at Broadhall Way in Stevenage, England.[70][71] On 2 May, 42 year old former world title challenger Alexander Ustinov (34–3, 25 KOs) was announced as Joyce's opponent, subject to a visa. Joyce explained he could have waited for a bigger fight in July, but wanted to stay busy instead, not fighting another journeyman.[72] Joyce won the fight via TKO in round 3. In round 1, Joyce started off picking his shots behind the jab. Ustinov also managed to land a small number of shots, which had no impact on Joyce. Joyce increased his output in round 2, putting pressure on Ustinov, who did not land very much and began holding on. By the end of round 2, Ustinov was on unsteady legs. Both boxers started round 3 trading, with both landing clean shots. Joyce being more active, was throwing with both hands and managed to land a clean left hand to Ustinov's head, dropping him near the ropes. Ustinov slowly tried to beat the count, but was unable to, and counted out.[73][74] Joyce said after the fight backstage, "The proof's in the pudding. You tell Eddie, you know, winning this fight like that, before Hunter, proves to the world, and to Eddie, that I am a credible opponent [for Joshua]." Joyce felt the win would help him get a world title opportunity by the end of 2019.[75]
Joyce vs. Jennings
Joyce would next be scheduled to fight at The O2 Arena in London, on 13 July 2019, on the Daniel Dubois vs. Nathan Gorman: Heavy Duty card. On 22 May, Joyce's manager Sam Jones revealed that he was unable to agree a deal with Alexander Povetkin, Joseph Parker, Derek Chisora and Agit Kabayel to fight Joyce in July. He stated he would now look at the likes of Éric Molina, Bryant Jennings and Chris Arreola.[76] A day later, Jennings came out as being the favourite to fight Joyce. Jennings teased the announcement via his social media, when he tagged "Grind 7/13 O2 Arena", under a video segment of him working out. Sam Jones replied to the tweet, "He's going to need more than a vegan diet and a six-pack to deal with Joe."[77][78] On 29 May, Jennings (24-3, 14 KOs) was confirmed as his opponent and toughest test since turning professional.[79]
On the night, Joyce was taken the full distance for the first time in his career, winning a unanimous decision with scores of 118-109, 117-110 and 115-112, with the irregular scores due to Jennings being deducted a point for a low blow. Joyce also retained his WBA 'Gold' title. Jennings landed body shots in the opening round which caused Joyce to clinch. Joyce was more active in round 2. Jennings seemed to out work Joyce during the middle rounds, but was not always enough to score the round in his favour. By the second half of the fight, Joyce had taken over. Jennings's tried to keep up and warned for low blows, eventually being deducted a point in round 10. Joyce was also warned during the fight, but never had any points taken off.[80][81] In the post-fight interview, Joyce said, “I want to return in October or November. I’m ready for anyone… (WBA “Regular” heavyweight titlist) Manuel Charr, that’s the one. I want to be a world champion.” Although it was a clear win for Joyce, some felt the scorecards were too wide in his favour.[82][83]
Joyce vs. Wallisch
Over a year later, Joyce returned to the ring on 25 July 2020 against Michael Wallisch in a behind-closed-doors bout in Stratford. After knocking Wallisch down three times in the first three rounds, the referee stopped the fight resulting in a third-round technical knockout victory for Joyce. This fight was made due to the ongoing postponement of Joyce vs. Dubois, to keep Joyce active and give him rounds.[84]
Joyce vs. Dubois
On 7 February 2020, a press release came out to officially announce Joyce vs. Daniel Dubois (15-0, 14 KOs). The fight was scheduled to take place on 11 April at The O2 Arena in London, live on BT Sport Box Office. Dubois would be defending his British, Commonwealth, WBC Silver and WBO International titles and Joyce would be defending his WBA Gold title. The fight was billed as "Seek & Destroy". The fight was promoted by Frank Warren's Queensberry Promotions. Dubois said the fight would be his 'most devastating performance' of his career.[85][86][87][88] Days after the fight was announced, Joyce split with trainer Adam Booth. He had reportedly signed with his former trainer Ismael Salas and headed to Las Vegas to train at the UFC Training Center. The split with Booth was amicable, according to Joyce and his manager Sam Jones. Salas became Joyce's fourth trainer in only his eleventh professional fight.[89] Salas stated Joyce would be in top shape for the fight. Although his previous coaches did a good job, they never understood his body. He also stated Joyce would be Dubois' biggest test, someone he has been following since his debut.[90] On 20 February, it was confirmed the vacant European heavyweight title would be at stake.[91]
On 12 March, Frank Warren stated the fight was still scheduled to take place despite the coronavirus concerns and everything would be closely monitored.[92] On 26 March, the BBBofC had cancelled all UK boxing events and lockdown in the UK was also confirmed. The fight was pushed back to 11 July 2024. Frank Warren did not want the fight to take place behind closed doors.[93][94][95] By May 2020, the July fight date was also looking unlikely, due to the British Board's request to have any events without an attendance. Joyce was open to having an interim bout in between.[96] On 25 June, the fight was again rescheduled. This time to take place on 24 October at The O2 Arena. Warren hoped by then, the BBBofC would allow limited crowd to attend the event.[97][98][99] Joyce had an interim bout against Michael Wallisch, on 25 July, who he defeated via 3rd round TKO.[100] On 29 August, Dubois stopped late replacement Ricardo Snijders in round 2. Dubois was originally scheduled to fight unbeaten two-time Olympic Erik Pfeifer.[101]
There was speculation the fight would likely be pushed back further another month. Both boxers said they would take the fight without any fans. On 6 October, Warren announced the fight would take place on BT Sports, without pay-per-view, which was considered a huge reversal, on 28 November at Church House in London. The fight billing changed to "At Last" after being rescheduled three times.[102][103] Prior to the fight, the bookmakers had Joyce the underdog heading in. Joyce felt insulted and overlooked. Majority bookmakers also had the fight expected to not go the distance. Joyce stated this boosted his confidence going into the fight and vowed, “people who bet on me will have a nicer Christmas.” Joyce was also criticized on is physique when he fought Wallisch.[104] The fight was looked at a genuine 50-50, with many boxing pundits and boxers unable to separate the two.[105] Only two days before the fight, Joyce team hit a setback as trainer Salas tested positive for Covid upon arriving at the hotel in London. The fight was still scheduled to go ahead with Steve Broughton brought in Joyce's corner alongside Jimmy Tibbs.[106][107] Dubois weighed 244.4 pounds. Joyce came in heavier at 258.9 pounds.[108][109]
In a competitive fight, it was the jab of Joyce that made the biggest difference swelling the eye of Dubois from the second round and closing the eye by the tenth round. Dubois was unable to continue in the tenth round: he pawed at his swollen left eye and voluntarily went down on one knee taking a ten count from the referee, before being counted out. In an upset victory, Joyce was declared the winner by tenth-round stoppage loss.[110] In his post-fight interview, Joyce declared, "I'm ready for [the WBO's #1 ranked heavyweight] Oleksandr Usyk. Daniel has got some power but I've felt power like that before. With my experience I've learnt to ride them."[111] At the time of stoppage, only one judge had Joyce ahead 87-84 and the other two judges had Dubois ahead 86-85 and a controversial 88-83, only giving Joyce two rounds.[112] According to the CompuBox Stats, Dubois landed 146 of his 486 punches thrown, at 30% connect rate. 82 landed were power shots. Joyce was less accurate, landing 125 of his 544 thrown, at 23% connect. Joyce landed 98 jabs which was 79.6% of his total output.[113] Dubois was hit with claims that he quit from fellow boxers and pundits, however was also backed by some, saying it was the right decision and potentially saved his career.[114][115][116][117][118][119] Following the fight it was revealed that Dubois had suffered a broken left orbital bone and nerve damage around the eye and would be out of action for around six months.[120][121]
Joyce vs. Takam
On 16 June 2021, it was announced that Joyce's next fight would be against former world title challenger Carlos Takam (39-5-1, 28 KOs) on 24 July at the Wembley Arena. This was a frustrating time for Joyce as Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury were locked into negotiations and the world titles all being tied up. Joyce also tried to chase a fight with Oleksandr Usyk. In May, negotiations collapsed bertween team Joshua and Team Fury, which meant Usyk, mandated by the WBO, would get his opportunity to fight Joshua.[122][123] Takam was going into the fight confident after having a chat with Francis Ngannou, who advised Takam of Joyce's power. Ngannou sparred Joyce leading up to his fight with Dubois in 2020. Joyce was going into the fight looking to extend his new stoppage streak.[124][125][126] At the weigh in, Joyce came in heavy at 263¾ pounds and Takam weighed 248½ pounds.[127]
After a slow start from Joyce on the night, in which Takam landed numerous punches to the head and body of Joyce in the opening rounds, Joyce staggered his opponent at the start of the sixth round, overwhelming him with a barrage of punches and forcing referee Steve Gray to halt the fight. The official result was a sixth-round technical knockout victory for Joyce. In his post-fight interview, he named the two opponents that he would be interested in facing next: "What I want is AJ or [Oleksandr] Usyk."[128][129][130]
Inactivity
On 26 July, Warren spoke about the possibilities of Joyce's next fight. A date in October 2021 was being discussed. Fury was due to defend his WBC belt against Deontay Wilder in their trilogy. Warren didn't think Joshua would want the fight. He also discussed Derek Chisora, who was at Joyce's last fight, as s possible next opponent. At the same time, Warren was not convinced that Chisora would be too keen to take on Joyce next, stating he would likely pursue a rematch with Joseph Parker. Warren rightly claimed there was more reward in beating Joyce, as it would make Chisora the WBO mandatory, rather than fight the lower-ranked Parker.[131][132] Joyce then spoke on the possible fight, “If Chisora wants it, I am here. I called him out very early on in my career but he never wanted the smoke. If he wants the fight - he can have it."[133] The EBU ordered Joyce to make a defence of his European title against mandatory challenger Marco Huck. The order was made prior to Joyce's fight with Takam. The purse bid was won by Huck Box Promotions with an offer of 260,000 Euro. On 17 August, Joyce was stripped of the European title.[134]
On 28 August, Joyce extended his promotional contract with Queensberry Promotions with a new multi-fight deal. Warren said: “I am delighted Joe has agreed a long-term contract renewal with us at Queensberry for the period of time where we are confident he will be crowned WBO world champion." Joyce was ranked No.2 with WBO, and due a mandatory fight in the near future.[135][136]
On 1 September 2021, Parker's manager David Higgins made his name available for a fight against top ranked contenders. At the time, Parker was ranked no 3 with WBO. Due to the world titles being tied up in defences, the top ranked boxers struggled to make fights as the risk of losing would mean to lose their opportunity for a world title fight. Joyce's manager Sam Jones acknowledged Parker as a potential opponent alongside Andy Ruiz Jr. and Luis Ortiz.[137] Joyce claimed Ortiz has rejected an offer to fight him. During an interview with IFL tv, Joyce said he did not believe Ortiz wanted to fight him and when asked if Ortiz had actually turned down a fight, Joyce said "Yeah. He didn't want a war." A few days later Ortiz hit back at these claims and said an offer was never made and no contact was made to either himself, his manager Jay Jimenez or his coach Herman Caicedo. Ortiz stated he would never turn down a fight and offered Joyce a fight in December, where Ortiz was scheduled to make a ring return, on a Gervonta Davis undercard.[138][139][140][141]
Usyk defeated Joshua to claim the unified WBO, WBA and IBF world titles. Joyce, being mandatory challenger, expected to be mandated next, however Joshua activated a rematch clause, which meant he would fight Usyk again. We’re waiting for the WBO to decide what they’re going to do regarding their mandatory for [Oleksandr] Usyk. They’ll probably allow Usyk another fight in between. They’ve called for a rematch with AJ. But the winner of that will have to fight [Joyce].” The Usyk-Joshua rematch was expected to take place in March 2022.[142] A date in April 2022 was next looked at for a possible fight. In February, David Higgins again made it known that his fighter Parker would be open to a fight against in the UK. Parker was coming off his second consecutive win over Derek Chisora. Team Joyce were expected to make an offer for the potential showdown.[143][144]
During the ongoing negotiations between the teams of Joyce and Parker, Joyce put his name forward along with other to fight Joshua. Joshua's rematch against Usyk was heading for a venue in Ukraine, however plans quickly stalled after the Ukraine-Russia conflict and Russian's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Hearn said either a new location would be pursued or the fight would be postponed altogether. Joyce and Joshua began a back and forward spat on social media. Joshua claimed he'd end Joyce's unbeaten run in one round, like he had done previously. Joyce hit back claiming Joshua was having a meltdown and alleging everything had been given to Joshua in his career.[145][146][147]
Joyce vs. Hammer
In April 2022, during the Fury-Whyte PPV, with both Joyce and Parker present, Frank Warren told Steve Bunce, a fight between the two would take place in September at a stadium. A date and location for the Usyk-Joshua rematch had not been set.[148] On 27 May, it was announced that Joyce would return to the ring after nearly a year out, on the undercard of Jason Cunningham vs. Zolani Tete at the OVO Arena Wembley on 2 July 2022.[149] Experienced German contender Christian Hammer was announced a Joyce's opponent, with the card scheduled to take place on BT Sport. During this time, Joseph Parker signed a multi-fight promotional deal with Warren's rival Ben Shalom with Boxxer, who had an exclusive broadcast deal with Sky Sports, potentially putting a future fight at jeopardy, as Joyce was contractually tied with Queensberry, who had an exclusive deal with BT Sports.[150][151] At the time of the fight, Joyce had not fought in 49 weeks. In that time, he also recovered from a wrist injury. Joyce stood on the scales at 265.9 pounds and Hammer weighed 263 pounds.[152]
Joyce dropped Hammer four times, en route to a fourth round stoppage win to extend his unbeaten run. Joyce opened the fight strong, forcing Hammer to cover up against the ropes following a left hook. Hammer landed a few power shots of his own with Joyce walking through them. Round 2 saw Joyce pile on more pressure tiring Hammer and looking defeated at the rounds end. Hammer was rocked multiple times in round 3 taking shots to the head. To close the round, Joyce landed a shot to the body and a left hook to the head, scoring the first knockdown. Hammer went down on one knee, however the bell rang to end the round. Hammer was dropped again in round four following a left body shot. Hammer beat the count and began swinging towards Joyce, only to be caught with a right hand, sending him down again a third time. Hammer, once again got up, to get dropped a fourth and final time after a body shot. Referee Victor Loughlin stopped the fight. The time of stoppage was 1 minute and 20 seconds.[153][154]
After the fight, Joyce asserted, "I'm top level ready for the world stage. I'm ready for all comers and I'm looking to fight the winner of AJ-Usyk, maybe Tyson Fury. I'm at that level."[155] Warren confirmed Joyce would next fight on 24 September. Names mentioned were Parker or the winner of the Usyk vs. Joshua rematch. Warren later added Deontay Wilder's name to the shortlist as a potential opponent.[156][157][158]
WBO interim heavyweight champion
Joyce vs. Parker
On 24 September 2022, Joyce headlined a BT Sport Box Officepay-per-view show against former WBO champion Joseph Parker at the AO Arena in Manchester, England, in a fight between the WBO's number 1 and 2 contenders for the vacant interim title. In a fast-paced bout in which both men landed power punches, Joyce was able to bloody Parker's nose and open a cut above his eye, fighting largely on the front foot and using his jab to set up his attacks, while Parker was able to work off the back foot, finding some success with the left hook and overhand right.[159] In the eleventh round, Joyce knocked his opponent down with a powerful left hook. Parker was able to rise to his feet, but the referee deemed it unsafe for him to continue, halting the fight to declare Joyce the winner by eleventh-round knockout. With the result, Joyce became the first man to stop Parker, who had previously never been knocked out. Joyce made it clear that he wanted to face the full WBO champion next, saying, "[Oleksandr] Usyk, let's get it on."[160][159]
On 2 February 2023, it was officially announced that Joyce would be making the first defence of his WBO interim title against southpaw contender Zhilei Zhang at the Copper Box Arena in London, England on 15 April 2023. In a surprise upset, Joyce lost the fight via TKO in round six, marking the first loss of his professional career. The repeated heavy shots from Zhang caused swelling above Joyce's right eye, causing the referee to wave off the fight.[161]
On 29 June 2023, it was officially announced that Joyce would have an immediate rematch with WBO interim heavyweight champion Zhilei Zhang at Wembley Arena in London, England on 23 September 2023. He lost via knockout in round 3.[162]
On May 22, 2024, it was officially announced that Joyce would face Derek Chisora at The O2 Arena in London, England on July 27, 2024.[164] In a back and forth contest, Joyce lost via unanimous decision after being knocked to the canvas in the ninth round. The scorecards read 96-94, 96-94 and 97-92. [165][166][167] Compubox stats showed Joyce was slightly busier in landing 211 of 835 punches thrown, a connect rate of 25.3% while Chisora landed 192 of his 564 punches thrown. Chisora was more busier to the body landing 44 shots compared to the 11 landed by Joyce.[168]
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Joseph Dennis Parker, OM is a New Zealand professional boxer. He has held the World Boxing Organization (WBO) interim heavyweight title since March 2024. Previously, he held the WBO heavyweight title from 2016 to 2018. At regional level, he has held multiple heavyweight championships, including the WBO Oriental, Africa, and Oceania titles; as well as the PABA, OPBF, and New Zealand titles. As an amateur, he represented New Zealand at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in the super-heavyweight division, and narrowly missed qualification for the 2012 Summer Olympics.
Anthony Oluwafemi Olaseni Joshua is a British professional boxer. He held the unified world heavyweight championship twice between 2016 and 2021. At regional level, he held the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles from 2015 to 2016.
Jarrell Miller is an American professional boxer and former kickboxer who competes in the heavyweight division. He first came to prominence in 2007 when he competed for the New Jersey Tigers in the World Combat League and made it to the finals of the New York Golden Gloves tournament that same year. Miller was due to challenge Anthony Joshua for the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles in 2019, but was denied a license to box after failing multiple drug tests.
Hughie Lewis Fury is a British professional boxer. He challenged once for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) heavyweight title in 2017, and at regional level held the British heavyweight title in 2018. As an amateur he represented England at the 2012 Youth World Championships, winning a gold medal in the super-heavyweight division and becoming the first British boxer to do so.
Dillian Whyte is a British professional boxer who has formerly competed as a kickboxer and mixed martial artist. He has held the WBC interim heavyweight title twice between 2019 and 2022. At regional level, he has held multiple heavyweight championships, including the British title from 2016 to 2017. As of October 2021, he is ranked as the world's fifth-best active heavyweight by The Ring magazine, and the fourth-best active heavyweight by the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board and BoxRec. He has been ranked among BoxRec's top 10 heavyweights since 2016, reaching his career-high ranking of No. 2 at the end of August 2021.
Lawrence Okolie is a British professional boxer. He has held world championships in two weight classes, including the World Boxing Council (WBC) bridgerweight title from May 2024 to October 2024, and the World Boxing Organization (WBO) cruiserweight title from 2021 to 2023. At regional level, he held the Commonwealth title twice between 2018 and 2019; the British title from 2018 to 2019; and the European title in 2019.
Daniel Dubois is a British professional boxer. He has held the International Boxing Federation (IBF) heavyweight title since June 2024. Previously, he held the World Boxing Association (WBA) heavyweight title from 2022 to 2023. At regional level, he has held multiple heavyweight championships, including the British and Commonwealth titles from 2019 to 2020. As an amateur, he was a five-time national junior titlist and British champion. Dubois is known for his formidable punching power, having 21 of his 22 wins coming by way of knockout.
Boxing in the 2020s is a list of notable fights and events in boxing during the decade from the year 2020 to 2029.
Dillian Whyte vs. Derek Chisora II, billed as The Brawl To Settle It All, was a professional boxing match contested between WBC Silver and WBO International heavyweight champion, Dillian Whyte, and Derek Chisora. The bout took place on 22 December 2018 at The O2 Arena, with Whyte winning by knockout in the eleventh round.
Oleksandr Usyk vs. Derek Chisora, billed as Fright Night, was a professional boxing match contested between former undisputed cruiserweight champion and the WBO's heavyweight mandatory challenger, Oleksandr Usyk, and WBO Inter-Continental heavyweight champion, Derek Chisora. The bout took place on 31 October 2020 at The SSE Arena, with Usyk winning by unanimous decision.
Tyson Fury vs. Derek Chisora III was a professional boxing match contested between WBC heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury, and WBA International heavyweight champion, Derek Chisora, that took place on 3 December 2022 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with Fury winning by technical knockout in the tenth round.
Derek Chisora vs. Joseph Parker, was a professional boxing match contested between Derek Chisora, and former heavyweight champion and WBO Oriental heavyweight champion, Joseph Parker. The bout took place on 1 May 2021 at the AO Arena, with Parker winning by split decision.
↑ September 2021, Boxing Social Staff on 25th (25 September 2021). "Ortiz: I didn't turn down Joyce fight". boxing-social.com. Retrieved 13 December 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
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