Undefeated British heavyweight (over 90.7 kg) Joe Joyce (14-0, 13 KOs) gave
interview for local media.
Ahead of Joyce is a duel with former New Zealand champion Joseph Parker (30-2, 21 KOs), which is scheduled for September 24 in Manchester (England). Joyce spoke about his preparation, spoke about the past revenge between the owner of three main titles, Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk (20-0, 13 KOs) and British ex-champion Anthony Joshua (24-3, 22 KOs), and also commented on the possible fights of these fighters against British WBC title holder Tyson Fury (32-0-1, 23 KOs).
– Are you looking forward to your fight with Parker? It will finally take place. There were many conversations, exchanges of courtesies – and here it is a fight, in a week and a half.
– Yes. I should have fought Hunter. Now it’s Parker. I have a great training camp. I’m really looking forward to the fight. I had great sparring. I am in good mental and physical condition and ready to do my job on Saturday night.
– You are the mandatory challenger for Oleksandr Usyk’s WBO title, which he successfully defended in a rematch with Anthony Joshua. What do you think of this fight?
Yes, great fight. I like it. I think there were some moments where Joshua landed heavy punches. He looked better than the first fight. Usyk is also at a high level. He looked phenomenal. He just beat him on points. There was a clear winner in all rounds. This is a bit of an emotional time for Joshua. If you look at the fight, it was exciting. I think everyone enjoyed it.
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– You boxed with Joshua and Usyk. How much better have both been? Especially Usyk. How different is he from the fighter you fought 4 years ago?
Since then we have both moved on. Usyk was then an Olympic gold medalist, left-handed. I was only 10 years in boxing. It was a big step for me. I threw out all my firepower. I just threw punches and constantly “ate” in response. Usyk’s blows were mean and fast, but I still disturbed him. It was a spectacular fight. There was a sea of Ukrainians with drums and everything. It was a good action.
— Now there is a lot of talk about the heavyweight division. One day it’s Fury vs Usyk, the other day it’s Fury vs Joshua. Let’s start with Fury vs Usyk. You shared the ring with both. How will this fight go if it takes place?
“I think this is an exciting fight. Judging by the fight with Joshua and what Usyk was like, this is a risky fight for Fury, since he did not lose. Before I saw Usyk vs Joshua, I thought it was going to be an easy win for Fury because he’s bigger and taller, keeps him at a distance, switches and stuff like that. But Usyk showed that he could go from far to near and could dominate him on points. I don’t know if he can win, but I think the fight will be glorious. I think that he will clearly give Fury some problems. While the fight could end either way, this is heavyweight.
Joshua in vain took the fight with Fury? The opinion of the top British observer
Fury could fight Joshua on December 3rd. How will this fight go, in your opinion?
“I always thought that Joshua would beat Fury, but now you can see the levels and how mobile and agile Fury is and how much firepower he has. Once again, this is heavyweight boxing and it’s going to be a spectacular fight, but I see Fury as the clear winner if Joshua doesn’t unleash a barrage of punches into him and take him to the canvas. But this is unlikely.
– And finally, Joseph Parker challenged you to the WWE tournament. What message do you have for him ahead of your fight on September 24th?
Joseph Parker, I’ll knock you out! I know you, you know me. Anyway, let’s talk in the ring and let our fists talk. And my fist will hit you in the face!
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