Joe Joyce Feels his Elite Level Status Cannot Be Denied
Living up to his name once again, heavyweight bruiser Joe “Juggernaut” Joyce (15-0, 14 KO’s) has collected another scalp following one gritty affair. Under the hot lights of the Manchester Arena, Joyce duked it out with a formidable foe in Joseph Parker.
After putting his iron beard on display several times throughout the night, Juggernaut was able to finally fell Parker in the eleventh. Joyce ultimately iced him with a single left hook. With spoils of war, Joyce took possession of the WBO Interim heavyweight title.
On the one hand, this is great news for Joyce because it essentially guarantees a shot at unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. As far as when that shot comes, well that gets awfully hairy in a hurry. Usyk has already said that he is on the shelf for the remainder of 2022, but then again, so is Joyce. Yet, theoretically, when Usyk returns in 2023, it’ll be against Fury for undisputed. It’s a safe bet to believe if they do fight, a rematch match clause will be included and put to use.
I’M HUNGRY!
This means Usyk wouldn’t be available until the end of 2023, if ever at all. Juggernaut is not the busiest fighter around, but it’s rather unlikely that he will twiddle his thumbs for the next year waiting on Usyk. So it will be interesting to see who his team serves up as his next foe.
While his next opponent may be a mystery, Joyce feels that based upon his last bout, his position in the sport is not.
“Now I’ll get the credit that I deserve from this fight! And it puts me at the elite level, so I am happy. I enjoyed the fight, I got the win, got that highlight knockout. […] It was a good statement, I aim to make statements. It shows my class and my level, that I belong at this top level.”
During his ascension through the ranks, there were countless observers who were doubtful of Juggernaut. His seemingly slow hand speed, lumbering movements and rather generic offensive selection were assumed to not be enough to best the cream of the crop. Well, now he’s earned his seat at the table. Let’s see if he can keep it!
By: Garrisson Bland
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