Frank Warren Interested in Making Anthony Joshua v Joe Joyce
Due to the present uncertainty regarding unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, it’s unknown when he will return to the ring for his rematch with Anthony Joshua (24-2, 22KOs). As a result, there’s a strong inkling that Joshua is now mulling taking an interim fight. A name that keeps popping up as a possible opponent is world-ranked British heavyweight Joe Joyce (13-0, 12KOs).
According to TalkSport, Joyce’s promoter, Frank Warren, has reached out to Joshua’s representatives about a fight between the two. According to Warren, it’s a fight they are very interested in.
“What have you got to lose? I fancy Joe. For Joe, you look at the two fighters: Joe’s got a tremendous chin. He’s got great stamina. They talk about what happened to him as an amateur, but they’re not amateurs anymore, they’re pros.
If you look at how they’ve got on since they’ve become pros, AJ has done brilliantly. He became a world champion. He’s also been beaten twice, and he’s been exposed, certainly in his last fight. Very exposed. And I fancy Joe can knock him over. We have made initial contact, but I don’t think they’ll go with it. If they want it, they can have it. “
There is a history between the two men, past and present. Video footage has surfaced of a sparring session that took place between Joyce and Joshua years ago. More recently, the two men have been going back and forth on social media.
It’s worth the gamble if you’re Joyce. Though ranked second by the WBO, a world title shot is not in the immediate future. Facing Joshua would be the biggest fight of his career.
Joyce, who’s coming off a wrist injury, is being positioned to return to the ring in May. At 36 years old, he knows the best time to challenge for a title is right now. With all things uncertain for Oleksandr Usyk for the foreseeable future, securing a fight with Joshua makes the most sense.
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By: Michael Wilson Jr. & Jerrell Fletcher
