Could Joyce v Usyk be on the cards?
WBO mandatory Joe Joyce explains why he needs fellow Brit Anthony Joshua to lose his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk.
It seems like the dust has only just settled on the Usyk v Joshua fight, where some fans were surprised at the upset believing Usyk wouldn't be able to deal with the bigger heavyweight, yet already we’re looking forward to another Usyk v Britain boxing match.
Except that this time, it could be against the rising star of British boxing, unbeaten 'Juggernaut' Joe Joyce. There’s growing talk that the two could take to the ring next year, but there's another fight in the way first.
These two have famously met in the ring before, at the 2013 World Series of Boxing. And Joyce will be hoping for a different outcome this time around – Usyk beat him, although in fairness to Joyce Usyk did beat all six opponents he met in that competition. However, it’s worth noting that Joyce isn’t the same boxer as he was back in 2013, eight years ago. He has evolved into a formidable pro.
What Needs To Happen?
Joyce is first in line to challenge Usyk. If the Ukrainian doesn't accept his challenge then the World Boxing Organisation would likely strip the champion of their title and present it to Joyce as a vacant belt to fight for. New Zealander Joseph Parker is WBO #2 and no stranger to these shores, so he would make for a likely candidate for an opponent, especially as he holds the WBO Inter-Continental title, however he has to get through his tough rematch with Derek Chisora in December first.
Joyce could face Usyk now, but for the rematch clause that AJ has activated already. That return bout should take place sometime in 2022, possible in March or April. Should, as expected, Usyk defeats Anthony Joshua again, then it’ll be Joyce’s turn to challenge the Ukrainian. However, there will be pressure on the only two heavyweight champions, whoever that could be at the time, to face each other in an undisputed clash for all five world titles – WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO, IBO. WBC beltholder Tyson Fury was meant to meet Anthony Joshua before, but Wilder got in the way of that, which is how Usyk got his shot at AJ instead.
Likely Outcome
Usyk would be the favourite to win this matchup, having already triumphed over 'JJJ' before, in 2013.
Anyone who saw his last fight against Joshua knows that Oleksandr is a world-class boxer, an elite champion, and it’s unlikely that he will be beaten by many heavyweights right now.
However, there’s a reason why people might be tempted to back Joyce to win, even if it’s just with a free bet offer because promoter Frank Warren thinks Joyce can do it. Asked about the potential outcome of the fight, the legendary boxing promoter said, “Could he beat Usyk? Yes. He fancies it, and I fancy it. He isn’t going to back off Usyk.”
36-year-old Joyce has a relentless style where he throws unending punches until he forces his foes into submission.
There’s a tendency in Britain to back homegrown boxers. Usyk ripped up that script in from of 65,000 fans in Tottenham Hotspurs stadium and completely outboxed Joshua. So he’s used to taking on Brits on their own soil.
One thing is certain, however, and that’s that the fight will be something special. Joyce does seem to be better equipped to handle Usyk than Joshua was in September.