By Brian Webber: Joe Joyce doesn’t intend on utilizing his regular straight-ahead ‘Juggernaut’ type of combating in opposition to Zhilei Zhang this Saturday night time as a result of he understands the menace the mighty two-time Chinese language Olympian poses for his or her primary occasion conflict on the Copper Field Enviornment in London.
Joyce (15-0, 14 KOs) can have his WBO interim heavyweight title on the road, and there’s much more than that at stake for him.
Joe’s profession will successfully be on the road on this combat if he will get overwhelmed by the 6’6″ Zhang (24-1, 19 KOs), he can overlook a few assured title shot in opposition to IBF/WBA/WBO champion Oleksandr Usyk, and he may be too previous to return again from the loss.
Getting a knockout and looking out spectacular is essential for the 37-year-old Joyce, however on the identical time, he doesn’t wish to take possibilities that he can stroll into one thing massive.
In Joyce’s final combat in opposition to Joseph Parker, he took some hellacious pictures that will have knocked out most heavyweights. Zhang hits more durable than Parker, and it wouldn’t be a good suggestion for Joyce to get hit with the identical kind of punches on Saturday.
Joe desires to combat rigorously within the early going after which put his foot on the gasoline pedal and go the knockout when Zhang tires within the second half. Zhang light in his fights in opposition to Jerry Forrest and Filip Hrgovic, and it’s an excellent guess that he’ll do the identical in opposition to Joyce if pressured sufficient.
Joyce respects Zhang’s energy
“I respect Zhang’s energy, and I received’t be getting in there recklessly. He’s a southpaw, too. That’s extra of a difficult type than what I’m used to,” mentioned Joyce. “The final Southpaw I fought was Lenroy Thomas in my fourth combat.”
“After beating somebody so conclusively, after which I’m behind the queue for the obligatory title shot. What extra do I’ve to do?” mentioned Joe Joyce to Secondsout, discussing how Daniel Dubois, a fighter he beat, is getting a title shot in the summertime in opposition to IBF, WBA & WBO heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
“I’m in a giant combat right here, after which it retains me sharp. Issues haven’t at all times gone my method all through my entire profession, so issues haven’t at all times gone my method,” Joyce continued. “I simply must maintain doing what I can and knock out who I have to knock out and beat who I have to beat.
“He’s at all times obtained a puncher’s likelihood as a result of he’s robust and he’s heavy-handed and hits laborious,” mentioned Joyce when requested if Daniel Dubois has an opportunity in opposition to Usyk. “If he’s not in a position to hit Usyk, then Usyk will dance round and pepper him with pictures like he did in opposition to Joshua. I see Usyk beating Dubois.
“It’s an choice. Clearly, I wish to combat somebody with a title first,” mentioned Joyce when requested if he’d prefer to combat Anthony Joshua this yr if he can’t get a title shot. “I don’t like at all times speaking about Joshua. He solely mentions me. He didn’t look nice in his final efficiency [against Jermaine Franklin].
“I’d prefer to see him in opposition to Dillian Whyte, which I believe occurs, after which possibly I may have that combat. I’m on the lookout for the titles first as a result of he’s already been a two-time heavyweight champion, and I’ve but to be concretely. I’ve obtained the WBO interim title. I want the complete title and possibly the remainder of them,” mentioned Joyce.
“I’ve realized much more since then, and I’ve come a good distance,” mentioned Joyce when requested concerning the sparring he did with Joshua years in the past. “The sparring at GB weren’t one-sided. They had been aggressive on a regular basis.
“I used to get pleasure from sparring Joshua as a result of we may each go toe-to-toe within the heart of the ring and commerce punches. I don’t wish to discuss him anymore,” mentioned an irritated-looking Joyce, letting the interviewer know that he’s performed answering questions on Anthony Joshua.
