The DAZN Boxing Show discussed whether Joe Joyce is ready to face either Tyson Fury or Deontay Wilder.
Joyce fought Joseph Parker on Saturday and came through with a late knockout after weathering some sustained efforts from New Zealand’s former WBO champion.
The 37-year-old former Olympian has impressed with his chin since turning pro, and even broke Daniel Dubois’ eye socket, and there is a belief that Joyce has earned a shot at a title or a high-profile fighter in the near future.
Speaking on The DAZN Boxing Show, Akin ‘Ak’ Reyes explained that his consistency had forced him to reassess Joyce’s talents.
He began: “Joe Joyce is a guy I’m on record saying is slow as molasses, doesn't look too skilled, is a big guy, and he keeps proving me wrong. I’m going to have to start becoming a believer.
“We all know what it is to get into the ring at heavyweight. One thing he can do is take a shot, take a punch. We know Joseph Parker is a really good boxer, and quick on his feet. I guess Joe Joyce is the type of guy willing to go through anything to break his opponent down. Can he do it at the highest level? Against the guys like Anthony Joshua, the guys like Tyson Fury, the guys like Deontay Wilder? I guess soon enough we’ll see.”
Barak Bess thought similarly, saying: “My man, I am not even asking anymore. Joe Joyce just beat a former champion, so basically he’s on the top level right now. His nickname is The Juggernaut. I know I called Shakur Stevenson special, I’m going to call Joe Joyce special."
He continued: “He is 37 years old. He has an incredible Ferrari engine and the guy is throwing 90-something punches at heavyweight in the 11th round, 10th round, ninth round. That’s special. That’s amazing and he’s doing it with every single fighter. All we’re thinking about is let’s see if he can take Wilder’s right hand.
“I feel like Fury has the stamina to box him, it seems like Joe Joyce chases you around the whole fight. Can Fury and Wilder deal with that ? I think they're heavier punchers than anyone Joyce has fought. It would be crazy if he could take a Wilder or Fury shot.”