By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing
Former WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker (30-2, 21 KOs) has targeted WBO #1, WBC #3, IBF #7 Joe Joyce (13-0, 12 KOs) according to Parker’s manager David Higgins.
“He fought Chisora and dominated him so his brand equity in the world and United Kingdom is at an all-time high,” Higgins told Sky Sports. “We almost feel like it is a home crowd and he’s obviously been on a lot of big PPV shows in the UK, as well. The question is ‘who next?’ Joseph has signaled that he’d like to fight as soon as humanly possible. A possible opponent is Joe Joyce.
“Joe Joyce is obviously ranked #1 with the WBO and Parker is ranked #2. We would not take him for granted, almost a 50/50 type fight which the fans would obviously love. The Joyce team have reached out to us and said they’re going to make a written offer. Both sides have talked about May timing, so we’ll see what that offer looks like.”
Personally, I think Joyce needs to move on to bigger and better fights if able. At age 36, the clock is ticking. Parker’s style of fighting which is anemic at best in my opinion would make for a boring hit, hold, and hug matchup. Just got the feeling this fight would not be a barn burner. Maybe Parker could fight Don King’s Bryan and Don King could charge $79.99 on PPV for us to watch it :). Have a great day today.
You’re probably right about this not being an action packed fight. Still curious what it will look like though. I’m thinking that Joyce’s lack of hand speed will prevent him from making it to the top, and at 36, he won’t be getting any faster. Joyce loses this, it feels like his stock will drop to next to.nothing, even though Parker is highly rated. A loss at 36 is a little different than DuBois losing in his early 20’s.
I detect a little sarcasm and it is well deserved. Not only would this be possibly a bore war. but will have a price tag of $79.99 as well.
sure lets see it
I like Parker but he can’t beat Joyce. Parker may be top ten. Joyce is top six.
Yes. Make this happen!
best way to get rid of Parker who does not like fighting. Joyce crunches him in 9.
Parker is kind of weird or hybrid chicken. Sure Joyce probably means more money than Hrgovic, but he is the ticket to get Usyk or Joshua, of course Hrgovic is 29 not 36 and is by far faster than Joyce, who is slower than a steamroller machine.
sounds great when it gets done
Parker was chasing a rematch with Ruiz, but Ruiz and his team didnt want it.
I guess this is the next best option, got to give it to Parker, least he takes the high risk low rewards fights unlike the PBC heavyweights.
This is a good fight for me. Anything substantial for Joyce really. Parker, Ruiz, Sanchez, any of those guys and a few others would be fine for me. He’ll be 37 this year, I don’t think he wants to spend this year fighting Carlos Takam types.
I wouldn’t sleep on Takam. He’s a lot tougher than his record indicates.
Takam was the last fighter Joyce beat. He is a pretty good fighter, but I think Joyce would want someone better now at this stage of his career.
Not sure if dominating Chisora has really raised Parker’s profile but Parker – Joyce makes for a decent fight while the top 4 heavyweights figure things out.
I am OK with this fight.
Id expect a fairly mundane fight. With Parker outboxing Joyce for long stretches and surviving a few scary moments to win a MD/UD.
Joyce in 2!
Nah, Joyce will protect his WBO #1 ranking and shouldn’t risk it in a shit fight he could lose.
Captain Lou Albano could beat them both.
The way Parker has fought lately hasn’t been to win.. but rather to not lose. Joyce is a pressure fighter with a great chin.. I’d take Joyce.
On the strength of the Dubois fight, I favor Joyce to win this, perhaps by KO.