Joe Joyce believes inserting a rematch clause in his contract to fight Joseph Parker was a smart "business" move.
The 'Juggernaut' will take on the challenge of New Zealander Parker at the Manchester Arena next Saturday night, with the winner set to land pole position for a shot at Oleksandr Usyk's WBO world title. And Joyce, who is signed to BT Sport, will be entitled to a second meeting if he loses with the fight broadcast on Sky Sports with whom Parker is contracted.
Former world champion Parker believes Joyce's insistence of a rematch clause shows he is doubting that he can pick up the win. "I know deep down I back myself 100 per cent to beat anyone," he told iD Boxing .
"He's not even champion so he shouldn't have a rematch clause, but it's one of those things where they weren't going to make the fight happen unless it was in place. I don't need a rematch clause, for the Joshua fight I didn't need a rematch clause because I backed myself and I back myself now.
"I think it shows a little weakness. Because the first time we negotiated with them they didn't care about a rematch clause. I didn't look the best in the first Chisora fight, then after the second one they wanted a rematch clause, it shows weakness and shows there are little doubts that they think they might lose."
Joyce has now responded to Parker's claims and explained his reasoning for inserting the clause, telling Mirror Fighting : "In my opinion is just being smart particularly business wise. We are both in a good position and highly ranked. I didn't have to take this fight but I chose to take it because it is exciting and fans want to see it.
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"I am A-side and I feel that I am entitled to a rematch clause and I decided to take it and I think it is just smart business." The winner of the fight will now face an uncertain future with Anthony Joshua now expected to challenge Tyson Fury for the WBC title in December.
The 'Gypsy King' was expected to pursue an undisputed title clash with Oleksandr Usyk next, but the fight has been delayed with the Ukrainian out of action until February at the earliest. Fury instead decided to keep busy and defend his belt, which could now see Joyce able to take a shot at Usyk from under his nose, should the WBC champion get caught up in a second meeting with Joshua.
BT Sport Box Office will show Joe Joyce v Joseph Parker exclusively live on Saturday 24th September. Learn more at bt.com/sportboxoffice
