Joe Joyce has warned Joseph Parker he doesn't "get paid for overtime" as he seeks another KO victory next weekend.
The 'Juggernaut' will step in the ring with heavyweight rival Parker at the AO Arena in Manchester next Saturday night, as the pair battle to become WBO interim champion. A win for either man will be crucial in their title ambitions as they both look to put themselves in pole position to challenge unified champion Oleksandr Usyk for his titles next year.
Both Joyce and Parker have vowed to "smash" each other during social media videos as they prepare to fight for a world title shot. And the British star believes his test against Parker will be difficult after watching the New Zealander's performance against Derek Chisora last time out. "I think watching the Chisora fight he is quite powerful and has got a good chin as well," Joyce told Mirror Fighting ahead of the fight.
"He has good skills and a boxing brain with his footwork so it is going to be a tough test. So I am prepared and I am not overlooking him and it is going to be a great fight. But I don't get paid for overtime. I like to be in exciting fights and give some entertainment and why do twelve rounds that is long. I would like to just finish him off and I want another KO for my record."
It has been a frustrating year for Joyce who has fought just once so far against Christian Hammer in a routine KO victory as he looks to remain active ahead of a potential title shot. An opportunity could open up for Joyce to challenge Usyk early next year as Tyson Fury looks to be edging closer to handing Anthony Joshua a title shot over any undisputed meeting.
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And the 36-year-old believes there is no time like the present to challenge for world honours, with any win over Parker likely to earn him more respect to push for the all-important fight. "I would love that definitely," Joyce continued. "I think it is a great fight and there will be no argument if I fight Usyk or Fury because I am at that elite level if I beat Parker and I hope I get more respect when I beat Parker.
"I jumped up in peoples estimates when I defeated Dubois and I am hoping I can get more respect and jump up in their estimates again if I beat Parker. I feel that this fight with Usyk has got a good ring to it too as it would be a clash of the undefeated."
