Joe Joyce has been backed by boxing promoter Lou DiBella to give Tyson Fury a harder fight than Oleksandr Usyk.
In the first quarter of next year, Fury and Usyk are expected to meet in the first undisputed heavyweight title fight since 1999. Fury has held the WBC belt since knocking out Deontay Wilder in their 2020 rematch whilst Usyk won the unified titles against Anthony Joshua last September and defended them against 'AJ' in their August rematch.
Joyce is waiting patiently for his world title shot but 'The Juggernaut' will likely have to let the undisputed clash between Fury and Usyk play out first. When asked by Seconds Out who gives Fury a tougher fight out of Joyce and Usyk, DiBella said, "Probably Joyce," before adding, "[Joyce] reminds me of the second coming of George Foreman. I consider that a great compliment.
"The way I spew about big Joe, you’d think I have something to do with him, but I don’t. I just do as a fan. He’s an old school, physically strong, relentless heavyweight, and I love watching him. I think he’s fun to watch. Usyk, because he’s so skilled, he’s so hyper-skilled, he’s going to give anybody a fight.
"Usyk is a better boxer than virtually everyone. In the heavyweight division, it’s a big gap with most but the gap with Fury is the smallest with Usyk. That says to me that Fury is the most difficult fight in the world for Usyk. Joe Joyce, it’s hard to hurt the guy. He’s a freaking monster. He’s got these short, heavy hands. You can see the punches coming and he’s still going to hurt you. He’s relentless."
Who gives Tyson Fury a harder fight - Oleksandr Usyk or Joe Joyce? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!
In a bizarre scene, Joyce and Usyk got in the ring with Fury after he stopped Derek Chisora in their trilogy fight earlier this month. 'The Gypsy King' hurled insults at Usyk as the Ukrainian smirked back at his rival whilst Joyce and Fury ended up screaming in each other's faces. An undisputed clash between Fury and Usyk is likely heading to the Middle East but Fury admitted it could take place in the United Kingdom if a deal cannot be made.
Olympic silver medalist Joyce, who is unbeaten 15 professional fights, was recently rated above Fury as the best heavyweight in the world by the latter's sparring partner, Alen Babic. 'The Juggernaut' knocked out Fury's friend Joseph Parker in his last fight and proceeded to call for a fight against the WBC title-holder.
