Joseph Parker v Joe Joyce: Who wins heavyweight blockbuster?

Stuff

22 September 2022

Joseph Parker v Joe Joyce: Who wins heavyweight blockbuster?

The former world champion enters the contest as a betting underdog against the unbeaten Joyce (14-0, 13 KOs) but has vowed to upset the odds and walk away with the WBO interim title.

Parker (30-2, 21 KOs) has cut a relaxed and confident figure in the lead up to his date with destiny, adamant he has put all the work in with trainer Andy Lee in Morecambe and is ready shine under the lights come Saturday night (Sunday NZT).

But he faces a formidable obstacle in the shape of the 6ft 6in Joyce, who is ranked No 1 by the WBO (Parker is No 2) and has halted all but one of his opponents since turning pro five years ago.

Can Parker withstand Joyce's constant pressure in front of a partisan crowd at Manchester Arena to hand the Londoner his first defeat?

Stuff's boxing writers Sam Wilson, Duncan Johnstone and Mat Kermeen make their picks ahead of a pivotal moment in Parker's career.

Sam Wilson – Parker's speed will be the difference

This is such a tough one to call as both men have significant advantages over each other.

Unlike Parker, Joyce carries the confidence of an unbeaten fighter having stopped 13 of the 14 opponents that have stood in his path.

The 'Juggernaut' is renowned for possessing an impressive engine, concussive power and sturdy chin. An Olympic silver medallist in Rio (he was robbed of gold), Joyce has all the tools required to be a future world champion.

But there are some notable chinks in the big Brit's armour – namely his sluggish handspeed and atrocious defence – that Parker can exploit.

Time after time, Joyce has taken heavy shots to the head as he marauds forward in search of a knockout. He was visibly hurt by Carlos Takam and Christian Hammer, before eventually getting the veteran duo out of there.

Those blows will take their toll eventually, weakening his much-vaunted punch resistance. Parker might just be the man to test that theory.

The former WBO champion has some of the fastest hands in the division, as well as being far lighter on his feet than the plodding Joyce. His head movement has improved since teaming up with trainer Andy Lee – as was evident in his one-sided beatdown of Derek Chisora in December – and he will be a much more elusive target than anyone the 37-year-old has faced before.

If a journeyman like Hammer can connect on Joyce's chin with alarming regularity, what hope does he have against a fighter of Parker's pedigree?

Of course, Parker can also be hurt – as we saw against Dillian Whyte and in his first fight with Chisora – but he has never been stopped and is accustomed to going 12 rounds while maintaining a high work rate.

Still, he will need to be wary of Joyce's thudding body shots and must swiftly move in an out of the pocket after landing his blazing combinations to avoid being worn down.

Parker will also have to overcome Joyce's superior size and reach (203cm to 193cm) along the way, but I can see the New Zealander landing his overhand right and body work often enough to leave no doubt in the judges' minds for a clear decision on the cards.

Prediction: Parker by decision

Duncan Johnstone – Parker to prevail

This really looks a 50-50 fight and credit to Parker for taking it on. He has backed up his constant claims that he will take on anyone, anywhere to advance his career.

I still see the result going Parker's way.

His speed and movement – backed up by his experience and proven durability – look too good a package for Joyce, who was a stellar amateur and is undefeated as a professional but is making a significant step-up in class.

Parker has spoken of a new armoury under his blossoming relationship with Andy Lee and will need everything he's got.

He hasn't always gone so well against fighters significantly bigger than him, but Joyce's relentless, come forward style will fall into the Kiwi's favour here.

Parker won't have to battle his way inside to negate his reach disadvantage. Unless Joyce, who doesn't mind taking a hit to deliver one of his own, has a new gameplan, he will present himself to Parker who must pick his moments and his shots.

In Britain and playing the B-side to Joyce on this Queensberry promotion, Parker may need a stoppage to be safe or somehow pound out a big points advantage to convince the judges.

Going on his rapidly developing power style with Lee, I think he's capable of either. This could be a cracker.

Prediction: Parker by decision/KO

Mat Kermeen – Joyce edges close battle

Parker's improvements from his second camp in Morecambe under Andy Lee for the Derek Chisora sequel were off the scale compared to his previous four dull fights.

With more time together, can they find even more attacking variety, movement plus the extra punching power they are touting?

Parker has the quickest hands Joyce has seen in a pro ring and Daniel Dubois has been the Brit's only live opponent.

Joyce's strongest asset is his chin but he is easily hit. If Parker engages, can he stay standing through Joyce's damaging power shots? The Kiwi has never been stopped.

But Joyce is awkward and Parker has gone into his shell previously when plan A hasn't worked.

Joyce's relentless work rate, awkwardness, reach and power gets him home – just – in a fight that goes the distance.

But don't count Parker out if he improves again on his last showing.

Prediction: Joyce by split decision

TALE OF THE TAPE

Joseph Parker

Age: 30

Height: 193cm

Weight: 113.8kg

Reach: 193cm

Pro record: 32-2 (21 KOs)

Joe Joyce