JOE JOYCE refused to confirm he will be fighting Dillian Whyte despite speculation that the all-British heavyweight bout will be announced tomorrow.
The 39-year-old was at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena last night to watch Derek Chisora’s victory against Otto Wallin. Speaking to Boxing News afterwards Joyce, 16-3 (15 KOs), paid tribute to the 41-year-old veteran’s third consecutive win since losing to Tyson Fury in 2022.
“It was a good exciting fight. Great to be here, [it] gets me excited. This is a great arena, great support in Manchester and I’m excited to be fighting here very soon.”
Chisora, 36-13 (23 KOs), survived a nasty cut to drop his Swedish opponent twice before winning his 49th contest on points. Afterwards the crowd favourite declared he wanted Daniel Dubois, Anthony Joshua or Oleksandr Usyk for his 50th and final bout.
“You know what you’re going to get with him,” Joyce said of Chisora.
“He put up a great night’s work throwing the bombs in and took it to him.”
Joyce’s own career is in need of a boost having lost three of his last four with a win over Kash Ali his only success since beating Joseph Parker in September 2022. ‘The Juggernaut’ is refusing to retire, however, despite his performances being nowhere near the level he produced to beat the New Zealander.
Last night Joyce and Dillian Whyte, 31-3 (21 KOs), were photographed together as rumours persist that the pair will top a Queensberry card in April.
“No comment,” said Joyce when asked whether he will be facing Whyte.
“Let’s see what happens. Obviously, it’s a good fight. I’ve got a fight coming up in March 1 so I’m getting prepared for that.”
