OLYMPIC silver medallist Joe Joyce admitted he does not have a preferred route to explore if he does capture the Commonwealth heavyweight title this weekend. Joyce challenges for Lenroy Thomas’ belt on the undercard of Tony Bellew and David Haye which takes place on Saturday (May 5) at the O2 Arena, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
Haye promotes Joyce and has been a pivotal part in fast-tracking the ‘Juggernaut’ to the stage where he is challenging for the Commonwealth title in only his fourth fight.
Joyce, however has insisted the rapid push in his professional run is down to his team, opting not to involve himself in career planning.
“I let my team decide what is next,” Joyce said. “I’ve just been doing my job in the gym, making sure I’m improving myself.
“I’m solely focused on that, obviously when I see the opponents it makes sense and I know I can beat them.”
Making his debut in October 2017 when stopping former Dillian Whyte opponent and British title challenger Ian Lewison after eight rounds, Joyce has since had two fights, winning both by stoppage.
More recently dispatching Donnie Palmer after 40 seconds in March, Joyce is attempting to become the first heavyweight to win the Commonwealth title in just four fights.
As well as clinching a silver medal at the Rio 2016 games, Joyce was a part of the British Lionhearts team competing in the World Series of Boxing (WSB) where the 32-year-old won 13 bouts in 15 contests.
Joyce agreed his experience in the series has set him up well for the professional game. “My experience in the World Series of Boxing was a vital key,” he said.
“I had 15 fights and they were all pro format with the five, three minute rounds against some of the top national champions, international boxers from other countries.
“It set me up well.”
Despite Haye and the rest of Joyce’s team seeming keen to waste no time in racking up the titles, Saturday night’s six foot six challenger revealed he does not have a planned next step in his career just yet.
Joyce said, “I’m going to play it by ear but I’ll rely on my team to make the right decisions, obviously they’re a lot more knowledgeable about the business of boxing than me.
“I just make sure I’m in the best possible shape and I listen and deliver.”
