Joe Joyce knocked out former world champion Joseph Parker in 11 rounds with a fearsome left hook to win the WBO interim heavyweight title at the Manchester Arena.
No one had ever stopped Joseph Parker, who had previously gone the distance with Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte. Neither had the New Zealander ever been broken down in such a brutal way before.
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Joyce not only won the WBO interim title, but he also defended his position as the leading challenger for their full heavyweight championship, one of three title belts held by Ukrainian star Oleksandr Usyk.
Joyce stated unequivocally after the fight that he wanted to face the unified champion.
“I’m very feel,” he said, quoting Usyk’s own catchphrase back at him. “Let’s get it on!”
It was the conclusion of Joyce’s most impressive professional performance to date.
To many opponents, the Londoner appears beatable; his hands aren’t the fastest, his feet aren’t the lightest, and his head is an inviting target to touch too frequently.
While Joyce does not always fight spectacularly, his results are extremely impressive. He understands his own style and how to physically impose himself on an opponent.
Parker did have some success, cracking leading shots with his back hand right to Joyce’s chin, but they were few and far between. Joyce was working and grinding him down the entire time.
The Londoner got things going quickly, setting the tone from the start. He was also astute in how he attacked Parker with long heavy shots at first, only later moving in closer to hammer Parker’s body and head with pummeling hooks at close range.
Joyce remained implacable and expressionless even when Parker appeared to be breathing heavily. He just kept working, casting down his right and keeping a ferocious pace to his output.
Parker’s right eye was badly cut by a fine left hook. Joyce was fueled by this to launch another vicious attack.
Parker has no doubts about his heart. He slammed Joyce with his left hook. In the tenth round, he forced a pause in the onslaught by doubling up on his left.
But any hope Parker might have had at the time was snuffed out mercilessly by Joyce. Cruel shots were smashed into Parker from both hands. Joyce increased his intensity as he noticed his prey wilting.
Parker was knocked over by a massive left hook to the jaw. He collapsed to the deck, stunned. Despite his valiant efforts to rise, the referee had to stop him in the 11th round.
“A little bit tired” Joyce said lightly afterwards. “What a fighter and what a great fight,” he continued. “I really enjoyed it.
“I had to dig deep to get through the rounds. I hit him with everything I got, literally the kitchen sink, the handbag, everything.”
That’s an understatement. Joe “the Juggernaut” Joyce advances to the heavyweight division’s top tier.
Joyce will now aim for a world title shot later this year or early in 2023, and would appear to be in prime position to challenge unified champion Usyk.
“Joe demonstrated why he is the juggernaut,” said promoter Frank Warren. I knew he’d make it in the end, but Joseph Parker is a brave warrior.
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“We have a new kid on the block here. Joe Joyce is like a fine wine, he is getting better with age.
“He is the mandatory challenger for the WBO title against Usyk and we are going to move heaven and earth to make sure he gets a shot.”
