Of course he will. What does he get for risking it against Usyk? A pay day not comparable to one of the fights with a champion. Joyce hasn’t got time on his side, he wants to get paid and challenge for a world title. A world title isn’t happening this year so he may as well get paid.
Joyce is only 33 I would say he has another 5 years or so before he needs to cash out. He has had 7 pro fights and lost horribly to Usyk in the WSOB. Being mandatory does not guarantee you a fight (ask Dominic Breazeale!) and as mandatory he only takes home 25%. I can't see him waiting 18 months + and letting his career stagnate when he could be earning top dollar as an A side PPV fighter.
Can’t see Joyce’s taking the risk Usyk v Parker would be another good fight but I would want to see him in with a world class 6ft6 heavyweight before attempting a world title charge I think usyk could change heavy weight boxing to be more about skill Fury v usyk I would love to see
Yeah I completely understand where you’re coming from but Joyce is in a position where he needs to take risks. He’s being avoided by a fair few and he needs to make a name for himself and jump up the rankings.
Real balls first move if so. Excellent fight. Looking at it on the same date as the WBSS fight I heard, which I hope isn't the case unless it's in the States.
Surprised Hearn has not considered putting this on in Germany or even Moscow/Kiev. Would be a massive event in Russia and stadium sell out in Germany.
Usyk gets a pass I suppose if his first fight at heavyweight is Helenius or somebody else of a similar standing. Before Povetkin was ever mentioned, somebody like a Helenius seemed realistic. But if that's what we end up with after getting teased with Usyk vs Povetkin then, it's a bit of a let down, but as I say, he'd get a pass for this first one. But big Usyk hasn't disappointed so far, so let's wait and see.
Helenius is 6'7 compared to Povetkin who is 6'2 so it will be an interesting to see how he handles the size and reach advantage.