And you've gotta give big credit to Parker too. It takes two to tango and that's why last night's fight was a corker. Plenty of heart and determination from both. I've just re-watched again and some of the exchanges from both were superb. Both Joyce and Parker have gone up in my estimations.
Respect is due to Kiwi Joe, not just for the valor he showed in the ring last night, but for giving Painterly Joe the opportunity he desperately needed to show what he can do against a credible and resilient opponent in the first place. He could've gone another (less resistant) route after signing with BOXXER, and plenty other guys would have.
Parker needs to lose the excess bulk and go back to the drawing board. Maybe fight Hrgovic next. I'd love to see Joyce vs Wilder as I'd now consider it a 50/50 fight, nuclear right hand vs granite chin.
Agreed, Parker should have kept moving. It might not have been pleasing to the eyes for the fans but he definitely could have won the fight that way. Instead, he got broken down. Anyone who sits and trades with Joyce is asking for trouble but I think movers are going to give him a lot of problems. I don't think Joyce can punch while moving and he is slow and easy to hit. I like Joyce but he's not unbeatable.
Parker would fold sooner at 235 against Joyce. Stamina doesnt mean anything if you are going into a wrestling match against someone bigger and stronger than you.
That's the thing though, isn't it. You hope to avoid the wrestling match. Most clinches ended with 255 Parker head pushed down with 270 Joyce on his back. Or being pinned to the ropes, again with Joyce putting his weight on him. Parker's foot speed left him very early in the fight. Leaving him too slow trying to get out of range and Joyce's jab kept following him as he retreated. Not fast enough to put distance between them to reset. Which means he was constantly having to try to slip and roll punches with extra pounds of his frame. Then again, easier said than done against Joyce
Never easy to admit but we all get it wrong. Particularly hard when you are rooting for a fighter as well.
A perfect example of what I think would have happened is Hughie Fury (Runner) vs Pulev (pressure fighter) Fury had better legs and stamina than Parker but only for so long. Pulev puts alot of pressure on weaker opponents but he is not Joyce class in that regard. I dont think the running tactic would have worked for Parker because he doesnt have the stamina to begin with. Usyk on the other hand could use such a tactic against Joyce.
Not sure where all the J-Park disrespect is coming from. He's a good fighter, a warrior, a road warrior, he takes tough fights in his opponent's backyards time and time again, always gives a good account of himself and win or lose gives everyone a hard nights work, and he's an absolute scholar and a gent and one of the nicest guys in the sport. Joyce, AJ, Whyte, Chisora x 2, and Hughie all in the UK ie. their backyard
Before the Dubois fight I didn't expect much from Joyce given his age. I thought his hands were too slow and Dubois would walk him down. But following that performance I changed my mind and I had been wrong before,.so nowt new there.
Having it in the UK sells better but I know what you mean. Also Kiwis and Aussies tend to blend in ,and adapt, rather easily in the UK. Same interest in sport and we all love a **** up.
