Nowhere To Run: Joe Joyce vs Joseph Parker Fight Breakdown

Think about this: The two biggest rival networks in Great Britain are collaborating to make a fight that’s not for the mainstream viewers but purely for the hardcore boxing fans. This is monumental for the sport.

Business and politics aside, what an unbelievable clash of styles this fight offers. Even though the odds suggest that Joyce is the favourite, this fight could very well be tailor-made for New Zealand’s Joseph Parker.

Unquestionably, Joe Joyce is one of the best heavyweights in the world, but he’s also one of the most hittable. Moreover, Joe Joyce turned 37 this month. So, in all actuality, how much better can Joyce really get? On the other hand, Parker is officially the youngest heavyweight in the top 10. His performances show it.

I have to be transparent; I thought Derek Chisora clearly beat Parker in their first clash. However, the adjustments in style Parker made with Andy Lee were a sight to behold. And for as much as people don’t like to give Chisora his flowers, I think he conquered Usyk two years ago, on October 31st.

Also, Derek wasn’t credited with a knockdown over Usyk in the fourth, even though Finchley’s legend did drop the Ukrainian. Chisora was even besting Whyte before the knockout happened. So, in all actuality, Parker was the only man to outfight Chisora since Fury did almost a decade ago. That alone speaks volumes about the coachable mindset Parker possesses.

To a certain extent, Parker’s last fight against Chisora was almost the perfect final measure before facing the style Joyce possesses. In fact, Derek Chisora has better head movement than Joyce. Even Chisora is much faster and more explosive at close range. It’s the durability that makes Joyce a rigid wall that seems unbreakable. However, at some point, something has to give, and it’s only a matter of time for Joyce’s chin to shatter with all the heavy flush shots he takes in sparring and on live television from men who weigh over 250 lbs.

Regarding records, I think Parker’s resume shows that he might have had the most gruelling schedule in heavyweight boxing in recent memory. In around five years, he fought Ruiz, Joshua, Whyte, Chisora twice, Hughie Fury, and now Joyce potentially twice. Remarkable. On the other hand, what were Joyce’s best two wins? 21-year-old inexperienced Dubios and Christian Hammer? Well, that’s quite a Vast difference.

Still, despite Joyce’s massive lack of defence and speed, his size, durability, power, and mental fortitude make this a toss-up matchup.

If Parker wants to win this fight, he must fight the way he did in the Chisora rematch – Boxing from the perfect mid/outside range he creates with his jab and utilizing his footwork. But more often than not, Parker must hold his ground to earn respect. If only Parker believes in his power the way his team does. Joyce will be there to get hit all night, but he’s also gonna keep hunting all night for the knockout. Again, what a fantastic stylistic clash.

Yes, Joe Joyce does get hit a lot. However, in his biggest fight against Dubois, in spots, he genuinely looked like a man that could beat any elite heavyweight on any given night due to his powerful jab and unfathomable pressure.

So, if Joyce plans on stopping the young former champion in his ways, he needs to establish his jab early in the fight. It’s simple: The earlier Joyce establishes his jab, the quicker the knockout will transpire.

You could never question the mindset of these modern-day gladiators. However, in many Parker fights, later on, as the pressure continues to mount, he seems to check out of the contests, exhibiting contentment to go to a decision. If you switch off against Joyce late, you might very well wake up on the 22-foot canvas wondering what went wrong.

This is what big-time boxing was built on; the best fighting the best. And if there was ever a coin-toss, 50/50 fight, this is it.

All the action goes down live on BT Sport this Saturday at the AO Arena in Manchester.