Joe Joyce vs Joseph Parker: Preview, prediction, undercard, betting odds and more
The battle of the nice guys
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Preview
Joe Joyce and Joseph Parker will clash in a WBO eliminator tonight at Manchester Arena, where the winner could become mandatory to face Oleksandr Usyk next.
Despite being absolutely huge men, Joyce and Parker come across as two of the nicest guys in the boxing fraternity. The build-up to this fight has been respectful and even comical at times.
But all of this will go straight out the window when the bell rings.
Joyce, 37, is no spring chicken. Following a successful amateur career, winning silver at the 2016 Olympics, ‘The Juggernaut’ has wasted no time getting into the mix as a professional.
With an undefeated record of 14 wins, the Brit has already beaten the likes of Bryant Jennings, Carlos Takam and Daniel Dubois. Regardless, Parker is set to be his best opponent so far on paper.
Joyce is coming off a 4th round stoppage win over Christian Hammer, which took place back in July. In pure juggernaut fashion, he took some clean punches but kept coming forward before overwhelming his opponent.
Meanwhile, Parker is way more experienced as a professional. The man from New Zealand beat Andy Ruiz back in 2016 to capture the WBO title.
However, in 2018, Parker experienced the lowest point of his career. He lost a 12-round unanimous decision in a world title unification fight against Anthony Joshua and then was beaten convincingly by Dillian Whyte.
The former WBO champion has bounced back and is now on a 6-fight winning streak. In 2021, Parker joined Tyson Fury’s camp and is trained by the WBC champions’ cousin, Andy Lee.
Parker and Lee’s first fight together was against Dereck Chisora and many believe the 30 year old was fortunate to be awarded a split-decision points win.
But in the rematch, his last fight in December, Parker showed improvements and dominated the British veteran.
So with both fighters in good form and ranked as two of the best heavyweights in the world, we have a genuine 50-50 contest.
Prediction and Sky Sport Betting Odds
The bookies have Joyce as a slight favourite going into this blockbuster, heavyweight bout and they are right to do so.
‘The Juggernaut’ is likely to win a close 12-round decision on points, in a highly entertaining and competitive spectacle.
If everything in boxing was about talent, Parker would wipe the floor with Joyce. The New Zealand boxer is faster, has better technique, throws superior combinations, has greater balance and is more co-ordinated overall.
Nonetheless, one thing that Parker has not displayed throughout his career is tenacity, heart and meanness.
Too many times Parker has let his previous opponents off the hook when they’re hurt and has avoided going out on his shield when he is losing.
Joyce, on the other hand, has mental toughness in spades. Against Dubois, ‘The Juggernaut’ was caught with several hard shots and it is no secret that, Joyce’s promoter, Frank Warren, wanted the younger heavyweight to emerge victorious.
And yet, the ex Middlesex university student, kept going and eventually forced a stoppage by peppering Dubois left eye with a jab until it fractured.
Joyce is like a mirage. He is a lump of a man who fights like a bit of a novice, but he also is extremely strong, has a granite chin and a phenomenal engine. Hence, his nickname ‘The Juggernaut’.
You can expect Parker to begin the fight brightly and experiencing success straight away. Joyce is notorious for being a slow starter and this will show in the early rounds.
Parker may even land some eye-catching combinations that may buzz Joyce. In any case, as the fight continues, Joyce will begin to outwork his opponent.
Similar to the Dubois fight, Joyce will employ his jab to keep Parker at bay and when the New Zealander starts to slow down, he will start to throw a lot more punches.
Another element to consider is the broadcaster and promotional outfit of the bout. Joyce is technically the ‘home fighter’ at BT Sports and will get the rub of the green if the bout is especially close to call.
Joyce to win - 1/2
Joyce via KO/Stoppage - 5/2
Joyce via decision - 11/8
Parker to win - 7/4
Parker via KO/Stoppage - 5/1
Parker via decision - 5/2
Draw - 16/1
Undercard
Amanda Serrano vs Sarah Mahfoud - IBF, WBC and WBO women's world featherweight title
Michael Magnesi vs Anthony Cacace - IBO super-featherweight world title
Ekow Essuman vs Samuel Antwi - British welterweight title
Nathan Heaney vs Jack Flatley - Middleweight
Raven Chapman vs Jorgelina Guanini - Featherweight
Mark Heffron vs Martin Ezequiel Bulacio - Super middleweight
Women’s boxing continues to rise and Amanda Serrano vs Sarah Mahfoud is the perfect advertisement for the sport.
Serrano is widely considered one of the best female boxers of all time. She lost a 12-round split decision in her last fight to fellow future hall of famer, Katie Taylor, in a contest that could have gone either way.
Serano’s opponent, Mahfoud, is unbeaten and will put her IBF Featherweight Championship on the line. The winner of Serrano-Mahfoud will become undisputed at 125 lbs.
As for the men, Italian and unbeaten super featherweight, Michael Magnesi, will take on Manchester’s Anthony Cacace. Both fighters are on winning streaks and they will battle it out for the IBO Super Featherweight Championship.
Another bout on the undercard worth mentioning is the domestic dust-up between Nathan Heaney and Jack Flatley. The two Brits will face each other for the IBO International Middleweight Title. Heaney, 33, will look to extend his unbeaten record to 16-0.
How to watch the full card
For those in the UK, the main event and undercard will be aired on BT Sports Box Office, which can be purchased for £19.95 on Sky. Go to channel 490 or visit www.sky.com/boxoffice/btsport.
Likewise, in the US, viewers can watch the fight on ESPN+.
When will the fights begin?
The undercard will begin at 7pm UK time and around 2pm in the US.
Main event ring walks are predicted for approximately 10pm in the UK and 5pm in the US.
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