British heavyweight Joe Joyce has disputed promoter Eddie Hearn’s declare that a suggestion was made to battle Anthony Joshua.
Studies quoted Hearn as stating Joshua ‘wished to battle’ Joyce as a substitute of selecting the lighter possibility of Jermaine Franklin.
Joe Joyce on Eddie Hearn’s AJ provide
In response, Joyce despatched Hearn a ‘Pinocchio’ emoji as if he knew nothing concerning the supposed method.
Joyce is about to battle Zhang Zhilei on April 15, two weeks after Joshua returns from two defeats towards American Franklin.
On paper, Joyce has the tougher project. The WBO primary bids to cement his place because the obligatory challenger.
‘The Juggernaut’ believes AJ is taking little dangers as he is aware of one other loss would devastate his five-year DAZN deal.
A battle with Tyson Fury was by no means actually on the playing cards for Joshua regardless of loads of fluff within the UK media in late 2022.
Anthony Joshua is taking no dangers
Chatting with talkSPORT, Joyce received actual on Joshua’s selection of check for the spring as he’s demoted to arenas for the primary time in six years.
“I suppose he needs to take the lengthy route again, who shall not be named. I went to the Olympics, and I turned skilled at 31. I’ve needed to get a transfer on,” stated Joyce.
“My group has strategically made the proper steps. I’ve boxed everywhere in the world on all of the channels. To get to the highest, it’s a must to plan out your route.
“I’ve delivered in all of my fights. I’m on a mission.”
Joyce undoubtedly is after an excellent stoppage of Joseph Parker, a foe that Joshua had bother coping with once they traded blows.
Nevertheless, after his profession nosedived on the again of the Andy Ruiz Jr. knockout, Joshua goals to impress a 3rd coach in his final three bouts.
“I’m wanting ahead to stepping again into the ring on April 1 at The O2 in London,” Joshua said on the press convention for the Franklin non-Pay Per View.
“Mentally and bodily, I really feel prepared. I need to placed on a present and impress my coach [Derrick James], who has excessive requirements.
“Franklin has an excellent type and an important perspective, which he has proven in latest fights.”
Joshua vs Franklin
On campaigning on off PPV for the primary time since earlier than his Dillian Whyte conflict in 2015, Joshua added: “This might be my first battle broadcast on DAZN within the UK.
“Will probably be globally accessible on the platform. I need to thank DAZN for supporting each myself and the game of boxing as a complete.
“I’d additionally prefer to thank the group at 258 and Matchroom Boxing.”
Joshua hopes to keep away from wanting like an April idiot when the primary bell goes.
The views expressed on this article are the opinions of skilled boxing author Phil Jay. Twitter @PhilJWBN. Comply with WBN: Fb, Insta, Twitter.
