The 37-year-old Briton demands that the Ukrainian champion enter the ring with him or leave the WBO belt vacant.
On the night of September 25, Joyce knocked out New Zealander Joseph Parker in a fight for the WBO interim champion belt and became the official contender for the full title owned by Usyk.
“If Usyk doesn’t want to fight me, then he must release the belt. Then I will become a full-fledged champion and be able to defend the title. I think I can get to him if I keep pushing.. Usyk is a very agile fighter, but from now on everything will be hard. This time I would be more prepared and have an appropriate training camp focused on him..
It takes 10 years to achieve sports excellence. I have already exceeded this deadline, and continue to learn. So it would be a great 12-round fight,"
The British boxer said he was going to knock out Usyk, and also remembered his amateur fight with Alexander.
" I did not have normal sparring with a left-handed boxer. But if I fight him pro now, it will be 12 rounds, smaller gloves, I will be more prepared for him.
After watching his second fight with Joshua, I will throw more punches than Anthony and do everything to make it harder for Usyk. I've fought him before so I know what to expect. With a fight plan from Ismael Salas (coach Joyce - approx.. ) and the techniques he prepares, I'll be in a good position. My goal is to knock out Usyk or at least win,"
We add that in 2013, Usyk already met with Joyce in the amateur World Series of Boxing (World Series of Boxing). Then Sasha, who played for the team "
On the night of August 21, 2022, Usyk defeated Joshua by split decision in a rematch, which took place in the city of Jeddah (Saudi Arabia). Thus, the Ukrainian defended all the titles taken from AJ last fall, and also won the vacant belt of The Ring magazine..
After the rematch with the Briton, Usyk said that he was only interested in a fight with WBC belt holder Tyson Fury for the title of absolute world champion.. At the same time, the Ukrainian said that this year he no longer plans to enter the ring..
The Crimean intends to heal old injuries and fully recover after the revenge from Joshua, as well as spend time with his family.
The 35-year-old Usyk has 20 wins (13 by knockout) in 20 fights. He held four of them in the heavyweight division.. Before that, Alexander became the absolute world champion in the cruiserweight (weight category up to 90.7 kg), having won all four of the most prestigious belts there..
Joyce has 15 wins (14 by knockout) in 15 fights in the professional ring.