Joseph Parker-Joe Joyce: Stats and Stakes

One has skimmed the top of the mountain, only not to reach the top.

The other was denied, with some debate, Olympic gold and is now pursuing it as a professional.

Someone will take a big step back this weekend.

Joseph Parker won and defended a major heavyweight title, but was outpointed in a unification clash with Anthony Joshua and hasn’t really been in the title picture since. That could change with a win here in a clash of the top two WBO contenders.

Across the ring is an undefeated but aging 2016 Olympic silver medalist looking for his next progression. Joyce has beaten out some solid veteran names (Bryant Jennings, Carlos Takam) and another undefeated contender with a head start (Daniel Dubois). Now we find out if Joyce has the stuff to beat a serious contender and get in line for a title shot.

Let’s get into it.

Statistics and Bets

joseph parker

Age: 30

Titles: None

Previous Titles: WBO Heavyweight (2016-18, 2 Defenses)

Height: 6’4

Weight: 255 ¼ pounds.

Posture: Orthodox

Hails from: South Auckland, New Zealand

Record: 30-2, 21 KOs

Press Ratings: #3 (Ring), #4 (TBRB), #6 (BoxRec), #7 (ESPN)

Record in main title fights: 3-1

Last five opponents: 128-30-4 (.802)

Notable results, TBRB and/or qualified opponents in the ring: Carlos Takam UD12; Andy Ruiz MD12; Antonio Joshua L12; Dillian Whyte L12

Additional current/former headlines at odds: None

against

joe joyce

Age: 37

Titles/Previous Titles: None

Height: 6’6

Weight: 271 ¼ pounds.

Posture: Orthodox

Hails from: Putney, London, UK

Record: 14-0, 13 KOs

Press Ratings: #5 (TBRB), #6 (Ring), #8 (ESPN), #10 (BoxRec)

Record in Main Title Fights: No title fights

Last five opponents: 125-20-1 (.860)

Notable Results, Rated Enemies TBRB/Ring: None

Additional current/former headlines at odds: None

The Pick: Joyce has advantages in mass, length and height, but should have a substantial deficit in speed. How substantial remains to be seen. Parker can show some of the fastest hands in the division, but he doesn’t always let them go. In this fight, he’s at the top of his career ladder and that might also mitigate what should be his best advantage. Is Parker looking to combat Joyce’s size or is adding almost fifteen pounds to his frame in his last two fights a sign of a fighter who is less committed at the moment? Here’s what we know: Joyce has sported Mercer-esque mustaches so far and applies a steady rhythm of pressure with very heavy hands. The idea is for Parker to win some early rounds, but he won’t keep his foot on the gas and the extra size will work against him in the second half. He could have been close to the goal, but Joyce should be better in the second half and it will be enough to get the nod.

Rold’s 2022 picks: 39-9

Cliff Rold is the Managing Editor of BoxingScene, a founding member of the Transnational Boxing Classification Board, a member of the International Boxing Research Organization, and a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America. He can be contacted at [email protected]