By Barry Holbrook: Joe Joyce and Joseph Parker hit career highs on Friday for their WBO heavyweight title eliminator on Saturday night at the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England.
Joyce weighed in at 271 1/4 pounds and Parker came in at 255 1/4 pounds. ‘Juggernaut’ Joyce’s previous career record was 270 pounds for his fight against Michael Wallisch in 2020, and he dispatched it in three rounds.
For Parker, his previous high catchweight was 251 pounds for his last fight against Derek Chisora last December. Parker totally overpowered Chisora, frequently hurting him in the fight.
The only drawback to that performance was Parker’s lack of killer instinct. He never tried to finish Chisora off after hurting him, and he seemed scared to try to stop him.
“They both looked in good shape. I was surprised they were as heavy as the scales suggested because they both look so physically toned,” David Haye told BT Sport, reacting to the weights of Joe Joyce and Joseph Parker.
“They both looked as good as ever. Joyce is 37 years old and, strangely, one would think that he is the veteran. He is the 14-fight prospect yet to delve into the elite world level.
“So I definitely feel like a loss at this stage would be a huge setback for him,” Haye said of Joyce. “Where else does he have to go if he loses this fight? Where will Joyce go?
“It’s so awkward and meant for anyone; he’s not going to be the one they pick to fight. Fight Joe if you have to. No one wants to fight someone with Joe’s chin, Joe’s ruthlessness, and Joe’s stamina. He is a nightmare opponent for anyone.
“If he doesn’t get the win, it’s going to be very difficult for him to establish himself and get another chance like this for a final playoff for the big one.
“The way I see Joyce getting laid off is sheer relentlessness. If it turns into a cardio game, it’s hard to take on Joyce. I see him crush and beat him in rounds 11 or 12.
“If Joseph Parker knocks out Joe Joyce in two rounds, you would give him a good chance against Usyk because of the power of the punch. If Joe Joyce does a demolition job on Parker, who is very skilled with a good head movement,” Haye said.
