JOE JOYCE looks set to face Oleksandr Usyk for the WBO heavyweight world title after sensationally stopping Daniel Dubois.
The Juggernaut out-jabbed and out-thought his younger opponent and ended the fight with a jab to the eye that floored Dubois.
Joe Joyce is in line for a world title shot nextCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Joyce used all his experience to batter Dubois into submissionCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Triple D’s eye had gradually closed throughout the fight, and he’d clearly had enough as referee Ian John Lewis waved it off in the tenth round.
And Joyce’s reward for the stunning victory could be a straight shootout against Usyk – with the biggest of rewards for the victor.
Speaking after his sensationally success, undefeated Joyce called out the Ukrainian.
Oleksandr Usyk outpointed Dereck Chisora in his toughest test at heavyweight last time outCredit: Dave Thompson/Route One Ltd
The 35-year-old looked into the camera and said: “Usyk, Usyk, I’m ready for you Usyk.”
Anthony Joshua is the current holder of the WBO strap – but he is looking increasingly likely to vacate to set up a Battle of Britain against WBC King Tyson Fury.
Usyk automatically became the WBO mandatory after unifying the cruiserweight division.
Joyce’s win over Dubois puts him next in the rankings behind Usyk and a golden ticket for a chance of world honours.
AJ defends his IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight titles against Kubrat Pulev on December 12 and, if successful, has targeted a unification clash with WBC king Fury.
Anthony Joshua could vacate the WBO belt to chase the Fury fightCredit: PA
Tyson Fury says he has already ‘agreed’ two fights with Joshua for 2021Credit: Reuters
Fury had his hopes of defending his belt next month scuppered and is still in a wrangle with WBC chiefs over his contracted trilogy fight with Deontay Wilder.
That has provided a new issue for the heavyweight division going into 2021 – but Ukrainian Usyk is refusing to remain patient as he chases his shot at Joshua.
The 33-year-old outpointed Chisora last month in his most bruising fight in the heavyweight division so far.
The money on offer, as well as the legacy that would be secured with a win against Fury, could well lead Joshua to relinquish the WBO belt.
Joe Joyce goes airborne to celebrate his stunning win against DuboisCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Dubois could not see out of a badly-damaged left eyeCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
