JOE JOYCE and Joseph Parker are set to collide at the AO Arena in Manchester on Saturday.
The pair have remained patient for the contest as the fight looked like it would take place in the summer before contract talks broke down.
Joyce, 36, is fresh from his victory over Christian Hammer in July and is looking to maintain his unbeaten 14-0 record.
Parker has not fought since last December when he defeated Derek Chisora via unanimous decision.
In fact, Joyce is the first new opponent for the Kiwi since he boxed Junior Fa in February 2021, having also fought Chisora in May of that year.
Parker has won his last six fights following back-to-back losses against Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte.
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Joyce is aiming to become the third British victor over Parker and boasts a height and reach advantage over the 30-year-old.
He also possesses greater knockout power with 93 per cent of his wins coming from KOs compared to Parker’s 66 per cent.
But there is huge pressure on the Juggernaut as a win for either fighter will set up a WBO heavyweight world title fight against Oleksandr Usyk.
That makes it the biggest contest of Joyce’s career since he missed out on superheavyweight gold at the Rio Olympics in 2016.
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In the build-up to the fight Joyce has accused Parker of trying to avoid him, referring to the previous breakdown in talks.
The Londoner said: “This fight has been a long time in the making.
“Parker realised he had nowhere else to go and eventually had to take this fight. No 1 vs No 2.
“The winner goes on to fight for the world title! It’s going to be a cracking fight and you will see why he tried so hard to avoid me!”
Parker hit back and promised to show the best he has offer, saying: “On Saturday, September 24th, the fans in Manchester will see the very best of me.
“And Joe Joyce will see exactly why I will become the heavyweight champion of the world again with BOXXER.
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“I am working hard with my trainer Andy Lee, everything is going smoothly and I truly feel great.
“I have waited patiently to get this fight on and let me tell you now, the Juggernaut’s journey ends right here. He has nowhere to run.”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
