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Home » EXCLUSIVE: Joe Joyce plans to test Bermane Stiverne early at The O2

EXCLUSIVE: Joe Joyce plans to test Bermane Stiverne early at The O2

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Joe Joyce is in his final few days away from the biggest test of his professional career. In an exclusive interview on fight week, ‘The Juggernaut’ gave his update following the conclusion of training camp.

After landing back in the UK over the weekend, Joyce is looking forward to making a huge statement against former WBC heavyweight champion Bermane Stiverne.

“Training’s been going good. Obviously, I’ve been back in Big Bear, running up the mountain paths and sparring. I’ve had three world-class sparring partners,” Joyce exclusively told World Boxing News.

Other than his stablemate Guido Vianello, Malik Scott has been a big part of Joyce’s recent camp.

The two have been pictured together over social media. When asked about his sparring and how helpful Scott has been, Joyce replied: “Yeah, excellent, Johnny Rice and Guido Vianello as well so all world-class sparring partners.

“It’s a great fight for my eighth fight. A former world champion, and it’s a hard fight. A good learning fight for me, and it’s a bit of a statement also.”

Joyce has quickly grown into a favorable heavyweight prospect due to his 100% knockout ratio and quick progression in the paid ranks.

Giving his prediction, Joyce believes the fight can go one of two ways.

“We’ll see what he’s got and if he can take my punches. Let’s see if he’s a tough opponent,” said the Olympic silver medalist.

“Maybe he might weather the storm and take me into the later rounds. But if I can take him out early then, that’s what I’m going to do.

“I’m not sure which Stiverne will turn up. We’re going to have to find out. I’m going to find out on the night as well.”

STATEMENT

Stiverne last time out lost via KO in round one to Deontay Wilder in their rematch. In comparison to that, performance inevitable in the build-up.

“I’m obviously going to get compared to Deontay Wilder and how he took him out in the last fight. I don’t know if I’d be able to beat that time, but to take him out early would be a massive statement,” concluded Joyce.

Joyce fights Stiverne this Saturday night on ITV Box Office and Showtime. James DeGale v Chris Eubank Jr headlines the O2 Arena event.

For further information and updates, please go to www.itvboxoffice.com

Chandler Waller is a staff writer for World Boxing News. Follow Chandler on Twitter @ChandlerWaller.