Everything to know ahead of Joe Joyce and Joseph Parker’s clash for the interim WBO belt tonight
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Heavyweight duo Joe Joyce and Joseph Parker take on an intriguing showdown in Manchester tonight.
A fight between the pair was first announced in April on the undercard of Tyson Fury’s emphatic stoppage win over Dillian Whyte, and the fight would then take place in the summer.
With Parker signing for Sky Sports and BOXXER, the fight was initially postponed, with Joyce instead quitting Christian Hammer with ease, before the September date was finally announced last month.
Joe Joyce (left) and Joseph Parker (right) battle in an alluring heavyweight bout on Saturday
The pair will compete for the WBO interim title at the request of both promotion teams
Joyce and Parker, ranked one and two respectively by the WBO, will compete for the interim WBO heavyweight title at the joint request of Queensberry Promotions and BOXXER.
The WBO belt is currently held by Oleksandr Usyk after his second straight win over Anthony Joshua. Usyk was expected to fight Tyson Fury next, but that is now in doubt with the Gypsy King in talks to take on Joshua in December.
If Joyce wins, he will be one step closer to a world title – while also being promoted to the outright champion if the WBO belt is eventually vacated. Parker, on the other hand, will have to beat Joyce twice to get into that position, with a rematch clause if ‘The Juggernaut’ loses.
Now that the battle is fast approaching, Sports post takes you through everything you need to know.
When is Joe Joyce vs Joseph Parker?
The clash between Joyce and Parker is scheduled for tonight, September 24, at the AO Arena in Manchester.
The pair are expected to walk into the ring around 10pm for those in the UK, although that will of course depend on the results beforehand.
There’s plenty of action on the undercard too, with Amanda Serrano in the co-main event as she battles Sarah Mahfoud for the IBF, WBO and WBC featherweight belts.
How to watch the fight?
The fight, which will be a 12-round match, will be broadcast live on BT Sport Box Office.
The prize for the fight was revealed Friday afternoon at £19.95.
After purchase, the event can be streamed online via the BT website and app.
Sports post will also be reporting live from the fight so you can keep up to date with us.
Joyce vs Parker: the most important stats
Joe Joyce
Age: 37
Height: 6ft 6in
Range: 80″
Position: Orthodox
Record: 14-0-0
Knockouts: 13
Rounds: 63
Debut: 2018
Joseph Parker
Age: 30
Height: 6ft 4in
Range: 76″
Position: Orthodox
Record: 30-2-0
Knockouts: 21
Rounds: 201
Debut: 2012
Joyce claimed a comfortable fourth round victory over Christian Hammer last time
An improved Parker showed a solid performance as he inflicted a second consecutive defeat on Chisora
Who’s fighting on the undercard?
Many questions have been raised as to why the impending match is a pay-per-view event, especially with the power of the undercard upfront.
However, there are some key clashes to watch out for, including Serrano’s unification fight against Mahfoud.
Ekow Essuman, Nathan Heaney and Tommy Fletcher can also be seen.
- Joe Joyce v Joseph Parker
- Amanda Serrano vs Sarah Mahfoud
- Michael Magnesi vs Anthony Cacace
- Ekow Essuman vs Samuel Antwi
- Nathan Heaney vs Jack Flatley
- Raven Chapman vs Jorgelina Guanini
- James Heneghan vs Rod Douglas Jr
- Callum Thompson vs Delmar Thomas
- Amaar Akbar v Karlo Wallace
- Mark Heffron vs Martin Ezequiel Bulacio
- Tommy Fletcher v Toni Visic
What was said?
The pair have remained amicable throughout the lead up to the fight, but Parker insists Joyce showed a sign of weakness by asking for a rematch clause in the fight contract.
“I know deep down I’m giving myself 100 percent to beat someone,” Parker said iD Boxing. “I want to beat Joyce first, twice, I have to beat him in September, have a rematch and beat him again, then I’ll be free to fight anyone.
“He’s not even a champion, so he shouldn’t have a rematch clause, but it’s one of those things where they wouldn’t let the fight take place unless it was in place.
“I don’t need a rematch clause, before the fight with Joshua I didn’t need a rematch clause because I supported myself and I support myself now. I think it shows a little weakness.’
Parker insists that including a rematch clause if Joyce loses is a sign of weakness
However, Joyce responded to that claim, claiming it was just a smart business move.
“In my opinion, it’s just being smart, especially business,” he said the mirror. “We are both in good shape and highly ranked.
“I didn’t have to take this fight, but I chose to take it because it’s exciting and fans want to see it.
“I’m A side and I feel like I’m entitled to a rematch clause and I’ve decided to take it and I think it’s just smart business.”