Joe Joyce takes aim at Joseph Parker’s mental ‘weakness’ ahead of heavyweight showdown
- Seb Sternik
- 23 September 2022
Before squaring off in the ring, Joe Joyce and Joseph Parker went head-to-head in the pre-fight press conference.
Olympic silver medallist Joyce will be looking to maintain his undefeated record when he takes on former world champion Parker.
The Brit has enjoyed a rapid ascent through the heavyweight ranks, and could force himself into the heavyweight title picture with victory over the New Zealander.
Speaking at the pre-fight press conference, Joyce underlined a potential weakness of his opponent, saying: "You have been in the sport a long time - a seasoned vet. He is seeing a psychologist so maybe there is some weakness in his mental capabilities that he needs to work on, I would imagine.
"I don't believe there will be an easy night against me and he will find out with real time punches to his head, body and all over. He sees me as a lump and this big lump will be coming at him on Saturday night.
"I've had a really great camp with my team and [Ismael] Salas over there has been sending me little clips of what I need to work on in the fight. We are well prepared and have done all the biomechanics and polishing up of all my skills."
Joyce has not been particularly active since his breakthrough victory over Daniel Dubois in November 2020.
The 37-year-old was able to stop Carlos Takam in the summer of 2021, and more recently he made quick work of Christian Hammer last July.
Joyce said: "It was really great to have that last fight against Hammer to show that I can take three or four right hands coming forward.
"I am in the better place and will improve on all the things I need to in this fight. I feel I am in the best place and what a great opponent in Joseph Parker. I just want to get the gloves on and fight him after this little talking session."
