Joe Joyce has urged Tyson Fury not to retire – because he wants to fight the undefeated king in the WBC heavyweight division.
Fury said his knockout in the sixth round of Dillian White at the sold-out Wembley Stadium on Saturday night “could be the last curtain for the Gypsy King”.
However, Joyce, who is ready to face former WBO champion Joseph Parker in July, is eager to face his fellow Englishman, who already has 32 wins plus a draw with Deontay Wilder in 33 matches.
Asked if Fury had more fights in it, the 2016 Olympic silver medalist Joyce said: “It’s better to have him because I want to fight him on one stage. If he wants it, I’m here.
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Fury says he is considering retiring from boxing and believes it is the best heavyweight ever.
“Sometimes, I guess, Fury can get a little smug. I thought maybe Dillian might have a chance to land on the right or hit the body, but [Tyson] stayed on and dealt with it.
“His focus and determination were evident; he kept his eyes on the ball. He is so experienced.
Joyce, who won all 13 professional bouts, including 12 by knockout, last boxed in July 2021, stopping former world title contender Carlos Takam in the sixth round.
The 36-year-old Londoner won in November 2020 when he knocked out Daniel Dubois in the 10th round.
Joyce has recently recovered from a broken wrist and is now looking forward to facing Parker, who has won six straight victories, including another over Derek Chisora, after suffering consecutive defeats to Anthony Joshua and White in 2018.
Image: Joyce will fight Joseph Parker (pictured) this summer
Joyce added of the battle with Parker: “I’m back in sparring and I’m ready to go back to Las Vegas and train with a suitable stable camp for Parker.
“This is scheduled for July 2 – it is not yet 100 percent, but it is almost ready.
“Both Parker and I want it; we are both similar, friendly guys, but once we get in that ring, the story will be different.
“I’m number one in the WBO rankings, and he’s number 2. I’m two in the WBC, and he’s three, so what’s a better battle there for the two of us?”
White: I should have had time after the “illegal” pressure on Fury
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EXCLUSIVE: Dillian White is disappointed with what he considered “illegal pressure” in his defeat against Tyson Fury, but insists he can fight for world titles again
White says he should have been given “extra time to recover” after being “pushed” by Fury, just seconds before his defeat following the suspension of the Wembley world title.
The Brixton man was injured by the uppercut in the sixth round, but believes the referee should have punished Fury for pushing him before his head hit the sail hard.
Speaking to Sky Sports at the Fairmont Hotel in Windsor Park, White said: “I was buzzing, but I was obviously trying to gather my senses and he pushed me right and I fell and hit my head on the road, which is illegal. .
“It’s not a fight, it’s boxing. I had to be given extra time to recover and then keep fighting.”
Can Wilder replace Fury as champion? “I’m sure he’ll be back!”
Image: Deontay Wilder is expected to return to the ring in 2022
Deontay Wilder has yet to shed light on his near future, but the Bronze Bomber faces a potential path back to world title glory if Fury follows his plans to retire from professional boxing.
The 36-year-old is out of the ring after losing to Fury by knockout in the 11th round of the third and final match of their trilogy last October, although WBC President Mauricio Suleiman told Sky Sports he expects Wilder to fight in 2022
“He is doing well, weighing his plans for the future, he had a very busy run as a champion, two knockout losses from Fury, difficult, but he is mature and doing very well,” said Suleiman.
“He’s having a good time with his wife, he’s enjoying life, but I’m sure he’ll be back.
“He’s one of those fighters you rarely see in the ring who has the ability to knock someone out with one blow and has had many exciting battles. He is a great fighter and a great man.
“I’m sure he’ll fight this year.”
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