‘Usyk, Usyk, I’m ready for you Usyk!’: Joe Joyce calls out Ukrainian after stunning upset win against Daniel Dubois and challenges him for the vacant WBO heavyweight title if Anthony Joshua vacates the belt
- Joe Joyce called out Oleksandr Usyk after his stunning win over Daniel Dubois
- The wily 35-year-old had downed the favourite with his lethal jab taking its toll
- Joyce wants to take on Usyk for the WBO heavyweight crown after his triumph
- Anthony Joshua is the current holder but may vacate to set up a Tyson Fury bout
Joe Joyce wasted no time in calling out Oleksandr Usyk after earning a stunning 10th round knockout win over Daniel Dubois on Saturday night.
The wily 35-year-old was able to keep his distance from his opponent across the course of the all-British bout and eventually his relentless jab took its toll. Dubois’ left eye swelled shut and he took a knee before failing to make the 10-second count.
And despite promoter Frank Warren hinting at a potential rematch between the duo, Joyce’s sights are now firmly set on taking on Usyk for the WBO heavyweight crown should Anthony Joshua vacate his title.
Joe Joyce wasted no time in calling out Oleksandr Usyk after his superb win over Daniel Dubois
Usyk became the mandatory WBO challenger and Joyce’s sights are firmly on the Ukrainian
Joyce sensationally announced his intention in the ring by saying: ‘Usyk, Usyk, I’m ready for you Usyk.’
Joshua is the current holder of the WBO heavyweight belt but may choose to drop it in order to set up a blockbuster showdown with Tyson Fury.
After unifying the cruiserweight division, Usyk became the mandatory WBO challenger – and Joyce’s defeat of Dubois brought his hopes of a rematch closer than ever to reality.
Dubois was often caught by Joyce’s formidable jabbing and later took a knee in the 10th round
The two fought seven years ago in the World Series of Boxing, with Usyk coming out on top by a five-round decision.
Joyce’s triumph at the Church House, Westminster, has handed him the shot at glory and he is unlikely to want to wait.
Joshua will defend his IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight titles against Kubrat Pulev next month, and a unification fight with Fury is a strong possibility after that.
A two-fight deal between two of the UK’s biggest heavyweight superstars has already been signed for 2021.
Anthony Joshua may vacate his WBO heavyweight belt to set up a showdown with Tyson Fury
Frank Warren believes Joyce is now ‘in the driver’s seat’ after watching his sensational triumph
It has been reported that Usyk will insist the World Boxing Organisation force Joshua to fight him early next year or vacate his title.
While waiting for Joshua and Fury to duel twice, the Ukrainian would be expected to fight at least once in fights and potentially risk his mandatory status.
When questioned over what the future holds for Joyce, Warren said: ‘He’s in the driver’s seat, isn’t he? That’s where he goes now in 2021.’