Joe Joyce is happy the odds appear to be stacked against him ahead of his domestic heavyweight blockbuster against Daniel Dubois on November 28.
Joyce (11-0) and Dubois (15-0) are both on the cusp of stepping up to world level ahead of this eagerly-awaited matchup (live on BT Sport 1 HD).
The 23-year-old Dubois has a huge reputation after destroying his opposition so far in the paid ranks. He is a 1/4 favourite with UK bookmakers.
Joyce meanwhile is a 3/1 underdog, but he says being the underdog will have its benefits on Saturday week.
Pressure all on Dubois – Joyce
“I am not under any pressure because, according to the bookies, Daniel has already won,” said Joyce.
“He has made a big name for himself and he has got the pressure to deliver.
“I don’t know why, but it is okay because it will be better when I beat him because I will take his scalp, how he has been built and take it further.”
Age is just a number for ‘Juggernaut’
At the age of 35 time would appear to be against Joyce as he strives for a world-title shot. But he says the clock doesn’t have that many miles on it.
“I don’t feel that old because I only started in the game at the age he is now, which is 23. I feel like I haven’t been in the sport that long and that I have quite a few years ahead of me.
“But, yeah, this is a big fight and it is a big ladder to the top or a snake where I would have to rebuild. So the loser will have to rebuild a little bit and Daniel has got time more on his side because he is a young pup who would definitely be able to come back.
“I’d be able to come back too, but I don’t plan to do that. This is my chance to show what I am made of and to progress to the next stage and get a shot to become heavyweight champion.
“That is the route I am going. My aim before was to get to the Olympics and win a medal, so I completed that, although it was meant to be the gold medal and that didn’t happen. As a professional I want to be world champion and this is the route I need to go down and Dubois is standing in my way right now.”
