Joe Joyce is a 3/1 underdog to shock Daniel Dubois next Saturday night, and he says the betting odds for the big showdown are “crazy”.
Dubois meanwhile is a general 1/4 favourite for this fascinating domestic heavyweight blockbuster at London’s Church House (live on BT Sport 1 HD).
Both men come into the showdown with unbeaten records – Dubois at 15-0 and Joyce at 11-0. Joe feels there is little to chose between them, certainly not as much as those odds would suggest.
Joyce ‘insulted’ by those ‘crazy’ betting odds
“To be honest, I feel a bit insulted, the way the bookies have it is just crazy. It’s like I haven’t done anything and I’m just a journeyman. It’s like I’m the underdog.”
Joyce, at 35, is 12 years older than the much-vaunted Dubois and also vastly more experienced having enjoyed a stellar amateur career. That was highlighted by his Olympic silver medal at Rio 2016. Joyce was defeated by Frenchman Tony Yoka (8-0 as a pro) in the final.
“I’ve performed at a higher level, so that psychologically gives me an edge,” said Joyce. “We’ll see on the night if it’s going to be the young, hungry pup or the more seasoned veteran.”
‘The Juggernaut’ weighed in at a career-high 270lbs (19st 4lbs) for his last bout – an easy victory over German Michael Wallisch in August. That saw Joe come in for criticism from some experts for his physique.
War Ready!#THEJUGGERNAUT pic.twitter.com/iLCqsrsyqu
— Joe Joyce (@JoeJoyceBoxing) November 20, 2020
If pictures on social media this week are to be believed though, Joyce is now in top condition for this huge test of his credentials. And he feels people should now be questioning Dubois’ size instead.
Is Dubois too big? Joyce on ‘hench’ Daniel
“(Daniel) looks great. He looks hench mate, he looks massive. But it’s not all about size or how good your body looks in the boxing ring. He’s got big muscle mass, so it’s going to be hard to keep throwing shots.”
There is much at stake next Saturday night, and not just unbeaten records. While somebody’s 0 must go, the winner will take a big step towards a potential world-title shot.
Dubois currently ranks #2 on the WBO rankings list, behind mandatory contender Oleksandr Uysk. Should he defeat Joyce, and champion Anthony Joshua vacate to chase Tyson Fury, Usyk vs Dubois for the vacant belt is a possibility.
