Joe Joyce vs Joseph Parker is officially now a confirmed date for Saturday September 24 in a blockbusting heavyweight showdown with huge world title ramifications at Manchester’s AO Arena.
Joyce is currently ranked at #1 in the WBO rankings and Parker is #2 and the winner will be the mandatory challenger for the belt currently held by Ukrainian master Oleksandr Usyk. He of course defends that title (along with the IBF and WBA titles) in a rematch with Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia on Saturday August 20.
The 36-year-old Joyce (14-0 with 13 KOs) returned from a near year absence last month when he easily saw off the durable Christian Hammer, while former WBO heavyweight king Parker (30-2 with 21 stoppages) has not been seen out since those back-to-back wins over Dereck Chisora in 2021.
Joyce vs Parker will be a pay-per-view show on BT Sport Box Office, and it will add lustre to what is a fascinating period for the heavyweight division.
Frank Warren on Joyce vs Parker
“This is a fantastic fight that really keeps the heavyweight ball rolling,” said Joyce’s promoter Frank Warren. “It has proved to be a little while in the making, but this is a match between two in-form and quality heavyweights fighting to be first in the queue for a world title shot.
“It is one the fans want to see so I am delighted to be taking this blockbuster fight to Manchester, the biggest indoor arena in the country, which we want to see packed to the rafters.
“Joseph Parker is obviously a well-known and highly respected fight figure over here in the UK, both for his exploits in the ring and him working alongside Tyson Fury up in Morecambe. He also looks a greatly improved heavyweight since teaming up with Andy Lee and his defeat of Dereck Chisora last time out was a comprehensive one.
“This is the perfect test of big Joe’s world championship credentials and victory over Parker would propel him into the top echelons of the division and right in the mix with the likes of Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.”
Joyce and Parker on big clash
“This fight has been a long time in the making,” said Joyce. “Parker realised he had nowhere else to go and eventually had to take this fight. No. 1 Vs No. 2. The winner goes on to fight for the World Title! It’s going to be a cracking fight and you will see why he tried so hard to avoid me!”
Parker claimed: “On Saturday, September 24th, the fans in Manchester will see the very best of me. Joe Joyce will see exactly why I will become the heavyweight champion of the world again with BOXXER. I am working hard with my trainer Andy Lee, everything is going smoothly and I truly feel great. I have waited patiently to get this fight on and let me tell you now, the Juggernaut’s journey ends right here. He has nowhere to run.”
Joyce vs Parker Tickets
Tickets for Joyce vs Parker start at £40 and will be on sale from Ticketmaster from noon UK time on Tuesday August 9.
