Joe Joyce KNOCKS out Joseph Parker with a huge left hook in the 11th round as the Juggernaut puts in a superb performance in the heavyweight clash to become the WBO Mandatory Challenger.
- Joe Joyce defeated Joseph Parker by knockout in the eleventh round
- Joyce wore down Parker with a relentless onslaught of forward pressure
- The action-packed contest saw both men absorb significant punishment
- Joyce is now the mandatory challenger for Oleksandr Usyk’s WBO title
By Adrian Bishop for Mailonline
Published: 20:00, 24 September 2022 | Updated: 05:11, September 25, 2022
Joe Joyce claimed the world title with a convincing eleventh round knockout victory over Joseph Parker at Manchester’s AO Arena.
With the chance to face Oleksandr Usyk for the WBO heavyweight title on the line, both fighters entered the ring knowing a win could propel them into the upper echelons of the talented heavyweight division .
In a grueling affair, Joyce used his excellent cardio and relentless pressure to beat Parker and capture the interim WBO heavyweight belt in the process.
Joe Joyce defeated Joseph Parker with an eleventh round knockout on Saturday evening
The stoppage came after an accumulation of damage absorbed by Parker throughout the fight
Joyce used his jab masterfully, forcing Parker to fight on the back foot for most of the bout
Speaking after the fight, Frank Warren praised his fighter’s performance and said Joyce will have the opportunity to fight for a world title next year.
“He’s the juggernaut and he proved why he’s called the juggernaut.” Warren said.
“He hit some spectacular shots, but at the end of the day I knew he was going to get there.
“We are going to move heaven and earth to make sure he gets the world title next year, and that will be in the UK.”
Entering the ring at a career-high 271 pounds, Joyce defied the oft-repeated characterization of him as a slow starter by immediately using his jab to force his more mobile opponent onto the back foot.
Parker remained competitive throughout the fight and landed several clean combinations on Joyce
But the Olympian’s relentless pressure meant the Kiwi struggled to gain momentum
Joyce’s attack opened a cut above Parker’s right eye in the middle rounds of the bout
Any chance of a feel-good process between the two giants inside the ropes was quickly shattered as the tempo steadily increased throughout the start of the fight.
With his heavy footwork and educated striking, the 2016 Olympic silver medalist smothered Parker against the ropes and used his size advantage to stifle much of the New Zealander’s offense.
As the rounds wore on, Joyce’s relentless pressure only tired his opponent further, but the former world champion remained dangerous in his injured state and landed several clean shots as he retired.
The two fighters embraced after their back-and-forth battle in Manchester
The result means Joyce will have a chance to get revenge on Oleksandr Usyk
The tiring effect of the 37-year-old’s attack forced Parker to look for a stoppage win and the crowd jumped to their feet as the two titans traded blows deep into the contest.
However, it became increasingly clear that Joyce was wearing his opponent down and in the eleventh round he would find the opportunity to pounce, landing a devastating left hook that immediately sent Parker crashing – against the canvas.
Parker tried to get back to his feet, but the damage was already done. The referee waved the fight off after one minute and three seconds of the penultimate round.
Relive Sportsmail’s live blog for the heavyweight clash between Joe Joyce and Joseph Parker at the AO Arena in Manchester.