JOE JOYCE is the perfect ‘dance partner’ for Anthony Joshua to fight in Nigeria – but he ‘would relish’ also facing Tyson Fury in Las Vegas.
Unified champion Joshua has long spoken about his desire to box in Nigeria, where his mother and father both have heritage.
Another heavyweight with Nigerian roots is Joyce, a former Team GB sparring partner of AJ’s.
His manager Sam Jones believes it sets up the ideal showdown in Africa, but did not rule out a Stateside debut for his client against WBC king Fury.
Jones told Sky Sports: “There is a possibility Joe and Joshua could fight in Nigeria. They are both of Nigerian descent so that could be huge.
“If AJ needs a dance partner in Nigeria, look no further. That fight would be something very, very special.
“Joe would relish the thought of fighting Joshua in Nigeria, but he also would to fight Tyson Fury in Las Vegas or in a stadium in the UK.”
Joshua, 31, and Fury, 32, had agreed terms for the first-ever, four-belt heavyweight unification, set for August 14.
But as Fury tried to walk away from his contracted third fight with Deontay Wilder, 35, the American took the dispute to arbitration.
After a drawn-out legal case, Wilder was awarded the decision, setting up a rematch with the Gypsy King on July 24.
Save the date.
I’ll be returning to the ring July 24th @ssearena fighting Carlos Takam.
Tune in LIVE on @btsport!#THEJUGGERNAUTpic.twitter.com/fgPw3SLgA4
— Joe Joyce (@JoeJoyceBoxing) June 16, 2021
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It meant Joshua was left out in the cold and ordered by the WBO to defend his title against mandatory challenger Oleksandr Usyk.
Usyk, 34, was due to fight Joyce, 35, for the interim belt, but will now get a crack at AJ in September, potentially at Tottenham’s stadium.
Joyce will instead return in London on July 24 against Carlos Takam, 40, and hopes to get his shot at the world titles soon after.
Jones said: “Joe will be mandatory to the world title. Hopefully Joshua and Fury get it on, and Joe will get the winner.
“Joe’s time will come. He wants to see Joshua vs Fury too – there needs to be an undisputed title fight. He doesn’t care who wins.”
Joyce has raced to 12-0 in his career, 11 by knockout, and recently stopped Daniel Dubois, 23, in November.
He will again risk his unbeaten record and world rankings against Takam, who Joshua took ten rounds to beat in 2017.
Jones added: “What is Joyce, in the prime of his life at 35, going to get from fighting a no-hoper?
“We want to build on the Dubois fight against a name that people know, and someone who will have a go.
“Joe is in a great position and we could take an easier fight but he isn’t like that. Joe wouldn’t be up for fighting a no-hoper.
“Takam is notorious for having a go. He’s dangerous, he has operated at the world level for a long time.”
