JOE JOYCE is in need of a new dance partner following the cancellation of his clash with Dillian Whyte.
The Putney pounder was set to throw down with the Brixton bad boy in a Manchester melee on April 5.
Joe Joyce was set to collide with Dillian Whyte in a Manchester melee next month[/caption]
But injury to Whyte has scuppered their heavyweight domestic dust-up[/caption]
Joyce is keen to remain on the card but is now in need of a new dance partner[/caption]
But their eagerly anticipated showdown collapsed this week following Whyte’s injury-enforced withdrawal.
Former WBC title challenger Whyte pulled out of the domestic dust-up with a finger injury.
Joyce is eager to remain on the card, with a source telling SunSport: “It’s gutting for Joe.
“He has trained – as usual – incredibly hard for this and Dillian was an ideal opponent.
“If there is one thing British boxing fans know about Joe, it’s that he will fight anyone.
“And thankfully, there are lots of good heavyweights out there.
“Joe has no interest in dropping below world level – Joe will take on anyone.”
With Joyce willing to take on all comers, SunSport thought it’d only be right to run through three potential replacement opponents for ‘The Juggernaut’.
The undefeated Moses Itauma could potentially be called upon to face Joe Joyce[/caption]
Moses Itauma
Undefeated heavyweight prospect Itauma has laid waste to all comers since making his professional debut in January 2023, with all but two of his 11 opponents seeing the final bell.
Itauma, who had aspirations of breaking Mike Tyson‘s record of being the youngest heavyweight champion in boxing history, is keen to start mixing it with the division’s elite as soon as possible.
And a short-notice showdown with Joyce could be his ticket to the big time.
The fight would be incredibly easy to make as they’re both in Queensbery Promotions’ stable.
Promoter Frank Warren, however, may be reluctant to pit the up-and-comer against a seasoned vet in Joyce so early into his promising career.
Moses Itauma is also under the Queensberry Promotions banner[/caption]
Jarrell Miller
The controversial American was set to return to the ring in February as the opponent for Derek Chisora‘s British farewell.
The fight, however, failed to come to fruition.
Miller is still rebuilding himself following his last-gasp stoppage defeat to IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois in December 2023.
And a short-notice win over the former WBO interim heavyweight titleholder Joyce would well and truly catapult him back into the mix.
Jarrell Miller could potentially be called upon to face Joe Joyce[/caption]
Andy Ruiz Jr
Former unified heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr has faded into relative obscurity since losing his rematch with Anthony Joshua in December 2019.
He’s only fought three times since the Saudi showdown, labouring to decision wins over the ageing Chris Arreola and Luis Ortiz and drawing with Miller.
Ruiz Jr, however, is back in the gym and is champing at the bit to get back in the ring.
And a win over Joyce on short notice would go some way to proving he’s still a force to be reckoned with as he bids to get back amongst the thick of it at heavyweight.
Ex-heavyweight champ Andy Ruiz is back in the gym and itching for a fight[/caption]
