Daniel Dubois angers Joe Joyce and eyes biggest fight of his career

British heavyweight Joe Joyce has spoken about his frustration of Daniel Dubois being ahead of him in the queue to face WBA, IBF and WBO world champion Oleksandr Usyk. Unbeaten fighter Joyce knocked out Dubois when the pair met in November 2020, but his former opponent is the mandatory challenger to Usyk’s WBA belt and will have the first world championship shot.

Joyce is the WBO Interim title holder and mandatory challenger for their full world championship belt, which is also held by Usyk. However, the WBA have ordered the Ukrainian heavyweight to defend their title first and then the IBF mandatory challenger Filip Hrgovic will also have a shot before Joyce.

“It is annoying,” Joyce told Sky Sports. “It’s really annoying that Dubois is ahead in the queue, and (Filip) Hrgovic as well. It’s out of my control and unfortunate. But fortunate for Dubois to come off a devastating loss (to me) and then be before me in the selection for the (unified title shot). Only in boxing would this stuff happen.

“Nothing really surprises me. I’m just patient and I’ll get my shot. If I just keep on beating these guys then I’ll get the world title. I’m in a good position and it’s exciting times. There are plenty of good fights out there.”

Joyce has stopped his opponent in his last five fights but comes up against another Olympic Games silver medallist on Saturday in the form of Zhilei Zhang. The 39-year-old Chinese fighter is another big hitter with a record of 24-1 and 19 of his victories coming by way of knockout.

Joyce says the Copper Box bout is the biggest of his career and would prepare him for a fight against Tyson Fury later this year. He told BoxingScene.com: “Me and Tyson Fury would be a great British summer fight. That’s why I’m fighting a southpaw now, because I’m getting prepared for one of these title fights, Usyk or Tyson Fury.

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“I’m ready. With Fury, it’s a massive fight. Everyone wants to see it. It’s a great fight in the making. I’m at the top of the sport right now and all I need is to cement that title. I think a victory with Zhilei is just progressing my journey further.”

The WBA ordered Dubois to take on Usyk after negotiations between the Ukrainian and Fury broke down last month. Triple D had surgery on a knee ligament injury after his win against Kevin Lerena in December and is expect to return to action in May or June.

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