‘I’m ready to step in and fight Tyson Fury’ – Joe Joyce desperate to fill gap left as Usyk showdown talks collapse
JOE JOYCE is ready to fight Tyson Fury after the Gypsy King’s undisputed bout with Oleksandr Usyk broke down.
But first the Juggernaut must negotiate the challenge of Chinese fighter Zhilei Zhang on April 15.
The 37-year-old Brit is then prepared to take on WBC heavyweight champ Fury, 34.
Talks between Fury and Usyk collapsed amid a row over the financials for a potential rematch.
The pair had agreed to an undisputed fight on April 29.
But while talks for that bout broke down, Joyce reckons a fight between him and Fury “would be very easy to set up”.
Both heavyweights are promoted by Frank Warren.
Speaking to the Daily Mail on fighting Fury, Joyce said: “Yeah I’m ready to step in.
“I’m scheduled to fight Zhang first – that’s a massive fight – so I’ll do that first. Fury said he wanted to face me if he didn’t fight Usyk. Of course I’ve go to beat up big Zhilei first.
“It would be very easy to set up. We’re both with Frank Warren.
BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
“He’s already said he wants to fight me, it’s a great fight. People are interested in seeing that fight.”
Reports this weekend claim Joyce is the front runner to face Fury this summer.
Usyk meanwhile is poised to defend his WBA, WBO and IBF belts against WBA mandatory challenger Daniel Dubois.
Dubois, 25, is in line for a title shot before WBO interim fighter Joyce, despite the Juggernaut stopping Dubois in their 2021 showdown.
But a gracious Joyce said: “I’m not surprised by anything in boxing. I just get on with what I need to do and progress in my career and get the best out of it.
“I’m looking to be in some great fights this year and next year.
“It can be very frustrating at times, but things go on and fights happen, so let’s make the [Fury] fight happen. Please!”