Anthony Joshua says he would beat Joe Joyce in one round if the British heavyweights fought | Boxing News

Anthony Joshua says he would knock out fellow British heavyweight Joe Joyce in one round if they were to be matched against each other.

Joshua could be seeking a new opponent with his world title rematch against Oleksandr Usyk in doubt after the Ukrainian returned home to help fight against Russia’s invasion.

Joshua activated a rematch clause to fight again for the WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight titles after Usyk stunned him last September, but it is unclear when the Ukrainian will be ready to return to the ring.

Responding on Wednesday to posts on Twitter, Joshua dismissed the chances both Joyce and fellow heavyweight Otto Wallin would have against him, pointing to victories he had over both of them at amateur level.

Joshua wrote: “You really think I wouldn’t fight @JoeJoyceBoxing?

“Lol ok … I’ve shared this ring with most people you see in the heavyweight division today!

“I boxed Otto Wallin twice as youngsters & I boxed Joe and stopped him in 1 round. I’d do the same thing today! Ain’t nothing changed.”

Joshua was responding to a post that quoted Wallin’s promoter Dmitry Salita, saying that the Swedish heavyweight is the “most intriguing” opponent for the two-time world champion.

Joshua and Joyce are both former Olympic medallists, with Joshua having won gold at super heavyweight at London 2012 before Joyce took silver in the same weight class four years later in Rio de Janeiro.

Joyce, who is undefeated with 12 knockouts from his 13 victories, last fought in July 2021, beating Carlos Takam by knockout at Wembley Arena.