Joe Joyce would be open to facing Dillian Whyte if he defeats Joseph Parker and his world title shot is delayed.
Joyce is set to meet Parker at the AO Arena in Manchester next Saturday night with the winner in pole position for a shot at Oleksandr Usyk's WBO crown. However the winner of the WBO interim clash could have a lengthy delay before actually challenging, with Usyk expected to chase a shot at becoming undisputed king with a fight against Tyson Fury.
Several options could open up for Joyce if he is set to face a delay before making his challenge which could include a rematch with Daniel Dubois or a clash against previous challenger Whyte. And Joyce believes a test against Whyte would be a very fan-friendly fight if he is to be halted in his tracks on a world title plan.
"A fight with Dillian Whyte would be an option if there is to be a delay it would be great for the British fans," Joyce told Mirror Fighting when assessing his options if he defeats Parker next weekend. " Deontay Wilder is also in the mix for a world title shot, he is going to fight Helenius when he comes back next month.
"That is not me saying I am calling him out or anything but for sure there is plenty of options if I can't challenge for a world title straight away." Whyte has yet to make a return to the ring since losing in his long-awaited title challenge to Fury back in April.
The 'Body Snatcher' is currently a free agent and would be available to negotiate any suitable fights with a whole host of different promoters including with Joyce's promoter Frank Warren. He was heavily linked with a shot at Joyce's stablemate Dubois whom he defeated back in 2020.
Who would win if the pair fought - Joe Joyce or Dillian Whyte? Let us know in the comments section below
But he was also suggested as an option after Joyce appeared to lose sight of his interim title clash with Parker before the fight was rekindled. An opportunity to fight Usyk for his WBO belt may not entirely be lost, as a fight between Fury and Anthony Joshua draws closer with Usyk taking time away from the ring.
Should Fury lose, Joyce could be in the position to force a shot against Usyk in the meantime while he is waiting for the winner of their second meeting to crown an undisputed champion. The 'Juggernaut' has admitted he would love to skip beyond Fury in the queue to challenge the Ukrainian.
"I would love that definitely," Joyce continued. "I think it is a great fight and there will be no argument if I fight Usyk or Fury because I am at that elite level if I beat Parker. I feel that this fight with Usyk has got a good ring to it too as it would be a clash of the undefeated."
BT Sport Box Office will show Joe Joyce v Joseph Parker exclusively live on Saturday 24th September. Learn more at bt.com/sportboxoffice
