Joe Joyce expects Tyson Fury to defeat Anthony Joshua later this year - but has refused to write off the title challenger.
Fury looked set to face Oleksandr Usyk in an undisputed title clash after the Ukrainian defeated his long-term rival Joshua for a second time last month. However after it became clear a fight with Usyk would be delayed until next year, the 'Gypsy King' offered 'AJ' the chance to challenge for the WBC title in December.
Providing the final details of the deal are ironed out, Fury will defend his title against Joshua on December 3 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. And Joyce, who has sparred with both fighters, believes the challenger has a chance in the fight despite being a significant underdog.
"I think I am more in favour of Fury winning the fight," Joyce told Mirror Fighting when asked about the potential clash between his domestic rivals. "I think he has made some improvements from the last Usyk fight so I think maybe he can do something. Fury isn't a southpaw but he can switch to southpaw so it is going to be a tough test.
"But I think the fight is in Fury's favour and I think the odds are stacked at 60/40 in Fury's favour or maybe even 55/45 if I am being generous on Joshua's side. I think Fury could outbox him on the back foot at range or he could come in and try and take him out but Joshua is dangerous and he has power in both hands.
"Maybe if Joshua presses the fight more and comes out more effectively in the offence it will be a very exciting fight." A fight between Fury and Joshua has been on the cards since last year when the pair signed to take on an undisputed showdown worth around £100million to each fighter.
However the hugely-anticipated fight collapsed after Fury was forced to accept a trilogy bout with Deontay Wilder following a court ruling. Fury has since gone on to defeat Wilder in the third fight and successfully come through the challenge of Dillian Whyte, while Joshua has lost his two fights against Usyk.
Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn has revealed the fight is on course to be completed during his latest update. "He felt this was his opportunity to get the fight with Tyson Fury," Hearn told Matchroom Boxing. "I think Mr Fury has a great deal but this wasn't about the money for us. We weren't allowed to negotiate; in all deals you negotiate but we were told unequivocally, 'No movement, take it or leave it'.
"We were treated like the B-side going into the fight and it came down to AJ wanting the fight. They are saying 100 per cent they want the fight and if they do, they'll get it."
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