Joe Joyce set his sights on a showdown with veteran heavyweight Derek Chisora after defeating Rudolf Jozic in a devastating first round win at York Hall on Friday night.
In just his second professional bout, the 32-year-old dominated the opening exchanges, forcing the Croatian into a corner before delivering a crunching right hook just before the first-round bell.
His opponent tried to take the count but lost his footing, as Joyce continued his undefeated start to life as a professional heavyweight, building on his debut victory against Ian Lewison in October.
And in the wake of the early stoppage, the Putney fighter issued a stark warning to the rest of the division, as he readies himself for a Battle of Britain blockbuster with Chisora.
“I put on a good performance but if I had more coming back I would have been able to show more of what I have got. He got stuck in the corner and I took him out,” Joyce said.
“I want to move through the division as quickly as possible and I am one or two fights from fighting for titles. I want to get into the mix as soon as possible and propel myself into the rankings.
“I will have a warm up fight and then hopefully Chisora will take the fight.”
Speaking after Joyce’s emphatic victory, his promoter David Haye revealed that he is working with Matchroom Boxing’s Eddie Hearn to offer Chisora a lucrative pay-day to take on the challenge.
The former world heavyweight champion expects the fight to feature on the undercard of his rematch with Tony Bellew, which is taking place at the London O2 on May 5.
“I see the fight as a huge possibility. Chisora shook Joe’s hand and said if the money is right he’d do it, so let’s see if he is a man of his word,” said Haye.
“He is a warrior – a big puncher with a big heart. We have offered him the money so let’s see if he takes it.
“I believe Joe can do better than I did. I knocked out Chisora in five rounds. I would be very surprised if Chisora can sustain what Joyce can dish out.”
