By Oscar Pick
A successful boxing career is not always defined by accolades. While every up-and-coming fighter dreams of becoming a world champion, few will achieve a feat of such magnitude.
But, rather than fading into obscurity, those who remain just below the elite level are, nonetheless, presented with alternative opportunities to bring value to their sport.
Joe Joyce and Derek Chisora, for instance, are two heavyweights who, regardless of the titles they’ve won or lost, have provided fans with some of the most memorable nights in British boxing.
So before they lock horns at the O2 Arena, London, this Saturday, let’s take a look at a selection of significant wins and performances that have largely underpinned their careers.
Joe Joyce’s Top Three Career Performances
Daniel Dubois (November 28, 2020)
Joyce was a considerable underdog heading into this fight. Many believed that Dubois, whose ascent was accelerated by brutal stoppages against, well, mostly limited opposition, would be too explosive for the ageing Olympic silver medallist. Even Frank Warren, who still promotes both fighters, made no effort to hide which side of the fence he sat on.
That being said, the build-up had no bearing on Joyce’s performance come fight night, as he used every ounce of his experience – being the more seasoned, battle-hardened combatant – to outwork and, at times, outwit his younger opponent.
His jab remained a formidable weapon throughout the contest. It was ultimately the shot that, when it landed in the 10th round, forced Dubois to take a knee, seeing out the referee’s count after suffering a fractured eye socket.
Carlos Takam (July 24, 2021)
One of the main criticisms directed at Joyce is that he takes far too many shots. Indeed, his style lends itself to a less defensively responsible method of fighting than what one would expect from a decorated amateur.
As it happens, this weakness became a real problem throughout the early stages of his fight against Takam, with Joyce leaving himself open to unnecessary punishment.
However, while he may not possess the evasive footwork of a Pernell Whitaker, the ‘Juggernaut’ does have an unbelievable engine, coupled with, of course, a remarkably robust chin. And it was these attributes which allowed him to grind out a sixth-round stoppage victory, keeping his name in the mix for the next big heavyweight showdown.
Joseph Parker (September 24, 2022)
Parker is undoubtedly the most notable name on Joyce’s record. The former world champion is, not unlike Joyce, known for his ability to withstand onslaughts that would send other contenders crashing down to the canvas.
From the opening round, it was clear that the fans were in for a real treat as the pair held their feet and traded a series of almighty blows in the pocket.
With Parker showing no willingness to give up any ground, it swiftly became an absorbing 50-50 affair, but Joyce, after finding his second wind down the stretch, landed a devastating left hook that drew the bout to a close in the 11th round.
Joe Joyce nails Joseph Parker during their September 24 fight in Manchester (Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Derek Chisora’s Top Three Career Performances
Dillian Whyte (December 10, 2016)
With tables flying, glasses smashing and obscenities exchanged, Chisora and Whyte contributed to one of the most volatile build-ups of all time.
And yet, the spectacle that materialised in the ring couldn’t have been more different, with the pair opting to put on a clean and compelling heavyweight barnburner, stealing the show at the Manchester Arena.
Despite finding himself on the wrong side of a split decision, Chisora’s performance – in a fight he arguably should have won – only elevated his earning potential. After all, who wouldn’t have wanted to see him back in a ring following a display of such gallantry?
Action Images/Reuters/John Sibley
Carlos Takam (July 28, 2018)
After a series of underwhelming performances, particularly against Agit Kabayel, in which he showed little impetus to move out of first gear, Chisora urgently needed to make a statement that would give his fans something to rave about.
This standout performance arrived when he came from behind to stop Takam, landing a looping overhand right to dramatically halt proceedings in the eighth round.
Once again, Chisora was suddenly thrown back into the limelight, and an eagerly anticipated rematch with Whyte followed shortly after.
Action Images/Peter Cziborra
David Price (October 26, 2019)
While Price may not be the biggest name on Chisora’s resume, the Olympic bronze medallist had nevertheless earned his opportunity by overcoming several stern tests at British level.
This domestic dustup was only going to end in emphatic fashion, though, as Chisora lifted the roof off the O2 Arena with a one-sided beatdown over his more static opponent, comprehensively stopping him in the fourth round.
Soon after, Chisora secured another lucrative payday by enticing Oleksandr Usyk into a clash, knowing that, whether he wins or loses, his army of London supporters will always keep coming back for more.