Former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder put the boxing world on notice after his devastating KO victory over Robert Helenius. The Bronze Bomber now has a bunch of prospects he could face next on his journey back to title contention.
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Many feel that former unified champion Anthony Joshua could be a possible opponent for Wilder following his devastating loss to Oleksandr Usyk. However, Wilder’s trainer Malik Scott feels that WBO interim heavyweight champion Joe Joyce would be a tougher match-up than his fellow countryman. In an interview with Vegas Insider, Scott claimed that Joshua would be an easier fight than Joyce for Wilder. He stated that while ‘AJ’ was more predictable, Joyce, on the other hand, was stronger, tougher, and more imposing.
Deontay Wilder's trainer Malik Scott: "I think Joe Joyce is a much tougher fighter than Anthony Joshua is. His engine is stronger, the punches he takes, he's awkward, his style is deceiving. AJ is a bit predictable especially now. Joyce is more imposing." [@VegasInsider]
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) October 19, 2022
“I think Joe Joyce is a much tougher fighter than Anthony Joshua is. His engine is stronger, the punches he takes, he’s awkward, his style is deceiving. AJ is a bit predictable especially now. Joyce is more imposing.” Said Scott.
However, the fans seemed to be at a crossroads on this issue, as they were quick to react to Scott’s bold claims.
Fans react to Deontay Wilder’s coach dismissing Anthony Joshua
One fan stated that Joshua lacked the movement and skill to beat Wilder as he was ‘too robotic’.
AJ is too robotic to trouble Wilder
— Simon H (@linealfury) October 19, 2022
Another fan also agreed with Scott claiming that it wasn’t such a bad take.
Fair take https://t.co/Zlod4oazGK
— Bing Bong (@BingBong3017) October 20, 2022
Moreover, one fan stated that Joshua’s flaws had been exposed in his fight against Usyk. He also praised Joyce for his resilience and claimed that he would prove a tough challenge for anyone in the top five.
Agreed. Joshua has been found out. Joyce is a machine. Doesn’t look the prettiest or fastest but very tough. I believe Joyce smashes Joshua and gives most top 5 a hard night
— Rhodri Davies (@RhodriD85365861) October 19, 2022
One fan even compared ‘The Juggernaut’ to a horror movie character who just kept moving forward no matter what they were hit with.
Joyce is like one of those characters in a horror film that just keep coming regardless of being shot and stabbed… slowly walks towards you, imagine fighting a man that just takes your best and keeps coming 😳
— Tony Tomlinson (@TonyTomlinsonUK) October 19, 2022
However, some fans disagreed with Scott as well. One fan stated that a fight with Joshua will bring in way more money than a fight with Joyce.
AJ brings more money than Juggernaut though!
— Olasupo Jakes – Bsc (Hons), RPN (@JakesOlasupo) October 19, 2022
Another fan also felt that Joshua was the better fighter. He claimed that Parker knew Joyce’s game plan during their fight, but couldn’t do much due to Joyce’s perseverance.
Imo Joyce is more predictable.
Parker said he knew exactly what Joyce was going to do and couldn’t do anything to stop it because he’s a machine.
— Jeff Oakley (@jeff_oakley1990) October 19, 2022
Moreover, One fan asked why Joyce was getting all this hype after beating Joseph Parker. He also stated that anyone who had seen the two training would know the difference in their levels.
All this cos Joyce beat Joseph Parker? 😂 No one who actually knows Joyce and AJ and has seen them sparring believes this https://t.co/hclibtdf1S
— Iz (@Iz_Philly) October 20, 2022
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The fans seem to be 50-50 on this take as some feel that Joyce is tougher than Joshua, while others think the opposite is true. However, it cannot be denied that either fight would prove to be an exciting matchup for Wilder, who looks to leave his mark in the division.
Who do you think is the tougher fighter? Let us know in the comments.
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