After months of speculation, Joe Joyce has finally spoken out about a possible rematch with Joseph Parker, and his message is loud and clear: “I’m ready anytime.” The British heavyweight, known for his relentless pressure and iron chin, is eager to settle unfinished business with Parker, a former WBO world champion.
The heavyweight division is as competitive as ever, with top contenders battling for a shot at Oleksandr Usyk’s undisputed crown or a lucrative fight against Tyson Fury. A rematch between Joyce and Parker could not only be a thrilling showdown but also have serious title implications.
The First Fight: A Dominant Joyce Victory
Joyce and Parker first met in September 2022, when the two heavyweights collided in a high-stakes bout for the WBO Interim Heavyweight Title. Despite Parker’s speed and experience, Joyce bulldozed through him, wearing him down with his suffocating work rate before stopping him in the 11th round with a brutal left hook.
That victory solidified Joyce as one of the most dangerous contenders in the division. However, Parker has since bounced back, showing improvements in his power, footwork, and defense. Now, with both fighters hungry for another shot at the top, a rematch seems like a perfect clash.
Why Joe Joyce Wants the Rematch
After suffering a shock defeat to Zhilei Zhang in 2023, Joyce is determined to re-establish himself as a top-tier heavyweight. While he avenged that loss in a rematch, many still question whether he can compete at the elite level.
By facing Parker again—and dominating him once more—Joyce can silence the doubters and put himself in position for a title shot.
“I respect Parker, but I beat him once, and I’ll do it again,” Joyce said in a recent interview. “He’s improved, but so have I. If he wants it, let’s run it back.”
Parker’s Response: Is He Willing?
On the other hand, Joseph Parker is coming off a resurgence in his career. Since losing to Joyce, he has made significant improvements, working under trainer Andy Lee to refine his movement, head movement, and overall conditioning.
Parker has already stated that he wants big fights in 2024, and a rematch with Joyce could be exactly what he needs to prove that he’s still a force to be reckoned with.
“Joe is a tough guy, one of the hardest fighters I’ve been in with,” Parker admitted. “But I’m a different fighter now. If the fight makes sense, I’m all for it.”
What’s at stake? A Title Shot on the Line?
Both Joyce and Parker know that a victory in a rematch could put them next in line for a world title shot. With the heavyweight division currently in flux—Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk set to unify the division in May—the winner of Joyce vs. Parker 2 could be the next big name in contention.
The WBO title could soon be vacant if Usyk moves up or Fury retires, making this fight even more meaningful. A dominant win could mean a golden ticket to championship glory.
Can Parker Overcome Joyce’s Pressure This Time?
One of the biggest questions in a potential rematch is: Can Joseph Parker handle Joyce’s relentless style better this time?
In their first fight, Parker had moments of success, using his superior hand speed and landing clean combinations. But Joyce, true to his nickname “The Juggernaut,” walked through everything and kept pressing forward until Parker finally succumbed.
If Parker is to win a rematch, he must:
Improve his stamina to withstand Joyce’s non-stop attack
Use more lateral movement to avoid being cornered
Land cleaner, more powerful shots to slow Joyce down
Avoid unnecessary exchanges that could lead to another late-round stoppage
On the other hand, Joyce will likely stick to his game plan—constant pressure, heavy volume punching, and durability.
Could the Fight Land in Saudi Arabia?
With Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in boxing, there’s a strong possibility that Joyce vs. Parker 2 could be held in Riyadh or Jeddah. Turki Alalshikh, the Saudi advisor shaping many of the biggest fights in boxing, has shown interest in heavyweight clashes, and a Joyce-Parker rematch could be an attractive option for a high-profile event in 2024.
Final Thoughts: Will the Fight Happen?
Joyce has made it clear—he wants the rematch. Now, it’s up to Parker and his team to decide whether they want to risk another battle with the relentless British heavyweight.
Both fighters have everything to gain and very little to lose. A second decisive win for Joyce would catapult him right back into title contention, while a Parker victory would be the biggest statement of his career.
One thing is for sure—if Joyce vs. Parker 2 happens, expect fireworks in the ring
