David Oliver Joyce wants “big fights all the way” following frustrating 2018

Having seen his breakthrough delayed, David Oliver Joyce [9(7)-0] is keen to make major strides in 2019.

The Rio Olympian was close to big fights but none would come through.

Back in April Joyce claims he offered to step in on late notice to replace Jono Carroll in his match-up with Marco McCullough only for this to be refused by the Belfast boxer – although McCullough disputes this. The Westmeath fighter was then was due to face Ronnie Clark back in August only for the Scot to pull out via injury and no suitable replacement could be sourced.

Joyce would instead dominate Arturo Lopez before defeating Jorge Zacazontetl in New York in a bout where he was dropped for the first time as a pro.

The Mullingar super featherweight wants to move into fights with ‘names’ in the new year, with clashes versus the likes of McCullough, Archie Sharp, and Anto Cacace all being suggested.

Joyce himself just wants to progress following 18 months of under-the-radar building and the frustrations of this year.

The triple EU champion outlined how “I’m not a cocky man but I believe with my skills and my style of fighting, I could beat anyone in the division – whether they’re from Ireland, England, America or anywhere.”

“I have a bit of experience behind me already and I hope that in the next year, it’s just big fights all the way.”

“It takes time to build. I hope I can do what my amateur rival Carl Frampton has done in the professional game. He started form the bottom as a pro and now look at what he’s done.

32 in February, Joyce needs to be progressed rather rapidly and he feels that the stronger his opposition the better the performance he’ll be able to put on.

The Pete Taylor-trained pro noted how “some of the guys I’ve boxed so far, I could’ve beaten four or five of them on one night.”

“I’m looking forward to someone bringing out the best out of me and forcing me to pull together my skills into a proper performance.”

Photo Credit: Ricardo Guglieliminotti – The Fighting Irish (@ThefIrish)