The star ratings indicate how well the writer believes the fighters match up, the fight(s)’ contextual significance, and how good the fight(s) will be
MAIN EVENT
UNDERCARD
FOR many reasons, Saturday night’s heavyweight contest between Putney’s Joe Joyce and Morecambe’s favourite New Zealander, Joseph Parker, is one to savour.
Primarily because it stands for the very essence of sporting competition. It highlights, too, what happens when there are not numerous ‘champions’ to aim at. Rather than sitting pretty and waiting for a shot, or grumbling that they deserve one, Joyce and Parker – ranked five and four respectively – are getting busy against each other. And that’s the way it should be. The winner will be the most deserving contender in the division and should be rewarded as such, regardless of the marketing pull of former belt-holders like Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder.
Almost as good is the fact this is a collaboration between two of the three top promoters in the country. Frank Warren, the lead promoter here, represents Joyce while Ben Shalom, whose attitude since rising to prominence has been refreshing, is happy to play second fiddle for the good of Parker, whom he promotes. Without that harmony between two rival promoters (and broadcasters
