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| (July 3, 2024) — Boxing’s heavyweight juggernaut is eager to re-enter the world title picture, but he must overcome a longtime contender seeking one more marquee victory. Former WBO Interim champion Joe Joyce takes on former two-time world title challenger Derek “War” Chisora in an all-British showdown on Saturday, July 27, in the 12-round main event at The O2 in London. Promoted by Queensberry, Joyce-Chisora and additional fight action will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ in the afternoon hours. Joyce (16-2, 15 KOs) captured a silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics and entered the paid ranks the following year. He defeated former world champions Bermane Stiverne and Joseph Parker and title challengers Carlos Takam and Bryant Jennings during his ascent up the rankings. The 38-year-old suffered his first pro setbacks in 2023 in consecutive stoppage losses against Zhilei Zhang. Joyce rebounded in March with a 10th-round knockout over Kash Ali. Chisora (34-13, 23 KOs) is a 17-year pro who twice challenged for the WBC crown, once against Vitali Klitschko in February 2012 and again in his third fight with Tyson Fury in December 2022. Chisora returns following a 10th-round stoppage over former world title challenger Gerald Washington last August. IN OTHER STREAMING ACTION: Dennis McCann (15-0-1, 8 KOs) and Ionut Baluta (16-4-1, 3 KOs) will battle in a 12-round rematch for the vacant European junior bantamweight title. The two fought to a nine-round technical draw last August after McCann suffered a cut from an accidental headbutt. Baluta has not fought since their first meeting, while McCann defeated Brad Strand in March via unanimous decision. Ryan Garner (15-0, 8 KOs) will make the second defense of his WBC International junior lightweight belt in a 10-rounder against top-rated contender and fellow unbeaten Archie Sharp (25-0, 9 KOs). |
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