Anthony Joshua: 'I boxed Joe (Joyce) and stopped him in 1 round. I’d do the same thing today'

Anthony Joshua is scheduled to challenge three-belt heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. No date has been locked in for the rematch.

But with Usyk joining the Ukrainian defense battalion in his country's war with Russia, it is unknown when the bout would take place. 

If the fight doesn't happen relatively soon, Joshua could look elsewhere to keep sharp. Otto Wallin and Joe Joyce have been mentioned as possibilities if Usyk is unable to compete. Joshua took to social media and laughed off those suggestions. 

"Lol ok … I’ve shared this ring with most people you see in the heavyweight division today! I boxed Otto wallin twice as youngsters & I boxed joe and stopped him in 1 round. I’d do the same thing today! Ain’t nothing changed."

Joshua (24-2, 22 KOs) has a past with Wallin and Joyce. He bested Wallin via points in June 2010 and January 2011 when both were in the amateurs. Joshua and Joyce were also training partners and squared off in the ABA Finals as "AJ" stopped Joyce in the first round. 

Wallin (22-1, 14 KOs, one no-contest) put himself on the map when he nearly beat Tyson Fury, losing a narrow decision in September 2019. Since then, Wallin's gone 3-0, most recently defeating Kamil Sokołowski via decision at the beginning of February.

Joyce (13-0, 12 KOs) last fought back in July, stopping Carlos Takam in the sixth round. He's got notable wins over Daniel Dubois, former heavyweight champion Bermane Stiverne, and former heavyweight title challenger Bryant Jennings.