Joe Joyce sends message to rival Daniel Dubois ahead of showdown

Joe Joyce is using mind games against Daniel Dubois by claiming all the pressure is on the “young pup” in Saturday’s showdown.

Joyce, 35, is drawing on his greater experience to rattle Dubois, who is 12 years younger, and says he must deliver because he is the bookies’ favourite.

The 2016 Olympic silver medallist says this takes all the pressure off him because Dubois is expected to win.

“I’m not under any pressure because, according to the bookies, Daniel has already won,” said Joyce.

“He’s made a big name for himself and there is pressure on him to deliver.

“I don’t know why the bookies see it like that, but it’s OK with me because it will make it even better when I beat him.

“I’ve performed at a higher level, so that psychologically gives me an edge. There is no substitute for experience and I am going to show that to the young pup.”

Joyce, who is being trained by legendary Cuban cornerman Ismael Salas who has worked with Felix Savon and David Haye, claims his greater seasoning will be key.

He says he has done it at world level, while he dismissed Dubois as only a domestic fighter.

“I’m used to performing at a high level,” he said. “He’s not performed at a high level and the level he’s at now is domestic, not quite European.

“I’ve performed at world level both times and I’ve built back up to that level with the pros.”

Both men share the same dream and the two unbeaten contenders aim to become world heavyweight champion.

The winner on Saturday at Westminster’s Church House will take a huge step towards that goal because the British, Commonwealth and European titles are up for grabs.

The loser will be left to rebuild their career and Joyce is adamant that won’t be him.

“This is a big fight and it is either a big ladder to the top or a snake where I would have to rebuild,” said the Putney fighter.

“So the loser will have to rebuild a little bit and Daniel has got time more on his side because he is a young pup who would definitely be able to come back.

“I believe I would be able to come back too, but I don’t plan on needing to do that.

“This is my chance to show what I’m made of and to progress to the next stage and get a shot to become heavyweight champion.

“That’s the route I’m going. My aim before was to get to the Olympics and win a medal. I did that although it was meant to be the gold medal and I got silver.

“As a professional, I want to be world champion. This is the route I need to go down and Dubois is standing in my way.”

Dubois v Joyce is live and exclusive on BT Sport 1 HD on Saturday.