‘I’d like to stop relying on it’ – Joe Joyce looking to give iron chin night off against Joseph Parker ahead of fight

JOE JOYCE hopes to give his iron jaw a well-deserved night off against Joseph Parker.

The 36-year-old Putney heavyweight has the most apt nickname in boxing but The Juggernaut wants to be seen as much more than an unstoppable force or immovable object.

The WBO’s No 1 contender waited patiently for his shot at Oleksandr Usyk’s titles with a couple of keep-warm fights against Christian Hammer and Carlos Takam.

But the notoriously slow starter gave his fans a fright in both TKO wins.

And the painting puncher plans to show off his boxing artistry against Parker next Saturday.

The fine-art graduate said: “I’d like to stop relying on my chin, if I’m honest.  

“I would prefer to move out of the way of punches or block or slip them and counter.

“I am always trying to improve my skills and biomechanics and that’s one thing I love about boxing, you can always improve.

“I’m sure Parker and his team  see a way of hurting me but we’ll see.”

Joyce was supposed to lose the November 2020 clash with Daniel Dubois but bludgeoned the prospect into  surrender after the build-up turned spiteful.

This time around the rivalry is far more mellow — for now.

Joyce said: “We are quite similar in a lot of ways. He’s friendly.

“It’s refreshing to be involved in a lead-up with an opponent like that.

“But I am sure he will get a lot more serious when the bell goes because I know I will.”