Best of a good bunch – Davey Oliver Joyce confident of Golden Contract success

His Golden Contract competitors are all good fighters, but David Oliver Joyce [11(8)-0] believes he is better.

The undefeated Olympian is one of eight featherweights set to compete in the three fight night tournament with life-changing capabilities.

To emerge victorious ‘DOJ’ will have to top a pile that includes Ryan Walsh, Jazza Dickens, Leigh Wood, Tyrone McCullagh, Hairon Socarras, Carlos Ramos and Carlos Araujo, but is more than confident he can.

The ‘Punisher’ notes all his rivals for guaranteed a lucrative five-fight contract with a top promoter, rumoured to be Top Rank, are capable fighters, but he points out he has the ability to beat them all. 

“Every one of the fighters in the competition is a good boxer but I simply believe I’m the best in it and I’m going to win it,” said the Pete Taylor trained fighter.

“I’m in this to go right until the end and win the final. Whoever meets me in that final, fair play to them.

“I know a few of the other guys and they’re all very good. Each one of them presents a different style but I’ve been training for all of them.”

What’s at stake isn’t lost on the Rio Olympian nor is the format. The fighter with vast amateur experience believes there is an amateur World Championship feel to the contest.

The fights won’t come around as quick and fast, but the fact you won’t know who you will face until fight week, means you have to be prepared for all various styles and different top end opponents.

“This is huge and it’s like going to a world championships again as an amateur. I’ve got to be ready for anyone. Winning this tournament will change my life and provide a better life for my children. I have four kids now and I’m doing this for them. That’s my motivation.”

Joyce, who won three European golds during a glittering amateur career, has already claimed the WBO European featherweight title by stopping Stephen Tiffney in Dubai earlier this year.

The GoldenContract tournament is to be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK in association with Matchroom and live on ESPN+ in the US in association with Top Rank.

The featherweight installment gloves off in York Hall on October 4.