‘I’m in town now’ – Joyce fires out warning to domestic featherweights

David Oliver Joyce [10(8)-0] claims he is now ready to turn pedigree into prizes and has warned the bigger name featherweights that he is coming for them.

The Rio Olympian and well respected amateur registered the best pro win of his career in Dubai on Saturday making something of a statement by stopping Edinburgh’s Stephen Tiffeny.

DOJ, who picked up the WBO European ranking title and potentially a world top #15 ranking courtesy of the win, believes the performance further proves the class he has and he is now looking for bigger name scalps.

“A lot of people see where my pedigree is, and I know I can mix it with the best. To all of the featherweights out there in England and Ireland, I’m in town now,” Joyce said after the win.

“I boxed Oscar Valdez as an amateur in 2009, and I’ve mixed it with Carl Frampton too. They all know I can compete with the top level boxers at featherweight.”

The Scot is certainly the best name on the Pete Taylor-trained fighter’s record, but it was the manner of the win that really caught the eye.

The St Michael’s Athy BC graduate broke down a the former Scottish title challenger before stopping him in style in the seventh stanza.

The level of performance wasn’t lost on the fighter himself and he claims a more dedicated fight camp proved fruitful.

“It was an unbelievable performance, so thank you to MTK Global and all of the Dubai people who came out to see it. I was confident going into the fight because I was on weight, and everything was perfect.

“For the past 14 weeks I’ve lived like a professional. For the first time ever I’ve had all of the right meals and the right amount of training and sleep, so I have to credit my nutritionist for getting me in this fantastic shape.”