Wednesday 18 April 2018 10:27, UK
Joe Joyce will challenge Lenroy Thomas for the Commonwealth heavyweight title in only his fourth fight on the undercard for Tony Bellew's rematch with David Haye.
The former Team GB fighter continues his swift progress in the professional ranks by taking on the experienced champion on a packed bill for Bellew-Haye II at The O2 on May 5, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
Joyce needed just 38 seconds to stop Donnie Palmer, his third successive knockout, but is taking a big step up in class against Thomas, who claimed the vacant belt with a points win over David Allen in Sheffield last May.
The Jamaican's rematch with Allen ended in a technical draw after the Doncaster man sustained a fight-ending cut in the first round last month and he returns to Britain for a battle with Joyce.
At the age of 32, Joyce is being fast-tracked to his first title fight, and only joined the paid ranks last year after gaining a silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Joyce is being mentored by Haye, a two-weight world champion, who is hoping the Londoner can follow in his footsteps by becoming a world heavyweight title-holder.
In the main event, 'The Hayemaker' will attempt to avenge his points loss to Bellew as they collide for a second time in the capital.
