Bellew vs Haye 2: Lenroy Thomas believes he will beat Joe Joyce
Wednesday 25 April 2018 18:50, UK
Lenroy Thomas has warned that Joe Joyce will not stop him moving onto "greater things" and even following in Anthony Joshua's footsteps.
The Commonwealth heavyweight champion will defend his title against the Hayemaker prospect at The O2, on Saturday, May 5, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
Jamaican Thomas sparred with Joshua for his opening world title win over Charles Martin back in 2016 in Sheffield, where Joyce was training as part of Team GB.
"Looking back two or three years ago when I was helping AJ, who would've thought two years later I would be in the position I am now in," Thomas exclusively told Sky Sports.
"God makes no mistakes and I am just enjoying the journey and the view. It's my time right now.
"I know that the [Commonwealth] chapter is over and I want to move onto better and greater things. I appreciate where I am at, but this is not it at all. I know I have accomplished this but I am onto the next thing now.
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"I came over to help AJ to win his title and three years on, I am now helping myself.
"I know who holds the future and that's God and, as long as a continue doing the right things and am aligning with him, I just want to continue getting better and taking care of business with Joyce. Then more doors will open up."
Thomas and Joyce did not meet in the ring at the Institute of Sport, but the Commonwealth champion has followed his rise through the amateur ranks.
Olympic silver medallist Joyce could win the strap in only his fourth fight, but having won then defended the title against David Allen here in the UK, the man known as 'TNT' believes he will be too good for the challenger.
"I know they are pushing Joyce," Thomas said.
"I also know they are relying on his experience in the amateurs and the Olympics and the [World Series Boxing], and that is what it is, but he won't have fought anyone with my style, or my consistency.
"I know the guys he's fought and no disrespect to them, they are not me. I am a different animal.
"He's just a man. I know what I have to do, there's no pressure at all. I am going to go there to do a job and that's what I am preparing for.
"Is it going to be easy? There's a possibility it could not be, but I am ready for whatever comes. That's that."
