David Oliver Joyce is oozing confidence ahead of his WBO European featherweight title fight in Dubai on Friday night.
The 2016 Olympian takes on Stephen Tiffney (10-1-KO6) for the crown at Dubai’s Emirates Golf Club and is looking to maintain his 100 per cent record in the paid ranks.
The Mullingar native is expecting a tough battle with his Scottish opponent but believes that his amateur pedigree will stand to him in his quest to land the European title.
"My amateur record shows what I’ve got but I’m probably not as well-known as some featherweight guys who’ve been on Anthony Joshua undercards and the like," said Joyce.
"I’m going to make my name as a pro, just as I did as an amateur. I want to be a worldwide name. I want people to remember me and talk about Davey Oliver Joyce – the European champion, the world champion."
Joyce (9-0-KO7) clearly has ambitions beyond the European strap but insists that he will remain patient in his quest for world title shots following Friday's bout.
"I’m not looking past Tiffney at all. I’m focused on that title. I’m not going to rush anything. I won’t say that once I’ve become European champion, I’ll be straight on to a world title shot. I’ll let my management team decide.
"I’m going to win this, maybe defend it a couple of times and then decide when the time is right. I believe I’ve got the ability and talent to beat any featherweight.
"This is the best camp I’ve had since turning professional. I’ve been living a clean life and I’ve had some phenomenal sparring. I had some amazing rounds with Michael Conlan over in England - around 50 or 60 rounds.
"I learned a lot from sparring with Mick and talking to his trainer Adam Booth. I enjoyed it and everything has gone as planned."
