in New Jersey. Jennings was initially in talks to fight former WBO champion Joseph Parker on the same date, however Parker opted to fight Dillian Whyte on 28 July. After Kell Brook suffered an ankle injury and ruled himself out of the Whyte-Parker PPV card, there was rumours that Joyce would fight domestic rival Nick Webb on the undercard. Joyce quickly denied the reports and stated he had no intention in fighting in July. He also stated he had parted ways with trainer Ismail Salas after Salas had announced himself semi-retired and moved to Doha, Qatar. Signing with Al Haymon On 24 July 2018, Joyce started a one month trial with world-renowned trainer Abel Sanchez. Seven days later Joyce and Sanchez reached a deal to team up full time. On 15 August, Joyce signed a deal with powerful American advisor Al Haymon. It was said that Joyce would make his US debut before the end of 2018. On 4 September, it was announced that Joyce would fight Iago Kiladze (26-3, 18 KOs) in an 8-round bout at the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, California, on 30 September. Joyce kept his unbeaten run alive with a fifth round knockout win over Kiladze. Joyce knocked Kiladze down three times in dropping him in rounds 2, 3 and 5. The fight was stopped after the third knockdown with Kiladze appearing hurt. The official time of the stoppage was at 41 seconds of the round. Kiladze didn't appear to cause any damage with the shots he landed and Joyce appeared to use his jab more. Joyce vs. Hanks After being listed as a next possible opponent for Joyce, former world title challenger Gerald Washington (19-2-1, 12 KOs) welcomed the bout, which was likely to take place on the Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury Showtime PPV undercard on 1 December 2018. Joyce spent the next few weeks as one of Fury's sparring partners. On 30 October, it was revealed that Joyce would fight returning American boxer Joe Hanks (23-2, 15 KOs) on the Wilder-Fury card at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. Joyce weighed 262 pounds compared to Hanks' 247 ½ pounds. It was reported by the CSAC, Joyce would make $40,000 and Hanks would take home $50,000. Joyce put on an impressive performance in knocking out Hanks in the first round of their scheduled 10 round bout. Hanks had his moments earlier