One of Britain’s greatest amateur boxers is preparing to make an ambitious professional debut at the O2 Arena on Friday night.

Joe Joyce, from Putney, will headline the show (October 20) in a ten rounder against a former British title contender, Ian Lewison.

The amicable heavy-hitting heavyweight told the Wandsworth Guardian: “I’m starting with a bang. Who is the last person to on their debut be the main event and fighting a ten rounder?

“I don’t think it has been done before. I like making history.”

Joyce, 32, is no stranger to creating history having secured medals at all major amateur championships.

That includes the Rio Olympic super-heavyweight boxing final in 2016 against Frenchman Tony Yoka. It was the last time Joyce boxed.

He has since signed with David Haye’s new promotional company, Hayemaker Ringstar, as he attempts to continue his legacy in a division where champions Anthony Joshua, Deontay Wilder and Joseph Parker currently reign.

Joyce revealed he turned down offers from Eddie Hearn, Frank Warren and Floyd Mayweather to link up with Haye.

Ismael Salas, trainer to Joyce and Haye, believes the Putney puncher could challenge for a world title in just six or seven fights time.

Joyce said: “I have a great trainer and I have a great team. I am happy with the set up training at the Hayemaker Gym.

“David [Haye] comes and gives me advice and helps me out which is good. I thought the smart move would be to sign with Hayemaker Ringstar with David being a two weight world champion.”

Haye, who is striving to avenge his loss to Tony Bellew with a rematch on December 17, has been quoted as saying that Joyce is the future star of the weight class.

Commenting on the division, Joyce said: “It is exciting, especially in this country. There is plenty of good talent.

“I would quite like to have a rematch with Tony Yoka. I fought him three times and I thought I beat him three times but I only got the decision once.

“I can’t wait to get redemption for my Olympic loss.”

Friday’s event - David Haye's first as a promoter - will be shown live on Dave from 9pm.

As for a prediction, Joyce said he believes Lewison will be dangerous in the first three rounds but will be stopped in the latter stages of the contest.