Top heavyweight contender Joe Joyce (15-0, 14 KOs) admits he went through hell in last Saturday's fight with former WBO world champion Joseph Parker.

In a very grueling fight, Joyce had to break Parker down, round after round, until a big left hand put Parker down for the count in the eleventh round.

Joyce's concrete chin held up to the biggest punches that Parker was able to land.

Every time Parker appeared to be on the edge of defeat, he would weather the storm and start firing back punches in bunches.

Joyce really picked up the pace in the second half of the fight, a big punch output which eventually generated the first stoppage loss of Parker's career.

"I'm a little bit tired. Joseph Parker what a fighter and what a great fight. I'd just like to thank my team and Frank Warren and everyone, my family and friends and all you guys for turning up," Joyce said.

"It was a tough fight and praise to Joseph Parker because he's improved and he gave me a tough fight. I really enjoyed it but it was tough in there and I had to dig deep to get through the rounds.

"I hit him with everything I've got literally, the kitchen sink, the handbag, everything. Body shots, I tried it all but he was still coming forward, game and I managed to drop him at the end but it was hard work."

With the victory, Joyce captured the WBO's interim-title in the weight class. The status will eventually gain him a mandatory world title shot. The full WBO strap is currently held by Oleksandr Usyk, who also has the WBA, IBO, IBF titles around his waist.