Ahead of his fight on the undercard of Tony Bellew vs David Haye, Joe Joyce has been handed some sage advice by Sky Sports pundit and former cruiserweight world champion Johnny Nelson.

Joyce (32) will be fighting for the Commonwealth title against current champion Lenroy Thomas who, at the age of 33, has fought 24 more professional fights than his opponent.

London-born Joyce has had an unusual journey to the ring that has included picking up a degree in Fine Art along the way. 

He has enjoyed a glittering amateur career with gold medals at the Commonwealth and European games, as well as an Olympic silver medal.

After ploughing through his first three professional bouts with three comprehensive knockout wins, Johnny Nelson has sent a warning to 'Juggernaut' Joyce suggesting that he shouldn't reach too far too soon.

Nelson wrote for Sky Sports: "My concern is pushing him too far, too fast.

"He's boxing for the Commonwealth title against Lenroy Thomas which is a winnable fight. But if he wins, it puts him in a situation where he must fight a certain level of opponent. That could hamper his development.

"He's 31 so they've got to make the most of him, and make up time.

"What if he gets through European level, still relatively inexperienced as a pro? Then you come across a pool of fighters who are experienced, like Dereck Chisora.

"His ability, previous success and size will get him so far. But the one thing you can't buy, borrow or pretend to have is experience.

"The pros is a completely different world.

"I like what I've seen so far. He is loosening up - at first, I thought he was too stiff. He is a student of the game.

"He's fresh and David Haye is massively singing his praises. I've never heard anyone say anything negative about his development. Every time I go to Haye's gym he is there. He likes training."

Joyce faces a test against his experienced Jamaican opponent on May 5 and will need to pull on all his training to clinch the title. If he comes through this fight it will be interesting to see if Nelson's advice is heeded or whether Joyce will be striving to make up for lost time.