Indigo, O2 Arena, London -

Olympic silver medal winner Joe Joyce (1-0, 1 KO) made his professional debut in the heavyweight division with an eight round stoppage of experienced veteran Ian Lewison (12-4-1, 8 KOs).

Because he's already 32-years-old, Joyce is looking to be fast-tracked to world title. His promoters have made statements about positioning him for a title opportunity by the end of 2018, early 2019.

Joyce came out with a jab in the first round, while Lewison was winging away with wild punches. Joyce was blocking many of Lewison's shots, but was he was being tested by the more experienced man and getting hit with a very wild shots. Joyce continued to use his stiff left jab to the head and body.

Joyce came out in the second, back on his jab - while Lewison continued to look for big punches that were being throw in in a wild, winging manner. More jabs rained down in the third round, while Lewison was taking them and looking to counter. Both had their moments in the round, but Joyce had full control in the final minute as he began to pound Lewison on the ropes.

In the fourth round, it appeared that a shot caught Lewison right on the eye and he retreated as Joyce went right after him with big punches, looking for the finish. He was unloading with both hands and Lewison was throwing very little in return. 

Lewison's right eye was swelling shut as the fifth round began. Joyce continued to push forward, throwing big shots with both hands as Lewison was mostly being defensive and not fighting. In the sixth, Lewison did a little better, but Joyce was still controlling all of the action with his jab and accurate punches.

Joyce was banging away with the jab in the seventh. He was sticking Lewison, who was still there but not able to do much. In the eight, Joyce came back out with the hard jab and following up with his heavy handed shots.

In the eight, Lewison was hurt bad by a hook and his legs went. Joyce went in for the kill and Lewison's corner threw in the towel. 

Joyce competed in the men's super heavyweight division at the 2014 Commonwealth Games where he won the gold medal. He also won the title at the 2015 European Games in Baku.

Joyce won the super heavyweight class at the 2012 ABA Championships and 2012 GB Amateur Boxing Championships. He won the bronze in his class at the 2013 European Amateur Boxing Championships.

He had success during 2015 and 2016 in the World Series of Boxing, and in April 2016 won a gold medal at the European Olympic trials to qualify for the Olympics.

In August 2016, Joyce won the silver medal in the super heavyweight class at the 2016 Summer Olympics, losing in the final, on a split decision to Tony Yoka of France.

He announced his intention to turn professional in July 2017, signing with Hayemaker Ringstar - which is a promotional partnership between David Haye and Richard Schaefer.

Also on the card, MMA fighter Michael Page (1-0, 1 KO) made his pro debut with a third round stoppage over Jonathan Castano (2-12-1). Page plans to campaign as a super middleweight in boxing, while continuing his career in MMA as well.

Light heavyweight prospect Willy Hutchinson (1-0, 1 KO) made his pro debut by blowing away Attila Nagy (10-28-1) in the first round.