Joyce Faces Hrgovic in a Hard-Fought Battle
On Saturday night in Manchester, Joe Joyce made his much-anticipated return to the ring, facing Croatia’s Filip Hrgovic. Unfortunately for the Brit, the contest did not end in his favor, as he suffered a defeat by unanimous decision after ten arduous rounds. Judges scored the bout 97-93, 96-95, and 98-92, reflecting the competitive nature of the fight.
A Fight Full of Promise
This matchup was especially crucial for Joyce, who was returning for the first time since his loss to Derek Chisora in July 2024. The 39-year-old Joyce initially prepared for an all-British clash against Dillian Whyte, but a last-minute injury to Whyte saw Hrgovic step in as a replacement. Despite the shift in opponents, Joyce aimed to reclaim his status in the heavyweight boxing world.
Hrgovic Emerges Victorious
Filip Hrgovic, entering the ring after his first professional loss against Daniel Dubois earlier in June, showed remarkable resilience and skill during the fight. The 32-year-old Croatian adapted as the rounds progressed, delivering powerful blows and ultimately proving too much for Joyce. With this victory, Hrgovic’s record now improves to 18 wins and 1 loss, while Joyce faces the tough challenge of regrouping after another setback.
