Joe Joyce suffered defeat by unanimous decision to Filip Hrgovic on his return to the ring in Manchester on Saturday.
Fighting for the first time since defeat to Derek Chisora in July 2024, the 39-year-old Brit lost a tight fight where Hrgovic grew in dominance, earning scores of 97-93, 96-95, 98-92 in his favour by the judges after ten rounds.
Joyce was originally meant to fight Dillian Whyte in an all-British affair, but a finger injury suffered by the latter saw Hrgovic step in at late notice.
The 32-year-old Croatian hadn’t fought since a defeat to Daniel Dubois in June, in what was the first professional loss of his career after 18 bouts to that point. His record now reads 18-1 after his defeat of Joyce.
Asked if he was contemplating retirement after what is now four defeats in his last five fights Joyce said: “Are you not entertained? It was a good fight and it was tough.
“He’s a great fighter, he’s been doing it a long time. We can do it again.”
Hrgovic meanwhile said he has his eyes set on a rematch with Dubois.
“This guy beat Dubois and I beat him so I want a rematch with Daniel Dubois,” he said.
“I did really bad in my last fight but congrats to him and he did a great job in his last fight. Of course I want to rematch him one day.
“”Thanks to Joe for this opportunity. I came in on short notice, I wasn’t quite ready. I’m really happy to be back and look forward to big fights in the future.
“This guy is like steel, I couldn’t believe he took all the shots. He’s a tough guy, a beast, very strong.”
The fight began in explosive fashion as Hrgovic landed several big shots over the top, but a clash of heads left the Croatian with a cut above the left eye.
Blood seeped down Hrgovic’s face and that gave Joyce confidence to trade, although his own right eye swelled up in the fourth round.
The slugfest continued throughout, with Joyce enjoying success in the eighth. But Joyce was hurt by a big left hook at the end of the round and another attack in the ninth buckled the Briton’s knees, from which he never really recovered.
Live boxing on Sky
Sunday April 6
Richard Torrez Jr v Guido Vianello
Sunday April 20
Ben Whittaker v Liam Cameron 2
Ben Whittaker rematches Liam Cameron on April 20 live on Sky Sports
Saturday April 26, Sky Sports Box Office
Chris Eubank Jr v Conor Benn
Monday May 5
Naoya Inoue v Ramon Cardenas
Sunday May 10
Emanuel Navarrete v Charly Suarez
Sunday May 25
Manchester Box Cup Amateur Tournament
Saturday June 7
Callum Simpson v Ivan Zucco
