Assessing His Career After the Hrgović Defeat
Let’s not sugarcoat it—Joe Joyce’s unanimous decision loss to Filip Hrgović was a tough watch for anyone who’s followed his journey. It wasn’t just a defeat; it was a loud, echoing statement. And honestly? I think it’s time we have the conversation no one wants to have: is this the end of Joe Joyce’s boxing career?
After three defeats in his last five fights, it’s not just a blip—it’s a trend. And when those losses have come against the best, it forces you to ask: is the Joe Joyce retirement decision already written on the wall?
The Juggernaut Slows Down
It’s wild to think that just 18 months ago, Joyce was being hailed as the dark horse of the heavyweight division. His KO win over Joseph Parker in September 2022 wasn’t just a statement—it was a breakout. He battered a tough, proven opponent and left the boxing world buzzing.
Fans were talking about a world title shot. Joyce had size, power, that granite chin, and a relentless engine. The “Juggernaut” nickname wasn’t just hype—it fit.
But then came the slide.
Zhilei Zhang cracked the armour. Twice. First in April 2023, then again in the rematch later that year. Both times, Joyce looked vulnerable—slow, hittable, and lacking a Plan B. Now with Filip Hrgović outboxing him clearly over 12 rounds, the questions have turned into conclusions.
The top of the heavyweight mountain is ruthless—and Joyce is sliding down fast.
Age and Style: A Brutal Combo
Let’s call it as it is—Joe Joyce is 39 years old. And unlike some fighters who age gracefully, his style was never built for longevity.
His whole game was based around absorbing shots, outlasting opponents, and grinding them down. That kind of pressure-fighting works when you’ve got fresh legs and quick recovery. But now? His timing is off. The footwork’s slower. He’s still taking the same punches—but they’re landing cleaner, and he’s returning less.
As BoxingScene noted after the Hrgović fight, Joyce looked sluggish and predictable. The very traits that once made him dangerous now seem like liabilities.
It’s not a question of heart—he’s still got that in spades. But heart alone doesn’t win world titles.
My Honest Take: It’s Over
Alright—cards on the table. I think we’ve seen the last of Joe Joyce at top level.
Yes, he might return for one more fight. Something to go out on his own terms. Maybe a night at the O2 Arena, big crowd, big name across from him. But in terms of British or world title contention? I’m calling it—it’s done.
And what’s wild is how quickly it’s all changed. This isn’t a five-year decline. Joyce was WBO interim champion in late 2022. He was unbeaten and being mentioned alongside Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.
Now? He’s lost to two men outside the very top tier, and convincingly at that.
Boxing is brutal like that. One moment, you’re in the mix. The next, you’re wondering whether to call it a day.
Could a Comeback Even Work?
Let’s say he does come back. What’s the route?
First, the obvious—name recognition still matters in boxing. Joyce is a known face. He’s been on big cards, fought world-level opponents, and still holds a decent profile with casual fans. That counts.
So… where could he go?
1. David Adeleye – The Wild Card Option
This one’s a big maybe—but it’s not impossible. David Adeleye, the new British heavyweight champion, might fancy adding a name like Joyce to his résumé. From a promotional standpoint, it works: veteran vs rising star, established name vs new face.
But—and this is a massive but—Adeleye’s stock has taken a hit after his controversial win last weekend. There’s talk, there’s backlash, and whether he wants the smoke of someone as durable as Joyce right now is another story.
I’ll be breaking down Adeleye’s situation in more detail later this week, so stay tuned for that one.
2. Derek Chisora – Not Likely
This gets thrown around a lot whenever a British heavyweight is at a crossroads. But I don’t see it.
As I discussed in last week’s post, Chisora has his eyes firmly on a farewell title shot against Daniel Dubois. He’s not looking for another war against a guy with something to prove—he wants a final payday with legacy attached.
3. Someone Like Frazer Clarke?
This could be interesting. Clarke is still climbing the ladder and might fancy a scrap with someone like Joyce to prove he belongs in the mix. It’d be a high-risk, high-reward kind of fight—and that’s often the lane where comebacks live.
4. European-Level Rebuild
This is the least glamorous option, but maybe the most realistic. Joyce could take a couple of lower-profile fights against fringe contenders, rebuild confidence, and see what’s left in the tank. But again—at 39, is there time?
Legacy Still Intact?
Despite everything, I don’t think Joe Joyce’s legacy is damaged.
He was an Olympic silver medallist. He fought who was put in front of him. He didn’t duck. He won the British, Commonwealth, and European titles. He took on killers like Zhang and Hrgović when easier paths were available. That takes courage.
He wasn’t the most naturally gifted boxer, but he was durable, hard-working, and always brought the heat.
And for a while, he made the heavyweight division that little bit more exciting. That matters.
Over to You – What Do You Think?
That’s my view: Joe Joyce retirement feels more likely than a comeback. But boxing has a funny way of proving us wrong.
- Could he shock us and pull off one last big win?
- Would you watch Joyce vs Adeleye if it got made?
- Or do you reckon it’s best he calls it now before it gets worse?
Drop your take in the comments, share this post with your mates, and head over to CMBoxing for more fight talk, hot takes, and deep dives you won’t find anywhere else.
Let’s keep the debate going—and hey, if Joyce does announce one more bout… you heard it here first.