Joe Joyce suffered a unanimous decision for Filip Hrgovic in his return to Ring to Manchester on Saturday.
Struggling for the first time since the loss to Derek Chisora in July 2024, the 39-year-old Brit lost a narrow war where Hrgovic grew up in the dominance, gaining results 97-93, 96-95, 98-92 in favor of judges after ten rounds.
Joyce initially intended to fight Dillian Whyte in a comprehensive issue, but a finger injury suffered by the latter without Hrgovic opened in the late notice.
The 32-year-old Croatian had not fought from a loss to Daniel Dubois in June, in what was the first professional loss of his career after 18 periods to that point. His record now reads 18-1 after his loss of Joyce.
Asked if he was thinking in retirement after what is now four losses in his last five fights Joyce said, “Aren’t you fun? It was a good fight and it was difficult.
“He’s a great warrior. He’s doing it a long time. We can do it again.”
Hrgovic, meanwhile, said he has his eyes set in a match with Dubois.
“This guy beat Dubois and I beat him, so I want a match with Daniel Dubois,” he said.
“I did really bad in my last war, but I wish him and he did a great job in his last war. Of course I want to recover it one day.
“” Thank you Joe for this opportunity. I entered a short notice, I was not ready. I am really happy to be back and look forward to great fighting in the future.
“This guy is like steel. I couldn’t believe he got all the shooting. He’s a tough guy, a beast, very strong.”
The war began in fashion explosive as Hrgovic landed some large shots on the top, but a header left Croatian with a cut on the left eye.
Blood penetrated Hrgovic’s face and this gave Joyce confidence to trade, though his right eye grew in the fourth round.
Slugfest continued throughout, with Joyce enjoying success in the eighth. But Joyce was injured by a big left blow at the end of the round and another attack on the ninth stuck the British knees, from which he never really recovered.
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