Joe Joyce suffered defeat by unanimous determination to Filip Hrgovic on his return to the ring in Manchester on Saturday.
Preventing for the primary time since defeat to Derek Chisora in July 2024, the 39-year-old Brit misplaced a good battle the place Hrgovic grew in dominance, incomes scores of 97-93, 96-95, 98-92 in his favour by the judges after ten rounds.
Joyce was initially meant to battle Dillian Whyte in an all-British affair, however a finger damage suffered by the latter noticed Hrgovic step in at late discover.
The 32-year-old Croatian hadn’t fought since a defeat to Daniel Dubois in June, in what was the primary skilled lack of his profession after 18 bouts to that time. His report now reads 18-1 after his defeat of Joyce.
Requested if he was considering retirement after what’s now 4 defeats in his final 5 fights Joyce stated: “Are you not entertained? It was a very good battle and it was robust.
“He’s a great fighter, he’s been doing it a long time.”
Hrgovic in the meantime stated 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 stated.
“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.
“Because of Joe for this chance on quick discover. I am actually completely happy to be again and looking out ahead to large fights sooner or later.”
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