Joe Joyce and Filip Hrgovic are about to go to war for the second time after sharing an epic five-round encounter back in their amateur days.
On Saturday night at the Co-op Live in Manchester, UK, ‘The Juggernaut’ will return to the ring, knowing that without a win, his world title aspirations are dead in the water.
He was initially scheduled to square off with ‘The Body Snatcher’ in an all-British brawl. However, Dillian Whyte withdrew from the bout with Joyce due to injury.
Now, on late notice, Croatia’s number one fighter will step up to the plate, with revenge firmly on his mind.
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Joe Joyce beat Filip Hrgovic in the World Series of Boxing
On February 13, 2013, at York Hall in London, UK, Joe Joyce and Filip Hrgovic went toe-to-toe in the World Series of Boxing.
The competition served as a bridging gap where amateur fighters could compete in professional-style contests.
From the moment the first bell rang, Joyce put his foot on the gas, instantly pinging his rival’s head back with heavy jabs.
Hrgovic quickly adapted, catching the relentless boxer with right hands. However, despite getting caught, Joyce continued to march forward, landing combinations.
Having lost the opener, ‘El Animal’ came out with a point to prove, detonating heavy shots on the Brit, who looked to fire back with combinations.
By the third, Joyce had found his rhythm, with his left hand landing at will. While his defense wasn’t perfect, for the most part, he was making his opponent miss, and punishing him with hooks to both head and body.
Going into the fourth segment, Hrgovic was exhausted, with the Englishman bullying him into the ropes and nailing him with blistering shots.
However, in a testament to his fighting heart, in the fifth, he went all out, landing big shots. Alas, it wasn’t enough to turn the tide, with Joyce winning via split decision.
Joe Joyce eyeing shot against world champion amateur rival
Over a decade since their last encounter, Joyce and Hrgovic finally have an opportunity to settle their rivalry once and for all.
However, while the task ahead of him is undeniably huge, the Londoner already has his sights set on a future opponent.
With determination coursing through his veins, Joyce is intent on earning his redemption against a legend.