Last night, the WBO International heavyweight title was on the line. Originally, it was supposed to feature an all-British showdown between Joe Joyce and Dillian Whyte, but due to an injury to the latter, it turned into an even tougher challenge for Joyce—facing off against Filip Hrgovic.
After high-profile wins over Dubois and Parker, Joyce had begun his ascent, which was quickly halted by back-to-back losses to Zhilei Zhang. Now, following another setback against Chisora, he sought redemption with this title opportunity.
Hrgovic, on the other hand, began his climb to the top of the heavyweight division with a win over Zhang, but was later defeated by Daniel Dubois.
Joyce stepped on the scale heavier than his opponent, weighing in at 124.7 kg compared to Hrgovic’s 113.6 kg. Confident in his chances, the Croatian had claimed he was ready to send the British fighter into retirement and re-enter the upper echelon of the division.
The Manchester event, organized by Queensberry Promotions, featured the usual electric crowd, naturally in favor of the hometown fighter.
The fight began with both boxers studying each other—though the punches were anything but cautious.
“El Animal” Hrgovic showed clear speed and precision advantages, landing a crisp left-right combo that immediately tested Joyce.
In round two, Joyce tried to respond to the Croatian’s explosive start, taking the round with body shots, though they didn’t appear to trouble Hrgovic much, who kept answering with his trademark powerful right hand.
In the third round, Joyce attempted to take the center of the ring, applying pressure, but Hrgovic’s combinations were quicker and he landed some heavy counters that Joyce absorbed.
Rounds four and five saw a determined Joyce push forward with body shots, but he continued to take hard punishment, even as Hrgovic slowed the pace and began waiting for his opponent along the ropes.
The sixth round was more balanced: Joyce applied pressure and finally seemed to take advantage of Hrgovic’s drop in pace, landing more precise and effective combinations.
Rounds seven and eight turned into open warfare—heavy shots from both sides with neither man holding back. It felt like a pivotal phase of the match.
In round nine, Hrgovic ramped up the aggression. He no longer waited—he launched massive shots, including his signature right hook, which Joyce somehow managed to absorb.
The final round was brutal—no punches spared. And in the end, it was Hrgovic who emerged victorious on the scorecards (92-93; 96-95; 98-92), a result that felt fair and well-earned.
The Croatian’s explosiveness and fight IQ won him the night, while Joyce—though slower—showed tremendous heart and gave his home crowd a spirited performance despite the loss. Notably, his granite chin earned him high praise, with Hrgovic himself calling it “made of steel” after the fight.
A thrilling bout that seems to dim Joyce’s hopes of another rise, while Hrgovic calls for a rematch with “Dynamite” Daniel Dubois.