Joyce Declines Title Fight

British boxer Joe Joyce (15-2, 14 KOs) has turned down a title fight that was offered against German Granite Shala (15-0, 5 KOs).

On the last day before the promotional bids were to be set, Joyce declined the fight. The bout was to contest for the EBU heavyweight title (over 90.7 kg), which became vacant after being relinquished by Agit Kabayel.

For Shala, this is not the first time a well-known opponent has declined a fight against him. Previously, another Briton, Daniel Dubois, had also declined a fight with him. The EBU will now appoint another opponent to face Granite.

It's worth noting that in 2023, Joyce fought twice – both times losing prematurely to Zhang Zhilei. Joe Joyce has a fight scheduled against Kash Ali on March 16.