Fight results

This is one of those fights where you simply can’t avoid fireworks, slugfests, and heavy punches. Aggressive heavyweights with serious power. Both have something to prove — right here, right now.

The most intriguing part is that both fighters prefer an aggressive approach. Joyce and Hrgović both love to pressure, to march forward, forcing their opponent to retreat under the weight of their punches and physical size. The key will be what tactics each man chooses for this fight. Trading punches may not be in their best interest — but neither of them is used to fighting off the back foot.

The age gap is significant. At 32, Hrgović is still in his prime for a heavyweight. Joyce, at 39, is entering the critical years of his career.

However, Joyce’s résumé is still the more interesting one. Just look at the names both fighters have shared the ring with.

Joyce has fought Zhilei Zhang (twice), Joseph Parker, Carlos Takam, Daniel Dubois, Bryant Jennings, Bermane Stiverne — and, if you wish, you can even add Aleksandr Ustinov to the list.

Hrgović’s most notable opponents include Dubois and Zhang. If you really want, you can mention Demsey McKean, Rydell Booker, and Eric Molina — but you'd have to want it very much.

Joyce is a consistently active fighter in the ring. His knockouts come from a mix of relentless pressure and an accumulation of punches across all levels. Eventually, his opponents simply wear down under the volume.

Hrgović, on the other hand, focuses his activity at the start. He doesn’t overwhelm with volume but looks to inflict maximum damage early. Few can withstand it — but it’s also important to note that his output usually decreases as the rounds go on. So, opponents who survive the first half of the fight tend to have a much better chance.

For Hrgović, this will be his first fight in the last ten months. His previous bout was against Daniel Dubois, where he suffered the first defeat of his career.

Joyce last fought in the summer — one month after Hrgović’s clash with Dubois. Joe faced Derek Chisora and failed to deliver as the favorite. He couldn’t impose his usual pressure, was knocked down, and lost by decision.

Hrgović probably hits harder with a single punch, despite having a lower knockout percentage.

However, Joyce is better at combining his power shots — two, three, four-punch combinations — and can maintain that pace longer.

Joe can also land a fight-ending shot. But more often than not, his victories are a result of systematically breaking down opponents with pressure and volume.

An interesting point, because not long ago Joyce was regarded as having the most durable chin in the heavyweight division. Then Zhang knocked him out twice, and the aura disappeared. After that, Joe looked uncomfortable taking shots from Ali, and went down against Chisora.

Hrgović isn’t made of granite either. He went 12 rounds with Zhang but was knocked down. Dubois broke him down with volume and frequency.

It seems that Joyce’s chin has become a weaker link. But in the heavyweight division, that can change in a single moment.

For Joyce, this will be his second fight in Manchester. The first was in 2022 — he stopped Joseph Parker there. A return to a successful venue, with British fans who still love Joe.

For Hrgović, this will be his first fight in Manchester and his second ever in the UK. His first was in 2023, when he earned a hard-fought stoppage win over Demsey McKean.

For both, this fight is a test and a crucial challenge. Joyce knows another loss will permanently label him as a gatekeeper — at this age, after these recent setbacks. Yet he insists he’s convinced he’ll still get bigger fights and that this is not the end.

Joe also had to adjust plans — originally, he was supposed to face Dillian Whyte. Whyte suffered a finger injury in camp and couldn’t make the fight. Dillian is just as much a power puncher as Hrgović, but the size and age are entirely different.

Hrgović disappeared after the loss to Dubois. He went quiet, avoided media, and made no noise. But ahead of this fight, he explained everything — claiming he lost to Dubois because of illness.

This time, he needs to prove those words true. To show he’s ready to give it his all and box smart.

At 32, Filip has plenty of time left in the heavyweight division. But two consecutive defeats could seriously damage his reputation.