Joyce Joyce and Filip Hrgovic meet in an intriguing heavyweight contest in Manchester on Saturday night.
Joyce was due to take on British rival Dillian Whyte but the Bodysnatcher was forced to withdraw with a hand injury, although a clash with Hrgovic may arguably be more entertaining.
Both boxers competed at the 2012 Olympics in London, where Joyce won silver and Hrgovic bronze.
Joyce beat the Croatian as an amateur a year later and he will be aiming to get his professional career back on track in Manchester after losing three of his last four bouts.
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Joe Joyce v Filip Hrgovic betting tips
Juggernaut can reignite career
Joyce looked to be heading for a world title shot when dismantling Daniel Dubois, Carlos Takam, Christian Hammer and Joseph Parker after entering the paid ranks but the Juggernaut’s career has stalled in the last couple of years.
Whereas Dubois hasn’t looked back since he was stopped by Joyce in November 2020 and is now a world champion, things have gone in the opposite direction for the man from Putney.
Joyce suffered back-to-back defeats to Zhilei Zhang in 2023 before losing to Derek Chisora last year, so Saturday night’s clash with Hrgovic is a must-win for the Brit.
At his peak Joyce would win with something to spare, but there have to be major doubts about what heights the 39-year-old can now reach.
His defeats to Zhang and Chisora do not inspire confidence, but he was previously a top heavyweight with an excellent engine and work-rate so offers of 11/4 about Joyce beating Hrgovic perhaps do him a disservice.
Hrgovic is coming off a loss to Dubois and El Animal also has major questions to answer.
The 32-year-old has beaten Zhang, who proved such a thorny opponent for Joyce, but he was knocked to the canvas by Big Bang and was perhaps a touch fortunate to emerge victorious.
The Croatian heavyweight also failed to sparkle when taken the distance by Demsey McKean and there is very little substance to the 32-year-old’s record. Indeed, Hrgovic has struggled against most competent opponents he has faced.
Bettors need to weigh up whether or not Joyce is finished as a top heavyweight, but a bet on Hrgovic carries the same jeopardy and the Juggernaut has to be the value at the prices.
A bet on under 8.5 rounds could also prove profitable.
Joyce could end the fight before that mark if at his best but it also factors in the possibility that he is now a spent force at this level.
Hrgovic showed clear vulnerability to power when he was dropped by Zhang and battered by Dubois, while Joyce was twice stopped by Big Bang and knocked down by Chisora.
Joyce’s front-foot approach is the only weapon in his armoury and that is likely to lead to an early finish.
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