FILIP Hrgovic breathed fresh life into his career and possibly sent opponent Joe Joyce one step closer to the exit door in Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena this evening.
After 10 rounds of exciting heavyweight swinging, the Croatian emerged victorious by scores of 97-93 (Steve Gray), 96-95 (John Latham) and 98-92 (Ron Kearney). Hrgovic also picked up the WBO International heavyweight title.
The visitor started strongly, popping home right hands and left hooks. The right hand could barely miss as Joyce soaked them up repeatedly. Hrgovic’s shots behind the head were prevalent as usual and some clinching left him sporting a bad cut, not for the first time in his career.
Joyce’s stamina and resolve saw him grind a way back in the middle rounds. Hrgovic reaped the rewards of a training camp up at Big Bear, finding a second wind and some neat one-twos to keep Joyce at bay.
The Londoner will no doubt have a long think about where he goes next. The winner believes a title shot could be on the horizon and he has one opponent in mind.
“This guy beat Dubois and I beat him, so I want to rematch Daniel Dubois,” said Hrgovic.
“I came in on short notice; I wasn’t quite ready. I’m really happy to be back and look forward to big fights in the future. This guy is like steel, I couldn’t believe he took all the shots. He’s a tough guy, a beast, very strong.”
Hrgovic praised new trainer Abel Sanchez for the veteran’s coaching abilities. Hrgovic vowed to fulfill Sanchez’s dream of his first heavyweight champion.
On the other side of the ring, an understandably disappointed Joe Joyce said it was now 1-1, referencing their previous meeting in the WSB.
“We can do it again. Are you not entertained? He’s a great fighter,” laughed Joyce.
With four defeats in his last five, Frank Warren says his man needs to seriously think about his future. The promoter reckoned it was a closer fight than at least one of the judges’ scorecards suggested. Hrgovic’s record now reads 18-1 (14 KOs), while Joyce is a less flattering 16-4 (15 KOs).
