Filip Hrgovic offered an unusual assessment of Joe Joyce’s fighting style ahead of their heavyweight showdown this Saturday at Manchester’s Co-op Live, likening the British contender to “fog” in terms of speed.
“He’s slow like fog,” Hrgovic said. “I don’t know how he’s going to knock me out. But, look, we’ll see on Saturday. He’s a good fighter, a brave man, and I am as well.”
Joyce laughed off the comparison, reminding Hrgovic that they had previously met in the amateurs. He also noted that neither fighter is known for lightning-quick movement, adding, “I think it’s going to be a great fight, and I look forward to knocking him out on Saturday night.”
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Both boxers referenced age and wear-and-tear in their exchange, with Joyce pointing out that Hrgovic has fought through his own setbacks. The Croatian previously suffered an eighth-round stoppage to Daniel Dubois last June, causing a 10-month break from the ring. This weekend’s bout against Joyce came on short notice following Dillian Whyte’s withdrawal, but Hrgovic said he seized the opportunity, believing victory could restore him to the upper tier of the heavyweight division.
Joyce, meanwhile, faces mounting pressure after dropping three of his last four contests. He insists a win over Hrgovic can lift him back into contention, even with his 40th birthday approaching in September. The stakes are similarly high for Hrgovic, who seeks to rebound and prove he remains a future force in the weight class. Both men agree that a loss on Saturday would put their ambitions on hold - making an explosive encounter all the more likely.
Get to know more about Joyce here.
Image Credit: Queensberry Promotions