Joe Joyce answers retirement question after brutal defeat to Filip Hrgovic

Joe Joyce has insisted he will continue to fight in the wake of on Saturday night. It was the 39-year-old's fourth defeat in his last five bouts, casting doubt on his future.

Joyce has enjoyed an impressive career, holding the WBO interim heavyweight title from 2022 to 2023, as well as and gold in the 2014 . But his career now appears to be approaching its end.

'The Juggernaut' was once viewed as a champion in waiting, but losses to Zhilei Zhang (twice), Derek Chisora, and now Hrgovic have seen him slip down the rankings. Even promoter Frank Warren admitted it was now time for him to consider his future.

But while calls for his retirement are growing, Joyce himself is adamant he wants to continue on. The Englishman is ready to step back into the ring despite his latest disappointment in Manchester.

"Yeah, [I want to continue]. It’s tough. He’s [Hrgovic] a great fighter and he’s been doing it a long time. Are you not entertained?" Joyce told DAZN.

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Warren, who is Joyce's promoter, though is unsure the boxer should continue with his career. Instead, he urged the veteran to have a 'serious think' about his future following a glittering career.

"He has got to go and have a really serious think about his future, which is what he will do," added Warren. "He's been a brilliant servant to British , he is never in a boring fight and is tough as old boots.

"He did us proud in the Olympic Games, silver medallist and should have had the gold. Let him think about it."

Saturday's defeat was a bitter disappointment for Joyce. Hrgovic started fast in the opening round, landing several big right hands his opponent's chin, though the Brit was able to shrug the hits off.

The second round saw more of the same from Hrgovic, although Joyce enjoyed more success when he opened a nasty-looking cut above the Croatian's left eye. By round five, the pace was starting to get to Hrgovic.

Shipping right hands intermittently, the Croatian found himself trapped against the ropes, while Joyce poured on the pressure. Hrgovic was delivering the higher-quality punches though, even as Joyce kept up the volume.

In round eight, Hrgovic's knees buckled. But he continued to put up a stern fight and forced Joyce onto his heels in the closing rounds as he gained a second wind.

Both fighters were busy in the tenth and final round, with the bout left on a knife edge. Ultimately though, all three judges scored it 97-93, 96-95 and 98-92 in Hrgovic's favour.