JOE JOYCE is out to prove that age is just a number – after Filip Hrgovic tried to put years on him.
Joyce returns on Saturday in Manchester in a make-or-break clash with his career on the line.
And he does so against Hrgovic – who was beaten by Joyce in a 2013 amateur bout.
The two go way back, but still the travelling Croatian still does not know how old his British rival is.
Hrgovic said: “Man’s, he’s 40 years old.”
But Joyce hit back: “Actually, 39. But near enough.”
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Hrgovic, 32, said with a smile: “Okay, I didn’t know. If he’s 39 then he’s young.
“I thought you were 40. But, look, he’s definitely not at the peak of his career and fighters get old and that’s just the reality.
“I’m seven years younger and I think it’s going to play a role in this fight.”
Hrgovic returns as a beaten fighter for the first time having been stopped in eight rounds by Daniel Dubois, 27, last June.
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Joyce meanwhile lost a punishing points decision to Derek Chisora, 41, a month later to leave his career in the balance.
But he looks to KO any retirement talk by getting back to winning ways against Hrgovic.
Joyce said: “It’s a good fight. It’s good to share the ring with Hrgovic again – we had a good scrap last time, 12 years ago.
“The same result is going to happen. I’m going to win and then get elevated back to the top of the sport.”
Hrgovic stepped in for Dillian Whyte, 36, who pulled out with an injured finger.
He said: “It was short notice. I had just a few weeks. But I was already in good shape. That is why I accepted this fight.
“I think it’s a good opportunity for me and this win will hopefully bring me back to the top.
“I’m looking forward to winning on Saturday, knocking him out, and getting back to the top. That’s the plan.”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
