Tony Bellew has compassionately urged Joe Joyce to call time on his career following a third defeat in his last four fights.
Bellew’s comments came after Joyce was dropped on route to a unanimous decision loss to the faded Derek Chisora at the 02 Arena last month, with the fight advertised as a “loser leaves town” match-up throughout the build-up.
The Chisora defeat came not long after ‘The Juggernaut’ sustained back-to-back stoppage defeats to Zhilei Zhang in 2023, with an unconvincing points win over Kash Ali his only victory since September 2022.
The Olympic silver medalist had dined out on his seemingly indestructible chin, however Bellew believes this has “gone.”
Speaking to Instant Casino, the former cruiserweight world champion pleaded for the Putney man to hang up the gloves.
“I’ve thought Joe Joyce has been done for a while. I don’t think he’ll ever recover from the Zhilei Zhang fight.
“Joe’s greatest asset is his durability. Joe’s greatest asset is his toughness and the way he takes punches, that’s gone.
“When you’re getting dropped in fights, it’s just time for him to stop because he’s so slow and so predictable.
“It’s just an accident waiting to happen. So I hope Joe walks away because I don’t want to see him get hurt. He’s a lovely man. A lovely, lovely fella.”
Despite of Bellew and others in the boxing world, Pro Boxing Fans understands that Joyce does in fact intend to carry on with his professional career.
However, at 38-years-old and with his punch resistance fast deserting him, it is difficult to imagine him having much success at the business end of the blue-riband division.
🇬🇧 Joe Joyce 🆚 Deontay Wilder 🇺🇸
🤔 Who would you put your money on? 💰#Boxing pic.twitter.com/ba38w1vW3L
— Pro Boxing Fans (@ProBoxingFans) July 4, 2022
If Joyce is to continue his career, a clash with Deontay Wilder has been floated, with the American also staring down the barrel of retirement after two one-sided defeats on the bounce.
