Joe Joyce has dismissed suggestions that he should retire, as he prepares to make his comeback against Filip Hrgovic next month.
Joyce faces former amateur rival Hrgovic in a must-win showdown at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester on April 5, live on DAZN.
‘The Juggernaut’ has won one of his last four contests and is coming off a bruising decision loss to Derek Chisora last July, after being dropped in the ninth round.
Some have called for the 39-year-old to hang up his gloves, but the Putney man believes a victory over the Croatian, who has top 10 rankings in three of the four governing bodies, can lead him back into world title contention.
“It’s great for the fans,” Joyce told BoxNation.
“He’s got something to offer me, where he is in the rankings and stuff, so it’s a good test to get me back in the mix as well.
“Beating him will definitely springboard me.
“There’s no point writing someone off or telling them to retire, because I’m still active and I’m coming back.
“I’m getting back to the top.”
The ‘Juggernaut’ was scheduled to face Dillian Whyte, but the Brixton man was ruled out with a finger injury.
Hrgovic is looking to bounce back himself after an eighth round stoppage defeat to Daniel Dubois last June.
And Joyce, who beat the 32-year-old in the World Series of Boxing [WSB] in 2013 by split decision, insists he has no concerns over the late change of opponent.
“I’m familiar with Hrgovic obviously from the WSB experience and seeing him through the amateurs,” he added.
“He’s a tough fighter.
“It’s a nice replacement to keep the card strong.
“Out of the other choices, it has to be a good level to headline that fight, so I’ve made the adjustments with my team and I’m going to come in strong and beat him.”
