Former underage amateur star to turn pro

One of the most decorated Irish boxers to ever come through the underage ranks is to turn pro.

It has been confirmed that multi major international medallist John Joyce has elected to leave the amateur game and start punching for pay.

The St Michael’s Athy graduate is to link up with Scottish coach Billy Nelson for an assault on the pros.

The Moate middleweight is now 21 years of age and went on an incredible run at the start of the decade that left him as, arguably, the most successful Irish underage boxer ever.

With the headguard on, Joyce won nine national titles, European Schoolboys gold (2011) and bronze (2010), European Junior gold (2013), European Youth silver (2014) and bronze (2015). Indeed, the only year where he didn’t win available honours in Europe was 2012 when he was edged out in the quarter-finals of the Juniors by the eventual gold medallist.

As an Elite, Joyce found his progress blocked, losing in his two entries into the Irish Seniors by eventual champions Michael O’Reilly and Emmett Brennan.

Joyce will be joining the EngageBoxing stable in Airdrie, Scotland, alongside Congolese heavyweight Martin Bakole, Caldercruix super middle David Brophy, and Kelty featherweight Craig Morgan.

Details of Joyce’s debut will be confirmed shortly and stay tuned to Irish-Boxing.com for an ‘Introducing’ piece with the Westmeath youngster.

It’s been a busy week or so for boxers turning pro, with Tyrone feather Callum Bradley and Tallaght super feather Declan Kenna both making the switch with, at least, two more known to be on the way.

The move also means that there are now two John Joyces operating on the Irish pro scene, with the former amateur star joining his 7-0 Lucan welterweight namesake.

Photo Credit: Ricardo Guglielminotti – The Fighting Irish (@ThefIrish)