Irish amateur sensation handed exciting debut date after teaming up with big promoter

Frank Warren and Queensbury Promotions have snapped up one of the most decorated underage amateurs in Irish history and handed him an exciting debut date.

Middleweight John Joyce surprised most when he confirmed he was ditching the vest just a month shy of the National Elite championships earlier this year.

Most believed the decorated amateur would stay for the Olympic cycle and push for a spot on the plane to Tokyo.

However the St Michael’s Athy graduate confirmed a  link up with Scottish coach Billy Nelson for an assault on the pros back in January.

Things went quiet on the Joyce front in recent months, but it was today confirmed the 21 year old has signed terms with Frank Warren and has been handed a debut date.

Joyce will punch for pay for the first time on June 16 on the BT Sports broadcast card topped by Josh Warrington and Kid Galahad IBF featherweight world title fight.

 

⭐️ JOHN JOYCE SIGNS UP FOR LEEDS DEBUT ⭐️

Irish Amateur standout @johnjoyce97 signs for Queensberry Promotions and will make his debut on the undercard of #WarringtonGalahad pic.twitter.com/wIkhw3DSj1

— Frank Warren (@frankwarren_tv) May 30, 2019

 

The signing is something of a coup for Warren, who also works directly with recent amateur success stories Caoimhin Agyarko and  Karol Długosz as well as Carl Frampton and Lewis Crocker.

The Moate middleweight 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.

As a pro Joyce has been working with the EngageBoxing stable in Airdrie, Scotland, alongside Congolese heavyweight Martin Bakole, Caldercruix super middle David Brophy, and Kelty featherweight Craig Morgan.

Speaking to Irish-boxing.com when he initially decided to turn over Joyce predicted a successful pro career.

“In the long term I believe I’m going tp be the best middleweight in the World and I believe I can beat anybody in the world when I’m 100%.

“But actions speaks louder than words so I have to go out there and prove it!”