Introducing: John Joyce
John Joyce leaves the amateur game as one of the most decorated underage fighters in our nation’s history.
During his teenage years the Mullingar middleweight claimed five European medals and nine Irish titles but, with the Olympics just around the corner, he admits that he has fallen out of love with the amateur game.
Joyce feels he needs a fresh start, noting how boxing hasn’t been the same since the passing of his beloved father, John, back in 2016.
And so, the 21-year-old is turning professional and will relocate to Scotland as he clicks the reset button.
Joyce explained to Irish-Boxing.com how “I always wanted to go pro since I was a kid and I decided now is right time.”
“I lost my dad two-and-a-half years ago and, since he passed away, amateur boxing wasn’t the same for me.”
“He used to bring me all over country and push me hard, he was my right hand man and since he’s been gone my mind was never the same for amateur boxing again.”
“Now I want turn pro and do my dad proud, he always believed in me and I’m going to do my da proud in heaven now.”
Without knowing the reasons behind the move, the switch may have surprised some considring Joyce’s age and the upcomoing Tokyo Olympics.
The St Michael’s Athy graduate admits that “of course” he was tempted to stay in the vest but details how “I wasn’t happy as an amateur.”
“After the passing of my da I never had the right people behind me to push me.”
“Before he passed away my record speaks for itself, I’m a nine-time National Irish champion, five-time European medallist, double European Champion.”
“Now I’ve a good team behind me and I’m happy again and can’t wait get back in the ring.”
Joyce has linked up with veteran Scottish coach Billy Nelson, something of a left-field coming together, but a move to Airdrie could suit perfectly.
The Westmeath youngster described how “me and Billy has been following each other on Twitter a while now and I heard lots of good talk about him training Ricky Burns to become world champion so we just started talking one day.”
“We got on very well an I believe he the man gonna take me to the very top .”
While his intentions have been stated, Joyce’s move has not yet been finalised.
Everything is expected to be sorted soon and the strong southpaw wants to go about proving that he is something special.
Joyce outlined how “I’m just 21 years old and my plan is to get out there and make my name and let the World know what I’m about.”
“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!”
Photo Credit: Ricardo Guglielminotti – The Fighting Irish (@ThefIrish)
