Should Joyce vs Chisora Signal the End for Both Fighters?

Given that the heavyweight slugfest between British stars Joe Joyce and Derek Chisora saw both fighters supping in the last chance saloon, it’s no surprise that the ‘Juggernaut’ is facing calls to retire after slipping to a unanimous decision loss.

He was even felled by a jarring Chisora right hand in the ninth round, the type that Joyce has taken far too many of in recent bouts. 

However, Joyce suggested that he would be back despite suffering his third loss in four bouts, while Chisora also confirmed he was planning two more fights before retiring.

Of course, ‘Del Boy’ has seen numerous peaks and troughs during his career, and was being urged to call it a day after his last thumping at the hands of Tyson Fury. But is there an argument for both fighters to quit after their hard-hitting brawl at London’s O2 Arena?

Attack vs Counter Attack at the O2 Arena

There was plenty of attacking intent from Chisora in the capital, as he fought almost exclusively on the front foot and began landing crushing overhand rights from the outset.

Joyce was also countering effectively, however, as he remained firmly in range and used his heavy hands to have Chisora in trouble on several occasions.

Still, there was very little in the way of head movement or defence at the O2. Joyce was typically flat footed and methodical throughout, barely bothering to duck or slip Chisora’s constantly swinging right hand. Chisora has always been happy to take punches in order to power forward and land his own, safe in the knowledge that he lacks the technique or speed to fight effectively off the back foot. This fight was no exception at all.

As a result, both fighters shipped immense punishment in London. For Joyce, this was the third bout in four during which he was unable to avoid his opponent’s power punches, while Chisora’s entire career has arguably been built on see-saw brawls and innumerable wars.

Chisora Wins – But Should Both Fighters Retire?

It’s incredible to think that both fighters were still standing after 10 rounds, notwithstanding  Joyce being dropped for the second time in three bouts. However, Chisora ultimately got the decision to the delight of the crowd, winning by margins of 96-94, 96-94 and 97-92 on the judges’ scorecards.

However, the fight was also uncomfortable to watch at times, as both Joyce and Chisora plodded forward with little speed or sideways movement. This meant that both continued to block punches with their face for much of the bout, leaving their hands free to unload and swing for the fences.

This is nothing new for either fighter, of course, but there’s surely only so long this can be sustained. Chisora is now 40 years old and has engaged in several similar fights, notably against Dillian Whyte (twice), Carlos Takam and Gerald Washington.

Joyce will turn 39 in September, and took numerous punches from Daniel Dubois in victory before being battered for the best part of nine rounds during two defeats against Zhilei “Big Bang” Zhang. Whether you search for the latest poker bonus codes or prefer to engage in sports betting, you wouldn’t wager on the Juggernaut surviving too many more bouts of this type.

What’s inarguable is that both fighters are arguably finished at world level. However, Joyce has shown a more marked decline in his last four fights and may be closer to retiring than Chisora, who has largely maintained the same level for years now and can cite his victory over the Juggernaut as justification for continuing his career.