Former Commonwealth champion Delicious Orie has shared his thoughts on Joe Joyce’s future following the heavyweight’s latest defeat, suggesting that the veteran boxer may have continued his career longer than he should have. Joyce, now 40, enjoyed an outstanding amateur career that included Commonwealth gold and Olympic silver before becoming a successful professional, winning his first 15 bouts against notable opponents such as Daniel Dubois, Joseph Parker and Carlos Takam. However, his recent form has declined significantly, with five defeats in his last six contests, including knockout losses to Zhilei Zhang, points defeats to Derek Chisora and Filip Hrgovic, and a stoppage loss to Artem Suslenkov. Speaking to The Independent, Orie praised Joyce’s achievements but admitted that, if he were in the same position, he would have retired around six years earlier. He stressed that Joyce’s performances have visibly slowed and raised concerns about the long-term health risks associated with continuing to compete at the highest level. Nevertheless, Orie avoided directly telling Joyce to retire, arguing that the decision must come from the fighter’s own motivation and sense of purpose rather than outside criticism. Reflecting on his own decision to retire from professional boxing after only one fight, Orie explained that athletes must honestly assess whether they are still willing to make the sacrifices required to compete. He also acknowledged that leaving the sport can be emotionally difficult because boxing often becomes a core part of an athlete’s identity. Ultimately, Orie concluded that Joyce should continue only if his passion for boxing remains genuine, emphasising that personal fulfilment and intrinsic motivation should outweigh public opinion.

#JoeJoyce built his reputation on absorbing punishment that would have finished almost any other ... read more Joe Joyce’s Toughness Finally Runs Out As #ArtemSuslenkov Stops Him In Moscow @ Boxing News 24/7

#JoeJoyce built his reputation on absorbing punishment that would have finished almost any other ... read more Joe Joyce’s Toughness Finally Runs Out As #ArtemSuslenkov Stops Him In Moscow @ Boxing News 24/7

#JoeJoyce’s hopes of landing one final world title opportunity have taken a major hit ... read more Joe Joyce denied late world title opportunity in Moscow @ Boxing News 24/7

#JoeJoyce’s hopes of landing one final world title opportunity have taken a major hit ... read more Joe Joyce denied late world title opportunity in Moscow @ Boxing News 24/7

#JoeJoyce’s career could receive an unexpected lifeline after reports that he is the leading ... read more Joe Joyce could land unlikely WBA heavyweight title shot after #TonyYoka injury @ Boxing News 24/7

#JoeJoyce’s career could receive an unexpected lifeline after reports that he is the leading ... read more Joe Joyce could land unlikely WBA heavyweight title shot after #TonyYoka injury @ Boxing News 24/7

#JoeJoyce has not given up on the idea of a rematch with WBO heavyweight ... read more Joe Joyce Risks It All In Moscow: The Desperate Chase For A Dubois Rematch @ Boxing News 24/7

#JoeJoyce has not given up on the idea of a rematch with WBO heavyweight ... read more Joe Joyce Risks It All In Moscow: The Desperate Chase For A Dubois Rematch @ Boxing News 24/7

#JoeJoyce will return to the ring on July 11 when he faces unbeaten heavyweight ... read more Joe Joyce Returns Against Unbeaten #ArtemSuslenkov On July 11 @ Boxing News 24/7

#JoeJoyce will return to the ring on July 11 when he faces unbeaten heavyweight ... read more Joe Joyce Returns Against Unbeaten #ArtemSuslenkov On July 11 @ Boxing News 24/7

The Bristol-born second row joined Connacht in October 2023.

Joe Joyce to leave Connacht for Gloucester at the end of the season  The Irish Times

#TonyYoka Eyes #JoeJoyce Rematch Nearly a Decade After Olympics @ Boxing News 24/7

#TonyYoka Eyes #JoeJoyce Rematch Nearly a Decade After Olympics @ Boxing News 24/7

Connacht lock Joe Joyce is enjoying life under new head coach Stuart Lancaster and says although team meetings are longer he's learning more about rugby at the ripe old age of 31.

YouTube video by Boxing Studs

World Boxing News examines a damaging defeat for British heavyweight Joe Joyce, which resulted in a defiant ‘no’ on retirement. It’s no secret that Joe Joyce has a granite chin that absorbs punches at will, despite being stopped twice during his career. But the amount landed flush on the Olympic silver medalist’s jaw against Croatian… 

YouTube video by Boxing Studs