The fight took place on April 5 in Manchester, England.
On the night of April 6, a boxing evening was held at the Co-Op Live Arena in Manchester (England) from Frank Warren's promotional company Queensberry Promotions.
The main event was a heavyweight bout between Briton Joe Joyce (16–3, 15 KOs) and Croatian Filip Hrgovic (17–1, 14 KOs).
The Croatian took the center of the ring from the first seconds, moved well on his feet and harassed his opponent with single, accented blows. Joyce hid behind a block and tried to respond with counterattacks. In the second round, Hrgovic slowed down a bit – blood appeared on his face. The Briton made several dangerous attacks.
The initiative constantly changed hands – the boxers exchanged blows at long and medium distances. The fight was held at a low pace, but was spectacular and tense.
Towards the middle of the fight, 39-year-old Joyce gradually took over the initiative. He worked more as the first number, attacked more often. Hrgovic was pressed with his back to the ropes, shot back well, but at times stood in one place for too long and missed unnecessary blows.
In the final rounds, the boxers continued to exchange spectacular blows at close range. Both spared no effort, but due to fatigue, they missed a lot. The judges recorded the victory of Hrgovic. Joyce suffered his fourth defeat in his last five fights.
Filip Hrgovic (Croatia) – Joe Joyce (England) – UD 10 (98-92, 97-93, 96-94)