Joe Joyce Backs Derek Chisora’s Decision To Continue Fighting

Joe Joyce would like to see Derek Chisora continue his fighting career after Saturday.

Joyce and Chisora are set to box in an intriguing matchup on Saturday. Entering the fight, Chisora has said he wants to continue to fighting, as he wants to reach 50 pro fights. Although some think Chisora should retire, Joyce believes Chisora should continue to box as he is still a top-ranked heavyweight.

“He’s had a lot of fights, but it’s his choice if he wants to fight. He wants to have a last couple of fights. It’s an option on the table so that’s what I’m going for. This is a sport with tough men, and he is very tough, and he’s said himself he’s got a couple more fights left, so I think he knows as well that it’s getting to that time to end,” Joyce said to BoxingScene. “The last fight, people were telling me I should retire, so it’s the same thing. We’re doing something that we like doing; it’s a career and a job that has its rewards, and this is what gives us the carrot on the end of the stick to fight on.

“It’s his decision at the end of the day. If he wants to – when he wants to – if he wants to retire or not, it’s up to him. He wants to fight; he’s fit enough and healthy enough to fight. You have to have a medical every year; you see the doctor before you get in the ring. If he’s pulled up on anything… there’s nothing prevented him from fighting, so it’s up to him at the end of the day. He’s a couple of years older than me. But he’s been in the sport since before I started boxing – he’s had a lot of wear and tear,” Joyce added.

Chisora is 34-13 as a pro and is coming off a decision win over Gerald Washington. And, entering their fight on Saturday, Joyce is expecting a wild fight for however long it lasts.

“It’ll be two very entertaining styles crashing in the middle,” Joyce continued. “He’s just Chisora, isn’t he? I’ve met him before – quite a few times – but he’s a funny character, isn’t he?”