Manchester, UK - In a dramatic shake-up to the April 5 boxing card at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena, Joe Joyce is now set to face Filip Hrgovic after Dillian Whyte withdrew due to injury. What was already an intriguing heavyweight event has now turned into an even more high-stakes clash, as two determined contenders look to stake their claim in a crowded division. With both fighters eager to reestablish themselves among the top heavyweights, Joyce vs. Hrgovic promises to deliver fireworks.

Dillian Whyte was originally scheduled to fight Joe Joyce, marking his return to major competition after a turbulent period that included a failed drug test in 2023, which led to the cancellation of his rematch with Anthony Joshua. However, with Whyte suffering a finger injury in training camp, the fight was called off—leaving Queensberry Promotions scrambling for a new opponent.

Instead of facing a lower-risk replacement, Joyce has opted for Filip Hrgovic, an even more dangerous test.

The Croatian Hrgovic 17-1 (15 KOs) has been one of the division’s most avoided fighters, with his only professional defeat coming against Daniel Dubois for the IBF heavyweight title. A former Olympian with a relentless style and knockout power, Hrgovic sees this as a golden opportunity to get back in the title mix.

Joe Joyce 16-3 (15 KOs) is in desperate need of a victory. Once seen as an unstoppable force in the division, "The Juggernaut" has had a rough stretch in the past year, suffering back-to-back losses to Zhilei Zhang before dropping a decision to Derek Chisora.

At 39 years old, Joyce knows time is running out, and a loss to Hrgovic would make it difficult to reclaim a place among the division’s top names. However, a win over an elite-level opponent could put him right back into title contention.

Joyce and Hrgovic have history. The two previously met in the amateurs in 2013, with Joyce winning a close split decision at London’s York Hall. More than a decade later, they finally meet again—this time, with much higher stakes.

Despite his talent, Filip Hrgovic has had trouble securing big fights. Many top contenders have steered clear of him, recognizing his difficult style and punching power.

The 32-year-old Croatian was long considered the IBF’s mandatory challenger, but his loss to Dubois delayed his path to a title shot. Now, with this short-notice fight against Joe Joyce, Hrgovic has the chance to make a statement and force his way back into the world title conversation.

For Joe Joyce, this fight is about survival—proving he still belongs at the top of the division. A win could put him back in line for some huge fights. A loss, however, would push him further down the rankings and raise questions about how much he has left in the tank.

For Filip Hrgovic, this is a chance to reclaim his momentum and remind the world why he was once considered the next big threat in the premier division. A decisive victory over Joyce would make it impossible for top contenders to ignore him.

With Whyte out, Joyce vs. Hrgovic is now one of the most exciting matchups of early 2025. Both men are hungry, both need a win, and neither is known for backing down.

Expect a brutal, high-paced battle, where Joyce’s relentless pressure and durability clash against Hrgovic’s power and precision. With the heavyweight division in flux, this fight could be a major turning point for both fighters.