London, UK - Joe Joyce is preparing for another comeback, and his potential opponent could be none other than his old Olympic rival, Tony Yoka. Promoter Frank Warren has confirmed Joyce’s return, which sets the stage for an interesting rematch with the Frenchman who controversially edged him out in the 2016 Rio Olympics super-heavyweight final.

Joyce's recent run has been anything but smooth. Following a Fight of the Year contender against Dereck Chisora at the O2 Arena in July, Joyce suffered a narrow defeat that left fans and pundits questioning his future in the sport. The loss marked Joyce's third defeat in his last four fights, a concerning statistic for a fighter once touted as a top title contender.

Two of those defeats were particularly brutal, coming at the hands of Chinese powerhouse Zhilei Zhang. Zhang handed Joyce consecutive stoppage losses, derailing any immediate hopes of a title shot and leaving him in desperate need of a resurgence. At 38, the question looming over Joyce is whether he still has the fire and ability to compete at the highest level.

Frank Warren, Joyce's long-time promoter, remains confident that the British heavyweight isn't done yet. Speaking to Boxing News, Warren confirmed that Queensberry Promotions would facilitate Joyce's comeback and hinted that the next fight could be a make-or-break moment in Joyce's career.

“Joe wants to fight back, so we will give him a go, I owe him that,” Warren said. “The next fight will be a defining moment for him.”

Warren’s belief in Joyce is clear, and he sees the upcoming fight with Yoka as a chance for the Juggernaut to prove he still belongs among the heavyweight elite. "The fight against Chisora was very close. The knockdown decided it on the cards, and both of them showed tremendous grit. I thought Joyce was going to win, but Chisora proved me wrong."

With the heavyweight division always in flux, Warren knows that Joyce needs to re-establish himself quickly if he hopes to get back into world title contention. A victory over a high-profile opponent could be exactly what Joyce needs to reignite his career.

Enter Tony Yoka. The 31-year-old Frenchman, a former Olympic gold medalist, has also experienced setbacks in his professional career. After losing three consecutive fights to Martin Bakole, Carlos Takam, and Ryad Merhy, Yoka found himself sliding down the heavyweight rankings. However, Yoka has since rebounded with two stoppage victories, including a recent win over Lamah Griggs in September.

With both fighters looking to climb back into contention, a Joyce-Yoka rematch seems like the perfect match. Their Olympic history only adds to the intrigue, as Joyce has long sought redemption for what many considered a controversial decision in Rio. For Joyce, the chance to avenge that loss could fuel his comeback, while for Yoka, a win would solidify his resurgence and place him back in the mix of top heavyweight contenders.

Warren confirmed that Yoka has been signed to Queensberry Promotions, making the rematch a real possibility. “We’ve just signed Tony Yoka, so there’s a fight there that will be made in the future,” he said, fueling speculation that this highly anticipated bout could happen sooner rather than later.

Before Joyce steps into the ring with Yoka, there is still the question of how he will return. Warren hinted at the possibility of a tune-up fight, but stressed that it would depend on the opposition available. “It depends who is there,” he said. “We will look around, look at the opposition, and try and find him a fight I think he can win against the best name. He’s not a baby, and he needs to re-establish himself.”

A low-key comeback fight could give Joyce the opportunity to rebuild his confidence and sharpen his skills before facing a high-stakes opponent like Yoka. However, time is not on Joyce's side, and every fight going forward will be critical for his future in the division.

Both Joyce and Yoka are eager to get back into the title picture, but the heavyweight division is more competitive than ever. With the likes of Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk, and Anthony Joshua dominating the top spots, it will take more than a few wins to break into the elite ranks.

However, both Joyce and Yoka possess the pedigree to make a statement. For Joyce, known for his relentless pressure and granite chin, a victory over Yoka could be the springboard he needs to get back into world title contention. For Yoka, the fight represents a chance to show the world that he is ready to fulfill the potential many saw in him after his Olympic triumph.

As Joe Joyce prepares to make his comeback, the potential rematch with Tony Yoka looms large. Both men have faced adversity in their careers, but they remain dangerous fighters in the division. Their shared history from the Rio Olympics only adds another layer of excitement to a fight that could have significant implications.