Johnny Nelson Worried Joe Joyce Will Regret Fighting Too Long

“I think Joe Joyce, again unfortunately with age you get wisdom,” said Johnny Nelson on talkSPORT Boxing. “He’s going to regret it when he’s 40 years old, 45, 50 years old and he can’t remember where he put his shoes, and he has all the after-effects of boxing far too long. You’ll hear it in his speech. Listen to how he talks now.

“Fighters sell their soul to the devil and say, ‘I don’t care what it costs, I’m going in.’ He’s not thinking about his health. He’s not thinking about tomorrow because he’s in that mindset where he’s willing to put everything on the line.”

The discussion came as Joyce prepares for another comeback after losing four of his last six fights. Once viewed as one of the heavyweight division’s most dangerous contenders, the former Olympic silver medalist has struggled since consecutive knockout defeats to Zhilei Zhang in 2023. He later lost decisions to Derek Chisora and Filip Hrgovic, with his only victories during that stretch coming against Kash Ali and Patrick Korte.

Nelson also questioned Joyce’s long-term plans, suggesting the veteran no longer appears to be treating each fight as a final payday.

“If you’re willing to have that one, then that one, then it tells me his mindset is, ‘I’m in this for the long haul again,’” Nelson said. “I’d rather not see him fight because I care about his health in the future, and I can see signs already.”

Joyce’s public workout earlier this week also drew criticism after videos circulated online showing him performing slow cartwheels and moving noticeably sluggishly during open media sessions, adding to concerns surrounding his condition heading into Saturday’s bout.

A victory over Suslenkov would keep Joyce relevant in the heavyweight division, but another defeat would almost certainly intensify calls for the Londoner to consider retirement.