o Joyce finally returns to action against Christian Hammer in London on Saturday night.
Due to a serious wrist injury, it’s been almost a year since we last saw the ‘Juggernaut’ in a boxing ring, when he stopped endurance veteran Carlos Takam in six rounds at Wembley Arena last July.
Now undefeated Joyce, 13-0 as a pro with 12 knockouts, is back at the same venue for a reconciliation meeting with Hammer as he aims to send an emphatic message in the heavyweight division and successfully defend his WBC silver and WBO international titles in the process.
The 36-year-old has been unable to continue since his stunning surprise win over domestic rival Daniel Dubois in November 2020, although he was installed as the mandatory challenger to Oleksandr Usyk’s full WBO title.
If the winner of Usyk’s August rematch against Anthony Joshua doesn’t end in a massive and lucrative, undisputed showdown with Tyson Fury, then Joyce will likely demand to be front and center as the next title challenger.
A more high-profile match against Joseph Parker appeared to be in store for the 2016 Olympic silver medalist later this summer, only for the New Zealander to agree a promotional deal with BOXXER and Sky Sports.
Instead, it’s a much quieter event against Hammer, the Romanian-German who has nine defeats from 36 professional matches.
Hammer has already fought twice this year, losing a decision to Cuban star Frank Sanchez in January before knocking out Drazen Zanjanin in the first round in Berlin in May.
The 34-year-old is best known on these shores for defeats to the likes of Fury cousins Tyson and Hughie, while the seasoned campaigner also has wins over Danny Williams, Michael Sprott and David Price on his resume, as well as losses to Luis Ortiz. and Alexander Povetkin.
The former German and European champion will be a huge underdog in London this weekend.
Joyce is a huge favorite against Hammer, who has nine defeats on his professional record
† Action images via ReutersJoyce vs Hammer date, start time, location and ring walks
Joyce vs Hammer will take place on Saturday 2 July 2022 at Wembley Arena in north-west London.
The televised undercard starts at 7pm BST, with ring walks for the main event expected after 10.15pm.
As always, those timings are subject to change depending on the length of the undercard fights.
Joyce vs Hammer fight card/undercard complete
Joe Joyce vs. Christian Hammer
Jason Cunningham vs. Zolani Tete
Callum Johnson vs. Igor Mikhalkin
Nathan Heaney vs Nizar Trimech
Mark Chamberlain vs. Marc Vidal
Micky Burke vs. Serge Amomo
Henry Turner vs. Jakub Laskowski
Tommy Fletcher vs. Darryl Sharp
Arnold Obodai vs TBC
How to watch Joyce vs Hammer
TV channels: In the UK Joyce vs Hammer will be broadcast live on BT Sport 1, with coverage starting at 7pm.
live stream: Subscribers can also follow the action live online via the BT Sport website or app.
Joyce vs Hammer Battle Prediction
Joyce will be happy to make up for lost time after recovering from that wrist injury and announce his return in style.
He insists he could be a major threat to players like Usyk, Fury and Joshua, but he has sadly lost momentum since Dubois was upset.
Joyce turns 37 in September and can’t afford any more long delays, although those heavyweight titles could be stuck for a few more years.
An emphatic early win here against a vastly outmatched opponent seems an absolute must if he is to secure some high profile fights in the meantime.
Joyce wins by quick knockout.
It’s been almost a year since Joe Joyce defeated Carlos Takam at the Wembley Arena
† FATHERJoyce vs Hammer weighing results
Joyce tapped at 265.9 pounds on Friday. That’s heavier than Hammer, who weighed 263 pounds.
Joyce vs Hammer Bets
Joyce wins: 1/50
Hammer to win: 16/1
Draw: 33/1
Joyce by decision/technical decision: 4/1
Joyce by KO/TKO: 1/6
Hammer by decision/technical decision: 40/1
Hammer by KO/TKO: 25/1
Odds through Betfair (subject to change).