Is Juggernaut Joe Joyce really OK ?

British Heavyweight Joe Joyce's responses in recent interviews seem to show that he struggles to articulate himself which is a concern especially in light of his career as getting hit in the head is a risky proposition for even the healthiest of athletes.
What's your view, are we right to be concerned for Joe's well-being?
#boxing
#ctetexam
#heavyweightboxer
#boxer
#Joe Joyce
#CanadasBoxingChannel

[@h.i.m3646]

Joyce is suffering from CTE. How they let this nice young man climb through the ropes again is a disgrace. There has been a problem for some time now, it's not a surprise after all of the abuse he's taken over the years, the guy has 'net-zero' defence.

[@CanadasBoxingChannel]

Absolutely. I don't think promoters, managers care any more in 2025 than they did in 1955. 😢

[@garygraham2934]

​@CanadasBoxingChannel Sad, he should retire. Interesting you say that, I got banned in Australia 50 years ago. My speech was shocking for 12 months, words would come out wrong, I would go blank. I was told by a Melbourne specialist I probably had CTE 'We can't tell until you are dead"! I was very lucky, I came 'good' after a year. I think Joyce, Chisora & Whyte should all retire but they love it and it pays the bills. 😮😢

[@h.i.m3646]

@@garygraham2934 The fighters brain scans should show the CTE. Thousands of NFL players have sued the NFL for lack of 'duty of care'. There must be a clause in the contracts of the fighters which waives their rights to claim against injury? In today's world I'm amazed that the legal profession haven't jumped into this. I love boxing but it is a barbaric sport and one can argue that the individuals have the right to fight against others if they choose. I would NOT ban box either. Comments sir?

[@garygraham2934]

​@h.i.m3646 Things have obviously progressed a long way in 50 years. I had 4 brain scans all told and had bruising and swelling of the brain but no bleeding. As i said, i came good after 12 months. I still love boxing, i am a huge fan of Jai Opetaia, I want him to become undisputed and eventually fight Canada's Ryan Rozicki if Rozicki wins the WBC version. I am well educated and the specialist who told me I probably had CTE was very anti boxing and thought I was crazy but the bottom line, no one makes you get in there.

[@garygraham2934]

​@h.i.m3646 Thanks for the reply, I typed you out a lengthy reply and it hasn't come up yet! It has gone 2 am here and I'm going to bed! If it isn't there in the morning, I shall re-type it. I also just saw on The Ring that Mexico's Luis Alberto Lopez is coming back after having similar problems and now denying he had a brain bleed. This after Ireland's John Cooney tragically died last week.

[@ribbster123]

yup getting worse 100% should stay out the ring because he has no defence.

[@CanadasBoxingChannel]

@@ribbster123 I agree. I hate the thought of anyone carrying on like this

[@davidmustaine2921]

what do you mean, hes very good at blocking punches with his face. 🤣

[@BarryGourlay]

Didn't realise he's 39. Comes across genuine good lad hope he's ok.

[@joestuttard1495]

It's so sad. He was so close to the promised land where as a heavyweight he could make millions. Regardless, he should stay out the ring and avoid head trauma generally. Money and glory are no good if you can't function properly because you sustained too much damage

[@CanadasBoxingChannel]

@joestuttard1495 absolutely- we're on the same page!

[@TheDreamer1980]

@@joestuttard1495 just the fact he still thinks he's a top draw and in the mix is telling, I would be surprised if he wins another fight

[@94462]

His eyes 👀 look phased out, eerily like Muhammad Ali later on in his life

[@CanadasBoxingChannel]

@94462 that's a really good observation. We all remember Ali and yes it's eerily similar!

[@thunderzproductions5474]

joe joyce is a good man. i wish him the best in health and healing and hope he can make some cash and start a business away from boxing. its a tough sport and not using good defense will take alot out of you.

[@CanadasBoxingChannel]

@thunderzproductions5474 yes, we're in agreement. I'm pleased to see people sharing the view that his health is so much more important than anything he can make boxing. I'd hate to see him end up like so many have done in the past. Let's hope he has family and friends who truly care for him.

[@JD-re3cj]

Fair points to make. He’s aged a lot since the zhang fights.

[@CanadasBoxingChannel]

Great comment - he's aged 10 years in the space of a couple hasn't he.

[@wildrosesfortheexit]

Thank you for making this video I love Joe he is such a genuinely lovely man and I don’t want him to get any worse

[@CanadasBoxingChannel]

@wildrosesfortheexit you are most welcome. I feel exactly as you do, and while I'm just an old retired guy playing with KZbin who can't influence anyone, I'm really pleased to see people agreeing with us and not wanting to see Joe suffer more. Thank you for commenting! Cheers, Bob.

[@davy0466]

Joe hung around in the amateurs too long imho. His defence was usually his face , where are his advisors?? & If the current medicals are not picking up/testing for these things & allowing fighters to continue (Chisora) then it really needs shaking up!

[@CanadasBoxingChannel]

It's very much like Frazier Clarke staying in the amateurs too long imo. Joe relied upon that skull of his to take hits - never a sound idea if you ask me. We've seen too many times that there are people around fighters whose concern for fighters well-being is outweighed by the dollar bill or pound note haven't we. It's very sad.

[@thunderzproductions5474]

true i never understood why heavyweights stay in the amateur's for a long time. your taking hundred or thousands of punches for free . just be like mike Tyson or Larry holmes or foreman . do like 20-50 fights tops and go pro. might as well get paid while taking punches and build a pro record.

[@CanadasBoxingChannel]

@thunderzproductions5474 100%

[@MrAtomicBulldog]

As far back as 2019 I was concerned for Joyce. He eats flush power shots and since 2022 I've been waiting for the wheels to suddenly come off. And they have. I'm worried for Joe. He is a fantastic guy. But where will he be at 50?

[@CanadasBoxingChannel]

We're of the same view, I decided to make this video out of the real concern that I'm pleased to say many of us share. No one wants to see him prematurely end up a shuffling shadow of the athlete he once was

[@Stuart-r9f]

He went to Elliott school same as me and my friends and believe me we all came out of that place a bit slower

[@johnmattock1]

Joe Joyce was on a podcast about a year ago and he seemed very unconfident in speaking on camera. He had a person with him to help with the conversation, I thought he seemed a bit punchy too and I felt sympathy for him at the same time. He seems like a good man and I hope the team around him looks after him in the future.

[@CanadasBoxingChannel]

I'd like to think his team has his best interests at heart. Human nature is what it is, tho and $$ tends to override other interests more often than it should.

[@Chris-w2p6j]

I agree with you, its as obvious as sunlight that Joe has been having difficulty for many months now. Also i see similar concerning traits in Connor Benn and everyone acting like they cant see it for some reason.liked the video thanks mate

[@CanadasBoxingChannel]

@Chris-w2p6j thank you. I really appreciate you taking the time to comment, cheers 🍻

[@robsmith2324]

I agree when I listened to him I was concerned for jo he seemed to have had decline in his articulation 🙏🏿

[@amirpedram2266]

It's so sad to see. He should have never fought Zhang. If he wants to continue fighting he should fight people like Wallin where there is little jeopardy. If he fights the likes of Dillian Whyte who swing kitchen sinks at him it's a suicide

[@CanadasBoxingChannel]

@amirpedram2266 yes, 100%. Wallin would be a match for him but truly if I was his advisor I'd be pleading for him to quit - there's nothing good that can come out of him fighting anymore

[@nathansimons1054]

I mean let's not forget Joyce was a big favorite for that first fight and everyone expected him to win. It was a stay busy fight gone wrong I wouldn't say he never should have fought him. I saw no boxing expert or channel predict that Zhang would win that first fight

[@CanadasBoxingChannel]

@nathansimons1054 you're right, it's the rematch i think he should have paused on. His style/strategy was tailored for Zhang. It's amazing to think that before the first Zhang fight how very highly regarded Joe was isn't it.

[@amirpedram2266]

@@nathansimons1054 I'm by no means a boxing expert, but in hindsight with that little head movement and Zhang's power it was only gonna end badly for Joyce.

[@CanadasBoxingChannel]

@amirpedram2266 i think you're right. It seems the consensus that leading with a stationary head has to be a bad idea - i think, like someone else said he got carried away with the whole "juggernaut" concept. Poor guy.

[@paulhelsby]

he's always struggled for words. its a nervous thing infront of the camera. go back and see his interviews 10 years back... same.

[@CanadasBoxingChannel]

@paulhelsby let's hope you're right and that's the case. I'd really like him to be 100% ok, he's such a decent guy.

[@ringstinga]

No !! Both these men are already slurring his words and have long term damage ! But the problem is money and the greed from their promotors and the men themselves !

[@CanadasBoxingChannel]

@@ringstinga yep, there's something about "the love of money" isn't there

[@AstroZombie1138]

I thought he might have retired after he had that freeze moment a while back. I think he has forgotten how good Dillian Whyte can be.

[@simonbirtles8981]

Agreed mate, I fear for him

[@CanadasBoxingChannel]

@@AstroZombie1138 100%, well said

[@richardmurphy8350]

Whyte is terrible now. Did you see him against tetteh and hammer?

[@CanadasBoxingChannel]

@richardmurphy8350 yes, appalling. Hard to imagine how far he's fallen

[@AstroZombie1138]

I will give him the benefit of the doubt and say some of it is ring rust but he still won every round against Tetteh whereas the Hammer fight never really got going. I still saw some of the old Whyte in there and he can only take it one fight at a time.

[@pulktheband9106]

Yes i have noticed he seems slow and puch drunk😢

[@davidmustaine2921]

his greatest wins were over Dubois and Parker cause look how those 2 came back from their losses, really came undone against Zhang and got found wanting, was matter of time when he came up against a Big Puncher he'd be face floor on the canvas given how lackluster his defense and how slow he is and now father time, bought into his own hype that he had a chin of steel. one of his more recent entrances he used Terminator theme I think that was before the Zhang fights but I mean that says it all.

[@CanadasBoxingChannel]

@@davidmustaine2921 excellent comment! Cheers 🍻

[@sully8317]

when he came on to the scene people in comments noticed he sounded punch drunk at that time.

[@CanadasBoxingChannel]

@sully8317 maybe it's just the way he is- let's hope so and not something more worrying

[@sully8317]

@@CanadasBoxingChannel I dont know, he did have the huge scar around his eye when he turned pro so the damage could have been prior and because of the level of competition increase has escalated it. Tbh though he needs his licence took from him imo.

[@CanadasBoxingChannel]

@sully8317 i saw that scar but, like you , couldn't be certain of when that occurred. I think - and not just with him - that some really serious medical people need to look into whether or not some of these older fighters who appear to have speech issues should be retired. No one wants to see another Ali or Norton or Hearns or, there's a long list of fighters who have been permanently damaged.

[@sully8317]

@@CanadasBoxingChannel 100% agree

[@FraserSummers]

He's always been a bit stuttery,not seen much of him recently tho so not sure if it's any worse,he could just be an anxious big guy

[@CanadasBoxingChannel]

@@FraserSummers let's hope you're right but I think it might be more than nerves.

[@richardmurphy8350]

I was wondering this so i watched a few of his old interviews last night, one from after the Lewisham fight and a couple from 3-4 years ago. He was very similar then, the older interviews were preplanned so he had more to say but lots of err umm pauses etc.

[@CanadasBoxingChannel]

@@richardmurphy8350 let's hope that what we are seeing is just that. Fingers crossed 🤞

[@mattsmith9656]

He’s been talking like this for years, he’s defiantly on the spectrum

[@CanadasBoxingChannel]

I don't know enough to say anything about being on the spectrum - you might be right. I'm worried about damage from being hit in the head and it getting worse the longer he goes on.

[@wormsnake1]

The guy has taken too many punches to the head. He is as notorious for “taking a shot” as he is for”giving one”. His diction and speak rhythms are worrying. It’s disgusting how these promoters still want to make a dime at the expense of the boxers health and life. Joyce seems like an old school gentleman and an all round good guy. There is the same blatant issue with Derek Chisora. The man has clearly had too many bouts and yet hey still wheel him out. I understand it’s blood sport and ruthless but there should also be restrain and care when it’s evidently needed. I hope Joe and those who represent him have no future regrets. Respect for commentating on what is a pink elephant in the room.x

[@CanadasBoxingChannel]

@wormsnake1 thanks for the comment - really appreciate your taking the time to do so. It's really sad that promoters etc seem to just milk fighters who are, at the end, just discarded.

[@hywelmurray]

One of the nicest guys in boxing. Not sure that he fighting Whyte though , isn’t he on a drugs ban ?

[@CanadasBoxingChannel]

@@hywelmurray I thought Whyte couldn't get a license in the UK - not sure what's up with that. Two failed tests iirc.

[@riverdean7]

ive only seen 1 video of joyce freezing, that famous clip that went around after the dubous joshua fight

[@mikemccarthy1398]

Sadly Joe was proud of his granite chin and he has taken some really heavy blows over the years, i really noticed it when he took some massive blows from Joe Parker even though he won the fight. I totally agree he seems to have long pauses and a few times he has asked what was the question again during interviews, not looking good for him long term

[@simonfives4366]

I think he’s always been pretty inarticulate to fair at least from what I’ve seen

[@CanadasBoxingChannel]

Let's hope you're right. I fear it might not be the case though. I think we all want the best for him.

[@thejroostheory7831]

I was always hoping Joyce would be ok. His style isn't one for long gevity.

[@CanadasBoxingChannel]

I hear you; he seems one of the nicest fellows in the sport doesn't he. If he'd only learned better defence and head movement he would've been far better off imo. The rematch with Zhang was such a bad mistake. I really hope he doesn't take more punishment.

[@thunderzproductions5474]

@@thejroostheory7831 salute j roos

[@kevinallen4052]

The trouble with Joe he has no defensive skills, he always comes across as such a good bloke and I would rather he packed in boxing than get really hurt. God bless him.

[@andrew4274-q4m]

He may have had a few beers at the event?

[@seanoxborough5830]

Always been slow now it's his brain, ,

[@CanadasBoxingChannel]

Sadly, that's right.

[@goatlps]

He made his pro career out of fighting with his face - being very easy to hit, but having a great chin. But after beating Dubois (no, Dubois didn't quit, as deluded Dunning Kruger casuals said - his cheekbone was broken), and getting caught clean with big punches, he's lost fights because he no longer has good punch resistance. Taking clean shots, and losing punch resistance, both suggest brain damage. I thought CTE could only be diagnosed by a post mortem, maybe that's changed - the boxing scans that end careers are obvious 'shadows' on the scan. He should definitely retire - he got £500k vs Zhang, at the expense of his health already, so needs to make that last him. I just watched an interview with him - he talked like someone who's very high on skunk weed, where you forget what you're talking about and start talking gibberish, and it's very embarrassing, so in the end you just stop talking, hence 'freeze'. His speech also reminded me of Ali when he retired.

[@CanadasBoxingChannel]

@goatlps yes, 100%. I am hoping his advisors can get thru to him but they have likely a $ interest in seeing him continue 🥲

[@murraysands1468]

Definitely cognitive decline, unfortunately Joe believes he really is a Juggernaut and has no defense took too many huge punches in the head. Definitely a worry.

[@shaunleonard8146]

Yeah! love Joe, BUT HE'S DONE

[@CanadasBoxingChannel]

Yep, he does appear to be one of the good guys. I hope he can see the wisdom in retiring; the comments here all express the same sentiment don't they.

[@shaunleonard8146]

Yes Mate.

[@TheDreamer1980]

Def a decline in joyce , an interview i saw not long ago it almost felt like seeing someone after a bad accident whos not quite the same ..

[@CanadasBoxingChannel]

@@TheDreamer1980 yep, it's the same as watching an older person search thru the brain box to recall a name ( a feeling i know all too well these days darn it ! )

[@1959DG]

Joyce took more than 1,800 punches to the head just in the last 3 fights. He will sound like a Tommy Hearns in less than 5 years even if he retires the end of this year. 👨‍⚕️

[@CanadasBoxingChannel]

I fear you're right. God only knows how he will be at my age. 😪

[@FreddyTheDemonuk]

he got caught up with the Juggernaut name and chin of steel, you may be able to walk through punches for a while, but when you main attribute is taking a good punch to the chin its not going to end well, was never know for the gift of the gab, but without a doubt he has brain damage

[@CanadasBoxingChannel]

@FreddyTheDemonuk yep, good comment - reliance on your head to absorb blows is always going to be one of those "self-correcting errors" isn't it.

[@lv2465]

He should retire, because he cannot change the style in which he fights. It's not entertaining watching him or any boxer getting blasted in the face relentlessly. The man has zero reaction or defence. I truly wish JJ well as I'm sure he's a nice chap on the street.

[@CanadasBoxingChannel]

That's the way I see it. Cheers 🍻

[@stevensimpson6711]

He's stoned out of his brains 😂

[@clancyyoung9994]

Joyce should retire. I’ve noticed the same. He’s a talented painter and artist. He should retire from boxing.

[@CanadasBoxingChannel]

@clancyyoung9994 Absolutely! As I've gotten older, I appreciate health far, far more than wealth.

[@clancyyoung9994]

@@CanadasBoxingChannel Joe has built a brand in boxing. I'd like to see sell prints of his Ali painting for example. He won't hurt for money at all and maintain his health. He's still a very young man at 40.

[@CanadasBoxingChannel]

Yes, for sure, I'm certain there's a market for his art - I'd buy a print for my den and I'm sure there's hundreds or thousands of fans who'd do likewise. I'll tell you this; it's better to be short of a few bucks (or a few Bob if you prefer) than to have tons of cash and be in poor health.

[@paoloalcantara2465]

Symptoms of cte?

[@CanadasBoxingChannel]

@paoloalcantara2465 I'm not a doctor but it looks like some cognitive decline doesn't it. Certainly worrying.

[@GaryWogan]

Joe Joyce should keep out ring I think he is done in boxing when he talks he very slow worse then he was before

[@CanadasBoxingChannel]

100% better to be safe than very sorry down the road

[@stephenlamley541]

What happens when you have awful head movement or near nome in joes case can't keep getting conclusive blows without damage. I'm 44 and talking from experience I have literal brain damage some from a stroke some from blows mainly the ground, I'm a ex addict I've hit the ground lots. Mind you I've been so lucky I'll take my lot. Its fair. I worry about cte. Its great being durable I've never gone out from any blow but you pay a price.

[@CanadasBoxingChannel]

Wow, thanks for sharing your comment, and yes, as you well know, brain damage isn't any think to joke about is it. I hope you're doing OK and well done on getting over addiction - something to be very proud of! Cheers 🍻

[@stephenlamley541]

@CanadasBoxingChannel I think I have the beginnings of it from smashing my head off gve ground off my head yeah cheers life is great again, my damage aside. No i wouldn't joke about it, for obvious reasons. Its shitty. Should have been a boxer I'd be Joyce punch resistant af the ground hasn't defeated me, been flashed once never gone out.

[@gurdialsinghbal]

Why has Canada a boxing channel, none of the other 50 states has their own channel?!? Ps obviously there's no point in listening to this channel for boxing expertise as Joyce has always been like that, it's very well known!!!

[@CanadasBoxingChannel]

Well, I hope you're right, but a lot of folks also think there's been a decline. Fyi, Canada isn't part of the 50 state USA. Cheers and appreciate all comments!

[@gurdialsinghbal]

@@CanadasBoxingChannel I saw some of the others agreeing, way off the mark, if anything he has improved from a few years back, believe it or not. I know Canada is not part of the 50, being the 51st, that's why I said the other 50. I also was confident you would welcome al messages (hearts and likes thrown out like confetti), to trigger a response from your algorithmic ally - all about the bunce as we say in London.

[@CanadasBoxingChannel]

@gurdialsinghbal lol, I'm not monetized and likely never will be my friend, just a guy who likes talking boxing and you're right- I do welcome all comments whether we agree or not; the world would be a bit boring if we all saw things the same way wouldn't it and your opinion is just as valid as anyone's. Hopefully, you'll stick around - maybe you'll find something you like, but regardless, your comments will always be welcome, and if you think im out to lunch, please let me know. Have a great day in London - one of my favorite cities in the world and a place I lived in a lifetime ago. Cheers 🍻

[@gurdialsinghbal]

@@CanadasBoxingChannel Ah ok, if that be then I'm humbled as well as very appreciative to ne dealing with a KZbinr who has sincerity - early days hey. I wouldn't agree that my or anybody's opinion is valid, but ones right to have that opinion is valid. Well done for not taking the 51st state bate, though i hear a Scottish tome there.

[@CanadasBoxingChannel]

@gurdialsinghbal not Scots but a celt nevertheless 😁 I'd like everyone who visits this channel to feel that they can share opinions and be respected. I started this channel in December as a place where fans can chat - like in a pub ( But bring your own liquor 😜 ) and there's always room to disagree, just like we would in a bar. I'm pleased we've met and look forward to 'seeing' you here again hopefully.

[@pstreetblues]

These 2 guys should retire. Dillian has sounded punch drunk for a while too.

[@CanadasBoxingChannel]

Yep, Dillian, Joe, and Chisora to . The speech alone is a big red flag. I grew up watching Ali and by the time I was a late teen he sounded nothing like he'd sounded in the mid 1960's yet promoters and whatnot were brushing it off as though our ears weren't working.