The 30 year-old Londoner was beaten in a highly-controversial climax against Frenchman Tony Yoka earlier this month but came home with his head held high after what looked to be a gold medal winning display in the final.
Obviously disappointed at how his competition ended, Joyce has had a couple of weeks to contemplate achieving a podium finish and seemed content with his overall representation for Team GB in Brazil.
“I thought the first fight I had was pretty straightforward, but I felt like I fought well right up to the end,” Joyce exclusively told World Boxing News.
“The final was obviously disappointing as I felt I did enough to get the decision. I felt comfortable in there and possibly that I won every round against Yoka but it wasn’t to be. I beat him in the European’s and wasn’t feeling well for the world’s but this time he got the decision.
“Yoka was pulling his tongue out and doing the Ali shuffle as if he’d won throughout. I congratulated him on getting married though and have to move on. I’d obviously rather our national anthem was playing on the podium but I’d calmed down by then.
“I’m not sure what happened with the judges as I felt I dictated the pace in every round.”
On his future and the possibility of a lucrative run at heavyweight, Joyce added: “I’m going to take some time, maybe get back to my art for a while and decide what’s best when I sit down with my coaches.
“I received lots of message of support and my phone went crazy when I first switched it on. I still have a contract with GB Boxing until May but whatever I decided I think I’ll be allowed to go in the direction I choose.
“I’ll just give it a few weeks first and see where I go from there.”
Joyce will be much sought following the continued success of Britain’s previous super-heavyweight medalist as Anthony Joshua went from gold at London 2012 to a bonafide world champion in just two and half years.
Asked whether he’d like to emulate Joshua, Joyce said: Why not? Anthony took his time before making a decision so there’s no rush. I’ll just figure out what’s best for me.
“I’d like to say thanks to my coaches and everyone who helped me get to where I am though. Everyone in Sheffield at the GB Boxing centre and of course, everyone in the UK for their support.”
