Former world champion George Groves is giving Joe Joyce a shot at redemption on Saturday, when he faces Zhilei Zhang in a rematch. Back in April, Zhang stunned the division when he stopped Joyce in six rounds to capture the WBO's interim-heavyweight title.
Terry Lane, co-manager of Chinese heavyweight contender Zhilei Zhang, indicates that WBC world champion Tyson Fury would be their first target in the aftermath of a rematch win over Joe Joyce.
By Keith Idec - Joe Joyce is sure he will be better prepared to deal with Zhilei Zhang in their upcoming rematch. The big British heavyweight admitted during a recent interview with Sky Sports that he might’ve overlooked Zhang entering their fight for Joyce’s WBO interim championship April 15 in London. The then-undefeated Joyce was a 9-1
Chinese giant Zhilei Zhang had few problems in shocking Joe Joyce earlier this year at the Copper Box. Back in April, Zhang captured the WBO interim-heavyweight title - and handed Joyce his first career defeat - with a stoppage win in the sixth round.
Joe Joyce was rooting for Daniel Dubois to knock off Oleksandr Usyk. Dubois is a fellow British boxer, a former teammate on Great Britain’s amateur squad and they’re both represented by Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions. If Dubois had upset Ukraine’s Usyk, Joyce knew avenging his own loss to Zhilei
There was never a doubt in Joe Joyce’s mind that he would run it back with Zhilei Zhang. Far too much is at stake for him to pass on the opportunity to avenge his lone career defeat.
Joe Joyce looked in good shape as he walked the red carpet at the massive Tyson Fury - Francis Ngannou launch event in London on Thursday.
The veteran trainer of Joe Joyce admits he fell victim to his own hubris. Joyce, the longtime contender from England, suffered an upset loss to China’s Zhilei Zhang by sixth-round technical knockout last April at Copper Box Arena in London. Zhang could hardly miss with his left hand, and he eventually forced referee Howard Foster to stop their bout because of the swelling around Joyce’s right eye.
Zhilei Zhang, the WBO interim-heavyweight champion, met with Chinese media representatives in New York City to discuss his upcoming rematch with fellow Olympic silver medal winner Joe Joyce.
Oleksandr Usyk doesn’t really care who wins the Zhilei Zhang-Joe Joyce rematch next month, even though he might eventually defend his heavyweight titles against whoever emerges victorious.