Two months have passed since Zhilei Zhang shockingly defeated Joy Joyce in front of his hometown fans. However, Joyce intended to exact immediate retribution in the rematch.
A rematch versus Zhang (25-1-1, 20 KOs) has already been decided upon by Joyce (15-1, 14 KOs) as per the contract. ‘Juggernaut’ has settled to seek an instant rematch and get revenge, according to Adam Morallee, Joyce’s manager, who just confirmed this in an interview with ESPN.
“Joyce had the right to call for the rematch in either of the next two fights but has chosen to fight now. I think he would have won the first fight had it continued and the eye hadn’t gone,” Adam said.
Zhilei Zhang vs. Joe Joyce set to rematch on September 2nd in London, Englandđ
(per: @MikeCoppinger) pic.twitter.com/AZuMXK6odG
— Combat Sports Today đ° (@CSTodayNews) June 10, 2023
Who won the last fight between Zhilei Zhang vs Joe Joyce?
An action-packed heavyweight battle between Zhang, and Joe took place on April 15 at the Copper Box Arena in London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. ‘Juggernaut’ was knocked out in the sixth round, thanks to Big Bang’s strength, which compelled the referee to call time on the contest.
Joy Joyce’s winning streak in professional boxing came to an end at the hands of the Chinese heavyweight monster who shocked the boxing world at the age of 40. Joyce had little choice but to admit defeat and express regret to the home supporters.
Before his fight with the Chinese heavyweight, Joyce had a 15-0 record and was unbeaten. It was only logical to think that ‘Juggernaut’ will triumph and get closer to competing for the world championship. However, the local hero failed suffering a serious eye edema.
Zhilei Zhang has beaten Joe Joyce â
Fantastic performance right from the opening bell đ#FightNight | #JoyceZhang pic.twitter.com/Mq0Pi2iQmh
— Boxing on TNT Sports (@boxingontnt) April 15, 2023
Has the venue been fixed for the rematch?
There is little doubt that London will be the site of the fight between the two heavyweights. The exact location hasn’t been decided, though. On September 2 of this year, the rematch is expected to take place.
Due to Joyce’s unbeaten record in professional boxing, Zhang was considered the underdog in their first meeting. Since the British fighter had a 15-fight winning streak, ‘Big Bang’ was clearly under threat. It will be interesting to watch how the rematch plays out now.
Zhilei Zhang and Joe Joyce will meet in a heavyweight rematch Sept. 2 in London, sources told @MikeCoppinger on Friday. pic.twitter.com/1ASbcEg4fM
— ESPN Ringside (@ESPNRingside) June 10, 2023
Who do you think will emerge victorious in the rematch? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section.
