Former British WBO interim Heavyweight champion Joe Joyce has signaled his intent to avenge his first career loss to Zhilei Zhang by activating the rematch clause set in the contract between him and the Chinese powerhouse. Joyce and Zhang last fought on April 15th of this year in a match that saw the Brit shockingly lose in the sixth round by technical knockout at the Copper Arena in London.
Following his surprising loss to Zhilei Zhang (25-1-1, 20 KO’s), Joe Joyce (15-1, 14 KO’s) is now determined to reclaim the WBO interim Heavyweight belt, which is currently held by Zhang. The title presented an opportunity for Joyce to compete against Oleksandr Usyk (20-0, 13 KO’s) for the WBO Heavyweight world title ― who defeated him roughly a decade before as a semi-professional in the World Series of Boxing, along with other titles currently held by the Ukrainian.
Joyce also confirmed the news himself on Twitter with a message stating: “Rematch clause activated. Taking back what’s mine!“
Zhilei Zhang, who recently turned 40, appears to defy the effects of time and aims to retain his title, positioning himself for an opportunity to become a world champion against Usyk. Both Zhilei Zhang and Joe Joyce stand at a height of six feet and six inches but Zhang weighed in twenty pounds heavier in their fight with Joe Joyce and seemed a cut above the British Heavyweight when it came to power, eventually forcing the match to be stopped when he incurred an eye injury on Joyce that left him unable to continue after dominating for several rounds.
Zhang has expressed his desire for a potential rematch to take place in China shortly after the fight. He has shown impressive dominance in his home country, defeating all of his opponents by technical knockout or knockout.
Although the timing and location of the fight have not been announced, it is expected to generate significant interest. The clash between these two Heavyweight sluggers will put their careers at stake, with the WBO interim title on the line to win, retain, or lose.
