The stage is set for an electrifying rematch between British heavyweight Joe Joyce and China’s Zhilei Zhang, as they prepare to face off once again at Wembley’s OVO Arena on September 23.
In a surprising turn of events, Joyce, 37, suffered his first defeat at the hands of Zhang in April. The referee halted the bout in the sixth round after Joyce’s swollen eye drew concerns from the ringside doctor.
Determined to reclaim his honour, Joyce expressed his unwavering resolve, stating, “I’m coming back to take back what’s mine. No compromises. No underestimating my opponent. Nothing but a win.” The loss has served as a catalyst for Joyce’s growth, and he aims to showcase his improvement in the upcoming rematch.
Prior to the defeat, Joyce boasted an undefeated record of 15 fights, with 14 knockouts. Activating the rematch clause in May, he posted on Twitter, “Rematch clause activated. Taking back what’s mine.”
Promoter Frank Warren acknowledged the task ahead for Joyce, stating, “Joe will acknowledge that Zhilei did a number on him at the Copper Box, and he has a lot to work on to put it right.”
The fight holds great significance for Joyce, who was on the brink of a world-title shot before encountering Zhang’s surprising triumph. With the rematch, he aims to reclaim the WBO mandatory status and position himself as the number one challenger for world champion Oleksandr Usyk’s belt.
Warren explained, “He knows what he has got to do, and his immediate future depends on him regaining his position as WBO Interim world champion.” Given the rotation system for mandatory challenges, victory in September would place Joyce back in contention to face the winner of the upcoming bout between Usyk and challenger Daniel Dubois.
Meanwhile, Zhang, known as the “Big Bang,” is eager to build on his historic victory over Joyce. Since turning professional in 2014, Zhang has amassed an impressive record of 25 wins, one loss, and one draw. He approaches the rematch with a fresh perspective, stating, “I look at the rematch as if it was a new fight; I look at Joe Joyce as if I never fought him before. I started from zero, and this is the new self.”
The highly anticipated rematch between Joe Joyce and Zhilei Zhang promises to be a thrilling clash, as both fighters seek to leave their mark on the heavyweight division. Fans around the world eagerly await this showdown at Wembley’s OVO Arena, where two determined warriors will battle for redemption and glory.
