Zhilei Zhang Ready To Capitalize On Victory Over Joyce with a WBO Title Shot
Newly crowned WBO Interim titlist Zhilei “The Big Bang” Zhang (25-1-1, 15KO) called for a title shot after shocking the boxing community with a victory over “The Juggernaut” Joe Joyce (15-1, 14KO). The current holder of the WBO heavyweight belt is unified champion Oleksandr Usyk.
After six rounds of boxing, Zhang hit The Juggernaut in the right eye like it was target practice. The ringside doctor examined the eye twice before finally advising the referee, who stopped the fight. The United Kingdom fans were in disbelief along with the rest of the boxing world.
Before the fight, Joyce’s name was being tossed around as a possible opponent for WBC champion Tyson Fury and two-time unified champion Anthony Joshua. In addition, as the WBO Interim titlist, he was going to be the next man up to fight unified champion Oleksandr Usyk.
ZHIELI ZHANG WANTS A TITLE SHOT NEXT
All those dreams went up in smoke with Zhang’s victory. The Big Bang had a reputation for fading in big fights. That is what many pundits believed cost him the victory in an IBF eliminator against Filip Hrgovic in August 2022.
Zhang learned from that fight and wasn’t looking forward to repeating the same mistake. With this victory, The Big Bang has put himself in the mix for a world title shot with Usyk as the new owner of the Interim title. During the post-fight interview, he expressed the hunt for a title shot is next.
“I’m 39 years old, but I’m disciplined. I train hard. Next step, I’m going for the title.”
In fairness, Joyce did not have to take this fight because he already had a ticket to the championship dance. So respect to him for taking a tough challenge instead of sitting on his backside waiting.
