Zhilei Zhang vs Joe Joyce Rematch Coming September 2
It was pretty much a foregone conclusion that the reigning WBO Interim champion Zhilei “Big Bang” Zhang (25-1-1, 15 KOs) would engage in a rematch against Joe “The Juggernaut” Joyce (15-1, 14 KOs). We now have an idea when it will occur as according to ESPN, the rematch will happen on September 2 in London.
They previously fought on April 15. Joyce, who entered as the Interim champion, was viewed as the favorite. But Zhang was on a mission that evening. He repeatedly landed with straight left hands, causing significant swelling to Joyce’s right eye. Joyce struggled throughout, and with his vision impaired and him soaking up loads of punishment, the ringside doctor stepped in and stopped the fight in round six. It was the biggest win of Zhang’s career.
Suffering the first defeat of his pro career, Joyce was bitterly disappointed. But the product of London, England wanted his chance to run it back. In May 2023, The Juggernaut decided to exercise a rematch clause.
CAN THINGS CHANGE?
Joyce is a guy who is constantly marching forward. The Brit likes to use his physically imposing size and power to apply constant pressure. His reputation for soaking up punishment is well-known. It often resulted in opponents becoming bullied and beaten down.
But that didn’t work against Zhang. The man from China is equal in size to Joyce. The key for Zhang was his boxing ability and faster hands. Joyce’s weakness is his lack of defense. It cost him dearly against Zhang.
Has Joyce learned from his mistakes? More importantly, can he make any significant improvement in avoiding punches? Big Bang is riding a wave of confidence and will look to repeat what he did in their first battle. Joyce wants to turn things around and is on a mission for sweet, fistic revenge.
