Chinese heavyweight Zhilei Zhang made headlines earlier this year when he defeated Joe Joyce at the Copper Box, capturing the WBO interim-heavyweight title and handing Joyce his first professional loss. The bout ended in the sixth round when the ringside physician halted the fight due to Joyce’s severely swollen right eye, a result of Zhang’s consistent heavy left punches.
Zhang found the match against Joyce to be straightforward, noting Joyce’s predictable movements. “He’s not moving his head, he’s not changing his position and angles. That makes my job easier,” Zhang commented. While acknowledging Joyce’s power, Zhang felt it wasn’t as formidable as he’d anticipated.
Talks of Zhang facing WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury were interrupted when Joyce invoked his rematch clause. Zhang expressed surprise at Joyce’s swift decision for a rematch, doubting the British boxer’s ability to adapt in such a short time. Zhang confidently stated, “It’s not rocket science that you can’t change to a different style in a few months. That’s why the second fight will end even quicker.” Fully committed to his training, Zhang remains confident in his abilities, asserting his readiness to take on any heavyweight contender.
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