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Joyce Knocked Out In Just Three Rounds By Zhang

Eduards Dev

15 November 2023

In heavyweight boxing news, Zhilei Zhang stopped Joe Joyce with a right hook in the third round to inflict a heavy blow on the latter’s career.

Coming into the fight, it was a must-win for Joyce who had made serious changes to his camp. The heavyweight entered into the fight at a career-high weight in an attempt to go toe-to-toe with Zhang. However, his performance was anything but that.

Joyce Starts Slow

In the first round, though, Joyce managed to circle his way around Zhang’s left hand as it was clear that the Brit wanted to stay out of range.

And yet, Zhang responded immediately by closing the distance in the second. A combination and a left hand caught Joyce who experienced the first sign of danger.

And towards the end of the round Joyce was caught by a hook that sent him staggering towards the ropes only to be saved by the bell from further punishment.

Zhang Stop Joyce

But just as it appeared that Joyce had weathered the storm, it was over in the third round. A huge left hand and then a right hook sent Joyce to the floor.

Although Joyce got up from the floor, the referee stopped the fight. The loss leaves Joyce wondering where he goes next as a title shot is now out of the question at the age of 38. Meanwhile, for Zhang, the 40-year-old’s career has had a resurgence.

Post-Fight Comments

"Do you want to see me shut Tyson Fury up?!" – Zhilei Zhang 🏆 🇨🇳#ZhangJoyce pic.twitter.com/qHF5TPvvQH

— Boxing on TNT Sports (@boxingontnt) September 23, 2023

"I want to ask the audience a question. Do you want to see me shut Tyson Fury up? I am happy. Like I said before the fight, it is going to end sooner than the first fight and I did it. Joe, hell of a fighter, respect to him. I like him and respect him, everybody please care for him.

"This is what we’re here for, man. We’re professional fighters. We come here to entertain the crowd. We did it. I hope everybody enjoyed my performance. Thank you to everyone who came here today and witnessed my greatness in front of Chinese social media," Zhang

"It’s very disappointing. First couple of rounds he got it right and he was moving left. Then he went toe-to-toe and got caught. If he continued to do what he was doing past five or six rounds then it would have been interesting. He got caught with a really good shot. If he continued to do what he was doing past five or six rounds then it would have been interesting. He got caught with a really good shot. Zhang is in a position as the WBO interim champion now, he’s the mandatory for that title. Next year he’ll probably fight whoever holds that belt," Frank Warren

Joyce’s Future

"I’ve got plenty more in the tank. I’m just gonna have to have a bit of time off, then come back new and improved. Zhang is a great fighter and a great southpaw. He’s a fellow silver medallist and probably avoided by most. So it was probably a bit too far of a risk. I needed to fight a southpaw because I hadn’t fought a southpaw for a long time. But yeah it’s just disappointing because I got myself into the position I was in and then it was obviously a risk too far and I paid the price. This isn’t the end for me," Joyce

"As a man who knows first hand how hard it is mentally & physically to come off a defeat & go straight into a rematch. Gotta give all the respect to @JoeJoyceBoxing for getting back in there & putting it all on the line for a shot at glory & redemption," Eubank said on social media. Very few people understand how hard it is to do what you did tonight. Zhang’s a hell of a fighter congratulations to him & keep your head up Joe you will be back," Chris Eubank Jr.