By: Sean Crose
Joe Joyce 15-0 is expected to continue his career success on Saturday when he takes on fellow heavyweight Zhilei Zhang in front of a live crowd in London. However, the scheduled 12th round did not make it past the 6th round; because of a strong hit, 25-1-1 Zhang knocked out Joyce too many left blows causing the match to stop. It was a tough loss for Joyce for sure, but perhaps a loss he can learn from. As for Zhang, the New Jersey-based boxer – China by the way – is now one of the big players in the heavyweight division.
Zhang started the festival by poking his south hand right the first time. Zhang can also shoot and land well in the opening chapter. Joyce was shaken hard in the second inning and staggered after the hit. Oddly enough, Joyce’s photos look apathetic. On top of that, he is an easy target for Zhang, he moves very little. With that said, Joyce had a much better third. Zhang certainly could have had his moments, but Joyce’s action and punches have improved significantly compared to the previous two innings.
Joyce threw and landed quickly and well in the fourth round – but it was Zhang’s straight left shot that was the story of the round. Joyce’s face looked beaten up. With that said, Joyce came back strong in season five. The problem is that he is still captured by Zhang’s left. He needs to play Jack Dempsey against Zhang’s Jess Willard if he wants to win the match. Early on Friday, the ring doctor looked into Joyce’s face. The fight is allowed to continue during this time. Shang was able to land hard again around mid-round, and the doctor was called back. A second or two later, the game stops.
Zhang said: “I am very excited and happy today. iFL TV after the war. “Since I hit him the first few times in the first round, I knew he couldn’t get through.” With that being said, Zhang has made it clear that he is currently aiming for a world title. Of course the name Tyson Fury was mentioned.” He doesn’t have that chin,” Zhang said of WBC and heavyweight champion Fury. “He’s going down.” Of course, Fury may have something to say about that.
