05-01-2023, 02:17 PM
Joe Joyce Says "News Coming Soon" on Next Fight, Open To Doing Zhang Rematch
BY BOXINGSCENE STAFF
Published Sun Apr 30, 2023, 03:20 AM EDT
Olympic silver medal winner Joe Joyce is already planning his next fight, as he sat down with his promoter, Queensberry, to discuss his future.
Earlier this month, Zhilei Zhang pulled off a stunner when he stopped Joyce due to a badly injured right eye. Joyce had issues dealing with Zhang's southpaw style, which allowed the Chinese heavyweight to land big left hands all night.
The unexpected loss removed Joyce from the WBO's mandatory position.
Joyce has the right to execute an immediate rematch clause, but he's also mulling the idea of taking an interim-fight.
"We had a meeting with the Warrens so there will be some news coming out soon [about his next fight]," Joyce told Sky Sports at the Sports Industry Awards.
"It would be good to avenge that [loss to Zhang], a few more rounds and no black eye and I think I would have still been in the fight and I thought I would start to get to him in the later rounds. But respect to him, he's a great opponent and obviously did the business, it was a tough fight. It was very frustrating but one I'd like to avenge, hopefully we'll do it again."
However, Joyce believes a rematch with Zhang does not necessarily have to be the next contest.
Despite the loss, Joyce feels there are other opportunities out there for him.
"There are plenty of options, it's not the be all and end all [to do the rematch next[," Joyce said.
"I was in that great position and I didn't really need to take that fight but it's something I'd like to avenge and get back in the driving seat and move onto bigger and better fights. I don't regret taking it, it's just part of the story, I lost my 0 but I'll still continue and be in some great nights. There's plenty of different options, we'll have to wait and see."
BY BOXINGSCENE STAFF
Published Sun Apr 30, 2023, 03:20 AM EDT
Olympic silver medal winner Joe Joyce is already planning his next fight, as he sat down with his promoter, Queensberry, to discuss his future.
Earlier this month, Zhilei Zhang pulled off a stunner when he stopped Joyce due to a badly injured right eye. Joyce had issues dealing with Zhang's southpaw style, which allowed the Chinese heavyweight to land big left hands all night.
The unexpected loss removed Joyce from the WBO's mandatory position.
Joyce has the right to execute an immediate rematch clause, but he's also mulling the idea of taking an interim-fight.
"We had a meeting with the Warrens so there will be some news coming out soon [about his next fight]," Joyce told Sky Sports at the Sports Industry Awards.
"It would be good to avenge that [loss to Zhang], a few more rounds and no black eye and I think I would have still been in the fight and I thought I would start to get to him in the later rounds. But respect to him, he's a great opponent and obviously did the business, it was a tough fight. It was very frustrating but one I'd like to avenge, hopefully we'll do it again."
However, Joyce believes a rematch with Zhang does not necessarily have to be the next contest.
Despite the loss, Joyce feels there are other opportunities out there for him.
"There are plenty of options, it's not the be all and end all [to do the rematch next[," Joyce said.
"I was in that great position and I didn't really need to take that fight but it's something I'd like to avenge and get back in the driving seat and move onto bigger and better fights. I don't regret taking it, it's just part of the story, I lost my 0 but I'll still continue and be in some great nights. There's plenty of different options, we'll have to wait and see."