Zhilei Zhang had an outstanding performance as he knocked out Joe Joyce in the third round of their rematch this past Saturday. It was a statement victory for the Chinese boxer because he proved that his first triumph was no fluke. The defeat has left many people wondering if we have seen the last of Joyce inside a boxing ring. However, that does not seem to be the case, as Joyce explained his thoughts in a recent interview with Queensbury promotions on their YouTube channel.
Joe Joyce On Zhang
Joyce needed a massive statement victory as he is not getting younger, and a big win would put him back on track for a title. Yet, Zhang’s accomplishment was more impressive than their first contest as he knocked the British fighter out cold. Speaking in the interview, Joyce talks about his opponent.
“Zhang is a great fighter, and he’s a great southpaw,” Joyce said. “He’s a fellow (Olympic) silver medalist, probably avoided by most. It was perhaps a bit too far of a risk.
“I’m not used to fighting southpaws, and I hadn’t fought a southpaw for a long time. But he’s a great fighter and avoided for a reason.
It’s just disappointing because I got myself into the position I was in, and it was a risk too far, and I paid the price.”
The Rematch
Numerous people believed that Joyce would have made many adjustments before heading into the rematch. Nevertheless, Zhang still established success in the second fight and ultimately got his hand raised. During the interview, Joyce explained his mindset going into the rematch.
“I was a bit more concentrated on what he was throwing and (trying to warm) into the fight, doing what I’d been practising. But he’s a difficult fighter. It’s just a risk too far. Maybe I could have gone another route, but I decided to take the challenge and paid the price.
“But this is not it for me. There’s plenty more. I’ve got plenty more in the tank. You should see me again out there. I don’t know, I’m just going to have to have a bit of time off, reflect, watch the fight back, and come back new and improved.”
What’s Next
As previously stated, there are a multitude of people wondering what Joyce is going to do next following the loss. There is a possibility that Joyce will hang up his gloves for good, yet it doesn’t seem that will happen as Joyce may be planning a return.
I’m going to have to talk to my team and see what’s the best route. I’m disappointed and must reflect, watch the fight back, and see my mistakes. But hats off to Zhang. He’s a great fighter, and I’m sure he will be in some great fights next. But I will have to rebuild and return, going a different route.”
Then, when asked about a potential matchup with Daniel Dubois, Joyce had this to say.
“Possibly. That’d be an interesting fight. He’s got a new coach and seems to be improving. If the people want to see it, that could be a possibility.”
All quotes via Bad Left Hook
Joyce is a great boxer; to see him retire now would be a shame.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
