The victory of the Chinese ‘Big Bang’ Zhang makes him the WBO mandatory challenger against the Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk.
Chinese Zhilei “Big Bang” Zhang has set his sights on the world heavyweight champion from Ukraine Oleksandr Usik after handing British Joe Joyce his first professional loss.
Referee Howard Foster stopped the fight in the sixth of a scheduled 12 rounds at London’s Copper Box Arena on Saturday night after Joyce’s swollen right eye, which was almost closed, was inspected twice by the ringside doctor.
“Today belongs to me,” Zhang said through a translator after punching the air and yelling “Chinese power.” “…I am 39 years old, but I am disciplined. I train hard. The next step, I’m going for the title”.
Two of the three judges had Zhang in front at the time. Zhang’s victory marked a comeback from the first loss of his career to Filip Hrgovic of Croatia in August.
Joyce, 37, was the interim WBO champion in the division, a title that effectively made him the WBO mandatory challenger to WBO, IBO, IBF and WBA champion Usyk. Britain tyson fury holds the WBC title.
Joyce had been eyeing possible fights with Usyk, Fury or Anthony Joshua in the build up to his fight with Zhang.
But the Chinese fighter had his shorter, lighter opponent in trouble early on, as Joyce provided a static target for Zhang’s booming left hand and plenty of work for his corner as cuts opened up.
“I’m just disappointed with my performance,” Joyce told BT Sport after what was his 16th professional fight. “The right hand that kept hitting me with. I couldn’t get out of the way, so I respect Zhilei Zhang, ‘Big Bang’. I haven’t fought a southpaw in this long. … I expected to win like I normally do.
“I’ll be right back. My journey isn’t over. It’s just a snag I ran into, so I’ll be right back.”
Promoter George Warren said Joyce could seek a rematch with Zhang.
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