Zhilei Zhang vs Joe Joyce Rematch WBO Interim World Heavy

On September 23rd, Joe Joyce is set to engage in an immediate rematch with China's Zhilei Zhang at Wembley Arena. In April, Joyce experienced his inaugural loss as a professional fighter when he succumbed to the forceful punches of Zhang. The 40-year-old Zhang (25-1-1, 20 KO) surprised Joyce (15-1, 14 KO) at London's Copper Box Arena, relentlessly targeting Joyce's eye and compelling a halt to the contest in the sixth round. The fight showcased Zhang's evident impact and dominance throughout most of the match, yet speculation persisted that Joyce, at 37, might have reversed the situation had he progressed to the latter half of the bout.

Considering the current landscape of the heavyweight division, wherein Tyson Fury asserts a lack of willing opponents and Oleksandr Usyk is preoccupied with mandatory defenses or a potential Fury clash, the rematch proves logical for both contenders. Joyce aims to promptly level the playing field, while Zhang seeks to maintain his position in the division, anticipating his chance with the WBO.

Notably, Zhang holds the interim WBO title, a distinction that will once again be up for grabs. Previously, Joyce secured the interim title in September 2022 by defeating Joseph Parker.