In a highly anticipated showdown, Joe Joyce is gearing up for his moment of redemption as he steps back into the boxing ring to face Zhilei Zhang in a thrilling rematch. The first encounter between these two heavyweight titans left fans in shock as Zhang emerged victorious, delivering Joyce his first career defeat. Now, with everything on the line, Joyce seems to be determined to claw his way back into the world title picture.
Their initial clash in April showcased Zhang’s fearsome hand speed as well as power, leaving Joyce struggling with a swollen right eye. The relentless pressure from Zhang ultimately led to a TKO in the sixth round, stripping Joyce of his WBO interim title. As he prepares for this rematch, the 38-year-old British fighter understands the magnitude of the challenge before him. Anything less than a victory would likely derail his championship aspirations, a stark contrast to his impressive win over Joseph Parker just a year ago.
Joyce vs. Zhang 2 is scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 23, 2023, at London’s OVO Wembley Arena. The undercard action kicks off at 5 pm BST, with the main event ring walks expected around 10:30 pm. UK fans can catch all the action live on TNT Sports 2.
Zhang vs. Joyce 2: High Stakes Rematch Set to Ignite Wembley Arena
For Joyce, this bout represents a must-win situation, and he’s not shying away from the risks involved. He’s been diligent in his preparation, weighing in at a career-heaviest 281.2 pounds, determined to rectify the mistakes made in their first encounter. Zhang, on the other hand, tipped the scales at 287.2 pounds, setting the stage for a colossal showdown between these heavyweights.
The latest odds for this electrifying rematch are equally enticing. Joyce’s odds to win stand at 11/10, while a draw is at 16/1. Zhang is the favorite at 8/11, with odds of 11/4 for Joyce to win by KO/TKO and 8/5 for Zhang to achieve the same. If the fight goes the distance, Joyce’s odds for a decision victory are 16/5, with Zhang at 4/1 for a decision win. Keep in mind that these odds are subject to change as the fight approaches.