Boxing Fight: On Saturday, Joe Joyce had his weigh-in for his heavyweight match against Zhilei Zhang of China.
These are two strong opponents. Joyce from London weighed 18st 4lbs, while Zhang measured 19st 12lbs.
Joyce entered this battle lighter and leaner than he did in his previous contest, where he weighed in at his heaviest career before defeating Joseph Parker by first-round knockout.
The Londoner’s drive to keep performing explosively was clear in a chilly staredown with Zhang as he got off the scales.
Zhang from China has a weight advantage of more than a stone, but Joyce, who is from the area, is exactly as tall at 6 feet 6 inches and insists that he is in excellent fighting shape.
He promised Queensberry promotions, “I’ll be more mobile and agile, but I’ll still be coming with the punch output, power, endurance, and tenacity.”
“I’ve had lots of solid training with Larry Wade, his strength and conditioning coach, and [boxing trainer Ismael] Salas, and I’ve been very disciplined with my diet. I had a long camp, and it was good. I feel pretty fit now.
“My abs are showing, therefore I’m prepared to fight right now,”
With Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk, and Anthony Joshua in his sights, Joyce will be well-positioned to compete against the finest heavyweights in the world with a successful showing against Zhang.
“There will be lots of entertaining arguments to have afterwards,” said Joyce.
“But before I start calling people out, I have to get past him. But they are aware of my presence and readiness.
“I’m the ‘Juggernaut’ and I deliver.”
Warren: Joyce must be at his best to defeat Zhang
This weekend at the Copper Box Arena, Joyce will defend the WBO Interim championship against Zhang, who has only suffered one defeat in 26 professional bouts—to Filip Hrgovic in an IBF title eliminator.
If Joyce prevailed, Usyk, the full WBO champion, would be his target; nevertheless, George Warren of Queensberry Promotions claims that Fury is also a possibility for the 37-year-old Joyce.
“Joe wants to put up a strong performance—one that is devastating—like he did against Parker and maintain his winning streak. If Joyce wins a difficult fight with a strong showing, he puts himself in the running for the top heavyweight,” said to Sky Sports.
“While [Zhang] is a skilled combatant and an Olympic silver medalist, I want Joe to win the battle. He seems like he’ll be destructive. He simply cannot help himself; he always shows up to fight.
“He occasionally gets caught with too many huge shots for our taste, but he always manages to get the job done. He finally tramples these men underfoot.”
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