Boxing Live: Zhilei Zhang, a Chinese boxer who was previously connected to a fight against Tyson Fury, was stopped in the sixth round by Joe Joyce, who has since imposed a rematch clause; Zhang may benefit from a home-field advantage in a rematch with Joyce.
If Joe Joyce moves forward with his plans for an instant rematch, he could have to fight Zhilei Zhang in China.
The British heavyweight, who was stopped by Zhang in the sixth round at London’s Copper Box Arena last month, has invoked a contractual provision that calls for an instant rematch.
But given that discussions about the probable location and timing of the return fight are still ongoing, Joyce could now be compelled to go to Zhang’s place of origin.
Zhang has also been connected to a bout with Tyson Fury, who is now without a challenger after talks between the British WBC champion and the holder of the unified championship, Oleksandr Usyk, fell through.
Joyce then intervened to compel the rematch even though Zhang, a big-punching southpaw, had destroyed him and left him with a severely injured eye.
Can Fury vs. Usyk be brought back?
Alex Krassyuk, Usyk’s promoter, has made it known that he would be willing to resume talks with Fury after the Ukrainian’s next championship defence against Daniel Dubois.
One of Usyk’s three major titles, the WBA heavyweight crown, has a mandatory challenger in Londoner Dubois.
Promoter Alex Krassyuk of the Ukrainian said to Sky Sports: “We are now focused on Dubois as the next step.”
Krassyuk, however, responded to rumours that Bob Arum, the co-promoter of WBC heavyweight champion Fury, was in discussions to hold the heavyweight title match in Saudi Arabia, saying: “He is alleging that he had negotiations with Saudi people on Fury vs. Usyk. Not us.”
When asked if the fight would still happen, Krassyuk said, “Everything else is possible after Usyk wins.”
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