Zhang Zhilei of China celebrates after beating Joe Joyce of Britain at the Copper Box Arena in London, Britain, April 15, 2023. /CFP
Zhang Zhilei of China defeated WBO interim heavyweight champion Joe Joyce of Britain by technical knockout in the sixth round at the Copper Box Arena in London, Britain, on Saturday.
Zhang, 25-1-1 (20 KOs), is now in line to challenge Oleksandr Usyk of Ukraine, who currently holds three heavyweight belts. Daniel Dubois of Britain and Filip Hrgovic of Croatia are also in line as the WBO mandatory challenger and the leading IBF challenger, respectively.
"Today belongs to me," said Zhang after the bout. "This is my stage and my show today. I want everyone across the world to see my power."
He added, "I'm 39 years old but I train hard, and next step I'm going for the title."
Zhang Zhilei (L) of China punches Joe Joyce of Britain at the Copper Box Arena in London, Britain, April 15, 2023. /CFP
Zhang's accurate left-hand punches left Joyce's right eye continuously swelling before closing in the first round. In total, Joyce threw 464 punches, more than doubling Zhang's attempts (180), but landed only 85 of them. Zhang, however, hit Joyce 82 times, with 78 of them being powers.
After the ringside doctor finished the second inspection in the sixth round, referee Howard Foster stopped the fight and declared Zhang the winner.
Joyce (15-1, 14 KOs) saw his unbeaten run end on Saturday and will have to wait longer before he can fight Usyk, WBC champion Tyson Fury, or former champion Anthony Joshua.
"I'm disappointed with the performance," said Joyce. "I haven't fought a southpaw for so long, I think I could do better. I kept getting hit with his left hand, but I will be back, my journey is not over."