Joe Joyce wants remach with Zhilei Zhang to keep world title dream alive
"Juggernaut" Joe Joyce (15-1, 14KO) was stopped by Chinese powerhouse Zhilei "Big Bang" Zhang (25-1-1, 20KO) at the Copper Box Arena in April, dashing his world title hopes but is eyeing a rematch in his bid to chase down the heavyweight champions of the world.
Londoner Joyce insists he still has time to turn his world title aspirations into a reality and says he would welcome a return fight with Zhang following last month's shock defeat, which say him concede his WBO Interim title.
The Juggernaut had taken a self-admitted risk in meeting with the dangerous Zhang, with expectations of a tough night quickly warranted when he was forced to endure a barrage of punishment at the hands of the 39-year-old Olympic silver medallist.
"Big Bang" Zhang's southpaw straight left hand pierced the defences of Joyce time and time again to result in his right eye completely closing shut prompting referee Howard Foster to bring the fight to a halt.
37-year-old Joyce, who was gracious in defeat in the aftermath, instantly admitting the southpaw style troubled him, is now eyeing a chance to right the wrongs of his first career loss.
"We had a meeting with the Warrens so there will be some news coming out soon (about his next steps)," he told Sky Sports at the Sports Industry Awards.
"It would be good to avenge that, a few more rounds and no black eye and I think I would have still been in the fight and I thought I would start to get to him in the later rounds.
"But respect to him, he's a great opponent and obviously did the business, it was a tough fight.
"It was very frustrating but one I'd like to avenge, hopefully we'll do it again."
Zhang has been linked with various other opponents in his own quest for a world title opportunity, and Joyce also says his options are open with regards to his next fight.
Nonetheless, he acknowledges the likelihood that he may need to conquer Zhang in order to move forward.
"There are plenty of options, it's not the be all and end all," he added.
"I was in that great position and I didn't really need to take that fight but it's something I'd like to avenge and get back in the driving seat and move onto bigger and better fights.
"I don't regret taking it, it's just part of the story, I lost my 0 but I'll still continue and be in some great nights. There's plenty of different options, we'll have to wait and see."
Before his defeat, Joyce was being touted as a possible opponent for Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, and he still believes his shot will come.
"I've still got time, there are still different options and I will get there eventually I believe," he said.
"Even if I took an easier fight I'd still have to wait for the order of the belts with mandatories and stuff, I've still got time to capture the titles so I'm going to try and do that.
"I've tasted defeat in the amateurs and come back stronger from it."
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