London, UK (October 12, 2023) - British Top Heavyweight Joe Joyce has expressed his determination for a comeback after a devastating defeat to China's interim heavyweight Champion, Zhilei Zhang. The rematch, which ended with a third-round knockout against Joyce, unfolded at the OVO Arena in London on a Saturday night.

Amidst retirement speculations, the 38-year-old pugilist is resolute about rebuilding himself. Once touted as a potential contender for the heavyweight title, Joyce has faced two consecutive losses to Zhang.

Zhang initially ended Joyce's unbeaten streak with a sixth-round stoppage back in April. Returning to London for a rematch, he aimed to retain the WBO 'interim' title.

Joyce, following the defeat, shared, "I'm feeling good, I'm feeling OK. It's not the end of the world. I can rebuild and come back. I am going to take a bit of time to reflect and review where I went wrong."

In the third round, the Chinese boxer delivered a devastating knockout blow that left the Englishman needing oxygen in the ring after the bout. Despite this setback, Joyce is resolute in his desire for another return.

“I'm happy. Like I said before the fight, it's going to end sooner than the first one. Joe, I like him, I respect him, and I will let everyone witness Chinese power again,” remarked Zhang after the knockout win over Joe Joyce.

Zhang, known as the Big Bang, retains his position as the WBO interim champion and is the mandatory challenger for the victor in a potential showdown between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury.

Before the Zhang fights, Joyce had enjoyed 15 consecutive victories, with 14 of them coming by way of knockout.

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