“This Time I Aim to Get the Win”: Joe Joyce Explains How He’s “More Focused” and “Switched On” in the Training Camp for the Zhilei Zhang Rematch

A few months ago, Joe Joyce lost his WBO interim Heavyweight title against Zhilei Zhang. The fight that took place in April 2023 gave Joyce a reality check. He knew he had to redeem himself through an instant rematch. After facing the Zhang loss, Joyce lost his chance to further face Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk, and now he’s pushed his plans a bit. He wants to get back his interim title and redeem the only loss in his career. For that, he’s decided to activate the clause of the rematch in his contract.

The bout has been decided to take place on September 23 this year, at the OVO Arena Wembley in London. Joyce lost the fight and moreover suffered a gruesome eye injury. To add insult to injury his title was snatched from him. But now, ‘Juggernaut’ doesn’t want to repeat the same mistake, which is why he is working hard  inside the gym currently.

Joe Joyce divulges his training session for the Zhilei Zhang fight

In a recent interview with iFL TV, Joyce was asked about his current training regime in Las Vegas. What’s he focusing on and what does he think he needs to improve as a fighter to defeat Zhang in his second attempt? Well, Joyce revealed that there’s nothing special he’s currently doing right now, but he’s more serious this time. For his preparation, once he also executed the King of all lifts, so that he can make a strong comeback. He’s trying to utilize his time in the UFC and Salas Boxing Academy wisely.

But Joyce talked about how the weather is actually one of the biggest challenges he has to face in Vegas. He said, “The weather’s been mad like the highs of 47, so yeah it’s cooking. Yeah, things are going well and more focused and switched on and with the job at hand, training and sparring and everything and like little bits involved in the camp.”

He also promised his fans to put on a better show for them than the last time. He enunciated, “This time I aim to get the win this time and get the WBO title back, interim title, so then I can get back in time for when the mandatories get called.”

Then he further plans to get a bigger shot to stand at the pinnacle of the division.

Joyce is desperate for his interim title

Even before this interview, Joe Joyce had talked about getting his mandatory position back. In his conversation with talkSPORT, Joyce told them that it’ll always be tough to come back from a loss and grab the same position in the division as before. But he’s determined that he won’t be stopped from achieving his destiny. He emphasized, “It’s something I have to do, it’s my job and I need to get back to work.”

In addition, Joyce said that he’s worked really hard to get to the position where he’s today and there’s no chance he would want to lose it. He revealed that he wants to be the Heavyweight Champion of the world. Simultaneously, he accepted that he committed a mistake earlier this year, but also he stated, “But that exposed some things that I need to work on to be a better boxer.”

Read More: ‘I Just Need to Be Better.’ Joe Joyce Acknowledges Need for Improvement in Zhilei Zhang Rematch

Well, a good chunk of boxing fanatics are excited about this rematch. Mainly because Joyce seems really determined to defeat Zhilei Zhang in this rematch. Well, nothing can be said for sure right now except that this bout will be a definite must-watch. What are your thoughts about this rematch? Let us know in the comments section.

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