“This Is Not It for Me”: Joe Joyce Refuses to Retire Following “Disappointing” Second Loss to Zhilei Zhang

Five months after the loss to Zhilei Zhang in April, Joe Joyce just faced the former in a rematch inside the Wembley Arena, Wembley. Ahead of the rematch, “delightful” Joyce told Boxing Social that by training at the UFC Performance Institute and Salas Boxing Academy he practiced the skills he needed “to beat Zhang”. In this context, he even declared that he was coming to knock Zhang out and “get back what’s mine“. Along these lines, he mentioned that he would win the rematch “by any means possible” and prove what he is made of.

However, as fate would have it, Zhang knocked out Joyce in the third round of their rematch to retain his WBO Interim World Heavyweight title. Following the second loss of his career, Joyce, 38, answered whether or not he considered retirement his next possible move.

Although disappointed, Joe Joyce wishes to return, “new and improved”

In the wake of his latest loss to Zhang, Joyce, who shot sniper rifles to train his eyes, called his opponent a great fighter and a great southpaw. “He’s a fellow [Olympic] silver medalist. And he’s probably avoided by most. So, it was probably a bit too far of a risk. Because I needed to fight a southpaw and  I hadn’t fought a southpaw for a long time,” said Joyce. Besides calling the experience “just disappointing,” Joyce stated that he took “a risk too far” and likewise, “paid the price“. However, Joyce clearly announced that he was not yet done with boxing.

“This is not it for me. So, there’s plenty more in the tank. So, I’m just gonna have to have a bit of time off and reflect, watch the fight back, and then come back, new and improved,” the 38-year-old added. On being asked if he considered fighting Daniel Dubois next, Joyce answered in the affirmative.

Joyce shows interest in Dubois

Besides stating he would have to discuss it with his team, Joyce announced he could “possibly” fight Dubois next. In his opinion, since Dubois is improving with his new coach, a fight would be interesting. “That would be an interesting fight. He’s got a new coach. He seems to be improving. So, if people want to see it, that could be a possibility,” Joyce concluded.

Read More – “He Got Beat Like I Thought He Would”: Months After Offering Joe Joyce Help, Tyson Fury Remains Honest About His Loss to Zhilei Zhang

Hopefully, Joyce would bounce back from his second loss to Zhang and explore whatever is best for him. Anyway, what do you think of his latest fight? Do you wish to see him face Dubois? Let us know in the comments below.

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