“You Made a Mistake”: Zhilei Zhang Cautions Joe Joyce With Hours Left in Rematch

A lethal clash is all set to take its course tonight in London’s OVO Wembley Arena. Chinese boxer Zhilei Zhang will enter the ring against Joe Joyce once again to defend the victory he scored in April this year. He managed to strip Joyce of the WBO interim heavyweight title through a sixth-round stoppage. However, following his devastating defeat, Joyce activated his rematch clause, hoping to redeem himself in the eyes of the boxing realm.

Months later, the two fighters will see each other off once more. The fight is the second chapter in this saga of the most followed weight classes in the realm. While Zhang will enter the ring in all hopes of retaining the title he so vehemently fought for, his opponent will bring all the might he can in this crusade to get back what he lost. Ahead of this volatile clash, Zhang has sent some lethal threats to his opponent.

Caution or a threat? Zhilei Zhang will enter the ring to showcase his might

It was not just Joyce’s right eye that suffered major injuries on the April fight night. His undefeated boxing streak also suffered a heavy dent. With major blows to the legacy he once held in the boxing world, a loss of this magnitude would not be an easy truth to digest. And when push comes to shove, a fighter will do exactly what he knows best to do: fight. While Joyce invoked his rematch clause from the contract, he knew that going against Zhang would not be very different from his first fight. But he needed the rematch to build back his shattered career scores.

Against the backdrop of a regal win for Zhang and a wrenching loss for Joyce, a pre-fight press conference was held. While the two fighters brought their A-game for the event, Zhang said something that would go on to set the premise for this big fight. While vowing to retain the title he snatched away from his opponent, months ago, the fighter said, “For the first fight, you gave me the opportunity, but your team made a mistake in choosing me.” However, it’s not just victory that the Chinese fighter is aiming at. He said, “Your team going for the rematch is a bigger mistake. I’m here to end your career.”

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The two boxers are at the precipice of a do-or-die situation. For one, the match is the gateway to a path of greatness. For the other, however, it is a moment of reckoning that might alter the trajectory of his career forever. What does the other side of the picture… err, bout, look like then?

Moment of truth for ‘Juggernaut’ Joyce

Aptly personifying his moniker, ‘Juggernaut’ Joyce has had a stellar career in the boxing space. An unbeaten record 0f 14 fights, he entered the ring against ‘Big Bang’ Zhang in a bid to defend his WBO interim title. However, little did he know that the April night fight would put him in a position that stands tonight. Now facing a do-over for what happened all those months ago, what does Juggernaut have to say before his big undertaking?

Taking accountability for his shortcomings in the initial bout, the fighter said, “I am disappointed with my performance.” Giving a sense of hope to his followers that this is not where his story ends, he further added, “It was a good fight, but I could have done better. He is a good fighter and I gave it my all. But I expected to win. I would like to apologise to all my fans and my supporters. I will be back and my journey is not over.”

What does the fight have in store for boxing enthusiasts tonight? A lethal showdown in the truest sense, yes. But apart from that, Pierce O’Leary vs. Kane Gardner and Anthony Yarde vs. Jorge Silva amongst the rest will warm the audience up for the main event. Will Joe Joyce be able to get back the title he lost to Zhang? Find out tonight!

Meanwhile, who do you think takes the position of an underdog for this matchup? Drop your pick in the comments below!

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