Quick Facts
- Zhang to win once again by TKO is +125
- Joe Joyce, looking for revenge, is +250 to score a knockout
- You can bet on the draw at +1200
A big heavyweight boxing rematch is fast approaching as Britain’s Joe Joyce looks to put things right against China’s Zhilei Zhang at Wembley Arena in London on September 23. Zhang scored a huge upset in the first bout, defeating the previously undefeated Joyce in a result many did not see coming.
You could say this is somewhat of a crossroads bout for both fighters. Joyce was being built up as the next British heavyweight champion of the world and he was certainly living up to his “Juggernaut” nickname before meeting Zhang. Joyce entered the first contest with 15 straight wins and many felt he would breeze past Zhang. However, Zhang proves much tougher than many believed, with the man from China stopping Joyce at the Copper Box Arena in London on April 15. The referee called a halt to the contest midway through the sixth round due to horrendous swelling around Joyce’s right eye.
Joyce vs Zhang ll Odds
Fighter | Odds (To Win) |
---|---|
Zhilei Zhang | -138 |
Joe Joyce | +110 |
The latest odds have Zhang as the favorite, heading into the bout with odds of -138, while Joyce is the +110 underdog. For anybody who believes the Englishman can turn the tide, as Chris Eubank Jr did recently and stop Zhang, you can get odds for a Joyce TKO of +250 on BetMGM and FanDuel.
One of the biggest issues for Joyce in the first fight was the southpaw stance of his Zhang. Joyce, usually known for his great footwork, decided to stand and trade punches right in front of Zhang, who gladly accepted that and battered Joyce relentlessly leading to the stoppage. The odds reflect that many feel Joyce will have too much do to in the rematch. However, the ‘Juggernaut’ will take solace from the fact that Eubank Jr managed to overcome the underdog tag in his rematch and will feel a change in tactics could lead to victory.
Our Prediction for Joyce vs Zhang
This looks like a really tough assignment for Joyce. However, the good news is that heavyweight boxing is littered with fighters who have lost but won a rematch. Think of Hasim Rahman beating Lennox Lewis or more recently Andy Ruiz defeating Anthony Joshua. Both Lewis and Joshua won the rematch and it is certainly possible Joyce does the same.
Nobody should doubt the guts and drive of the home fighter. The biggest for Joyce in the first fight was his footwork. He is athletic for a big man and was previously known to be light on his feet, and he will certainly need to be in the rematch. He may feel that just changing a few things and being more nimble will get the job done.
Another quirk to bear in mind from the first fight is that Joyce came in at his lightest weight for over three years – 256 pounds. However, we would be surprised if he came in much heavier the second time around, given how flat-footed he looked even though he came in relatively light. Speed will be key for Joyce to have success against the huge man that is Zhang.
I think Joyce has more success this time. He will take some punishment for sure, due to his bravery and also due to the fact his defence has been lacking in the past. This is really tough to call but I think Zhang will repeat his victory as he will throw punches that Joyce just does not see coming. I think Zhang will stop Joyce between rounds 7-10 in a another devastating loss for the Englishman.