Zhilei Zhang Closes Joe Joyce Right Eye in Sixth-Round TKO | FIGHT HIGHLIGHTS
Watch fight highlights of Zhilei Zhang's impressive sixth-round TKO upset victory over Joe Joyce in London.
In a stunning upset, Zhilei Zhang defeated previously undefeated heavyweight boxer Joe Joyce in the sixth round, much to the shock of the London crowd. Although Joyce had a strong reputation going into the fight, Zhang, also an Olympic silver medalist, proved to be the better fighter, landing heavy southpaw lefts that swole, and completely shut Joyce's right eye. The ringside doctor ultimately ruled that Joyce could not continue, and Zhang emerged victorious.
Zhilei Zhang feints Joe Joyce with a fake jab, then wobbles him with a powerful straight left in RD2 😮 #JoyceZhang | #Boxing pic.twitter.com/I3gBdslv0K
— RINGOFHIGHLIGHTS (@ringofhighlight) April 15, 2023
Joyce did have a strong showing in the fifth round when he upped his work rate and began putting punches together, but he was unable to avoid Zhang's punches and suffered a devastating defeat. The upset victory has sparked excitement and anticipation for Zhang's future fights, as he works his way towards the top of the heavyweight division.
Zhilei Zhang defeats Joe Joyce by RD6 TKO after the doctor and ref take a look at Joyce’s completely shut right eye 🇨🇳 #JoyceZhang | #Boxingpic.twitter.com/JpiHTxOxko
— RINGOFHIGHLIGHTS (@ringofhighlight) April 15, 2023
A closer look at @JoeJoyceBoxing's eye 😬 pic.twitter.com/DiYs3ZDUaa
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) April 15, 2023
"I am 39 years old! The next step for me is to go for the title," declared the veteran fighter, Zhang, in the ring after his victory. With this win, Zhang's slow yet persistent progress towards the pinnacle of the heavyweight division might finally become a reality. Notably, Oleksandr Usyk, Tyson Fury, and Anthony Joshua are all realistically within Zhang's reach.