In a WBO heavyweight transition title fight, Chinese fighter Zhang Zhilei TKO British fighter Joyce in the sixth round of the bout. This match made the history of Chinese boxing. Because, Zhang Zhilei became a transitional boxing king. Zhang Zhilei's name has been brushed by foreign media, and it can be said that it became popular overnight.
Sky Sports wrote that Zhang Zhilei's sixth-round TKO victory over Joyce dealt a major blow to the latter's pursuit of the world title. In this match, the severe swelling of Joyce's eyes proved Zhang Zhilei's incredible strength, and it was the first loss of Joyce's career, which was Zhang's intention to chase the title.
Joyce said in an interview: "I respect Zhang Zhilei, it was a good battle, I think I could have done better, but it was disappointing, I want to apologize to all my fans and supporters, I will come back." ”
ESPN mentioned that it was a big upset, and Zhang Zhilei, who will turn 40 next month, is expected to hit the world championship belt. "Today belongs to me!" Zhang Zhilei said, "I am 39 years old, but I train hard and the next step is to fight for the championship. The outlet said Zhang Zhilei has the potential for huge interests and income from China, and he lives in New Jersey.
CBS wrote that Zhang Zhilei ended Joyce's unbeaten record in London and became a mandatory challenger for the official boxing champion Usyk, Joyce is known for his endurance, Zhang Zhilei showed his decline late in the fight, and if Joyce can continue to top, he may take over the fight in the second half, however, Joyce could not get rid of Zhang Zhilei, his eyes began to swell in the third round, and the blows continued to expand after that, and finally the referee terminated the fight in the sixth round.
The BBC lamented that it was not part of the script, that Joyce had lost his temporary WBO title, and that the 39-year-old Zhang was not favoured before the game.