Teddy Atlas has weighed in on the possibility of a fight between Joe Joyce and Anthony Joshua, and still believes Joyce has the tools to take Joshua out.
Joyce was shocked by Zhilei Zhang in London this past weekend, with the Chinese southpaw putting on a career best performance to capture the WBO interim world title.
Speaking on his official Twitter account, Atlas offered some words of encouragement to Joyce, and said it may now be easier for him to land a fight with the likes of Joshua following the loss.
“Silver lining in every dark cloud, and for Joyce it might be that this poor performance will now entice Joshua to fight him.”
“And if it does, you never know, if Joyce lands a right hand on that at times porcelain chin of Joshua, could be broken dishes.”
And if it does, you never know, if Joyce lands a right hand on that at times porcelain chin of Joshua, could be broken dishes. #JoyceZhang#boxinghttps://t.co/PCn2dcr9My
— Teddy Atlas (@TeddyAtlasReal) April 15, 2023
Joyce went into the fight as the clear bookmakers’ favourite, with many observers of the belief that his gas tank and thudding power would be too much for the 39 year-old Zhang to handle.
However, ‘Big Bang’ proved he had enough to deal with Joyce and then some, causing the Brit all sorts of problems from the first bell.
Zhang’s southpaw left couldn’t miss the stationary Joyce, who was visibly shaken on numerous occasions throughout the contest.
Joyce’s right eye started to close over almost immediately and eventually the damage became so pronounced that the doctor and referee had no other option but to wave off the contest half way through round number six.
A contractual rematch clause is in place should Joyce opt for it, but he hinted in his post-fight interview that he may take an easier fight in the interim
As for Joshua, he seems to have changed his mind on fighting three times this year and announced he won’t be back in the ring until December.