Frank Warren has commented on Joe Joyce’s weight loss ahead of his defeat to Zhilei Zhang this past weekend, and admits it left him scratching his head.
Joyce came in over a stone lighter than he was for his win over Joseph Parker last year, and was stopped in six rounds by Zhang in a shock loss at the CopperBox Arena.
Speaking in his personal column on Queensberry’s website, Warren admitted he felt the drop in weight was a mistake.
“Without sounding like a terrible after-timer, I do think Joe and his team will have to consider why it was thought to be a good idea to reduce his size – and ultimately, power – heading into a fight against a fellow giant of a man.
I thought Joe had found an optimum level against Joseph Parker and he probably should have stuck to it.”
“I understand that he likely wanted to make himself a more nimble operator and he lighter on his feet against a largely static puncher, but Joe tends to always get drawn into a trade-up eventually anyway.”
“This is something he will have to ponder when it comes to making a decision over whether he wants to jump into a rematch against Zhilei, which is a major option for him.
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 ageing 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.
Joyce’s right eye started to close over almost immediately and eventually the damage became so pronounced that the doctor and Howard Foster had no other alternative but to wave off the contest half way through the sixth round
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 first before jumping back in with Zhang.