Zhilei Zhang and Joseph Parker are set to face off in an intriguing heavyweight clash. After recently facing both, Joe Joyce knows who he would like to see with his hand raised.
‘The Juggernaut’ beat Parker in a career-best performance back in 2022, the eleventh round knockout keeping his substantial momentum going as he put his WBO mandatory position on the line against Zhang seven months later.
It was a bad night at the office for the Brit, whose badly swollen eye made it a stoppage win for ‘Big Bang.’ The rematch five months later would be even more conclusive, a KO of the year candidate for Zhang in the third round.
Speaking to Seconds Out, Joyce praised the match-making.
“I think Parker has more experience fighting southpaws. It’s a real interesting for fight for me to see because I’ve obviously fought them both. Zhang is very accurate. He doesn’t throw a lot of shots, but the shots he does throw are very powerful and meaningful. Parker throws quite a lot of shots, he’s got a good chin, he’s durable and he’s got a good boxing brain. I think it’s a good fight.”
He then revealed that he was on Parker’s side when it comes to fight night.
“I’m hopeful Parker can do it. Can beat Zhang and be just that bit smart and skilful than I was, and get in there. But Zhang, he’s very accurate, and if he hits him with a good shot he can put Parker down no problem.”
Joyce – who faces Kash Ali in a comeback bout on March 16 – said he has interest in a rematch with Parker as well as Daniel Dubois in the future.
“If Parker beats Zhang, that would be a good fight for a rematch. Equally, Dubois is in a good place as well. It would be good to get back in and beat him again, take his position. There are options and big fights.”