Their first meeting in April saw ‘The Juggernaut’ suffer the first defeat of his career, with Zhang springing something of a surprise.
Joyce came in much lighter for the fight and duly suffered at the fearsome hand speed ‘Big Bang’ has in his repertoire, with Zhang constantly finding success around the Brit’s right eye. That pressure ultimately told and a TKO was called in round 6, leaving Joyce without his WBO interim title.
It is now entering the must-win territory for the 38-year-old. Anything other than a victory would leave Joyce well out of the world title picture, a remarkable thing to consider given the impressive manner of his victory against Joseph Parker as recently as a year ago.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Joyce vs Zhang 2 date, start time, venue and ring walks
Joyce vs Zhang 2 is scheduled to take place on Saturday 23 September 2023 at London’s OVO Wembley Arena.
The undercard is due to begin at 5pm BST and main event ring walks are expected around 10.30pm.
Joyce vs Zhang 2 fight card/undercard in full
The major name on the undercard if Anthony Yarde, who is making his comeback after his defeat against Artur Beterbiev in January.
- Joe Joyce vs Zhilei Zhang
- Pierce O’Leary vs Kane Gardner
- Anthony Yarde vs TBA
- Sam Noakes vs Carlos Perez
- Zach Parker vs Khalid Graidia
- Ezra Taylor vs Joel McIntyre
- Royston Barney-Smith vs TBA
- Moses Itauma vs Amine Boucetta
- Tommy Fletcher vs Alberto Tapia
- Aloys Youmbi vs Erik Nazaryan
- Sean Noakes vs Lukasz Barabas
How to watch Joyce vs Zhang 2
TV channel: The entire card will be broadcast on TNT Sports 2.
Live stream: TNT Sports subscribers will be able to watch on a live stream via the TNT Sports App.
LIVE coverage: Follow all the action with Standard Sport’s dedicated fight blog.
Joyce vs Zhang 2 fight prediction
It’s going to be hugely difficult for Joyce, who must be credited for taking such a risk in his career. Still, his game plan surely cannot backfire as much as it did in the first fight. Needing to win, he does have the power and the engine to pull it off.
Joyce to win by TKO.
Now or never: Joyce has to win to get back into world title contention
/ Getty ImagesJoyce vs Zhang 2 weigh-in results
Both fighters will weigh in on Friday 22 September 2023. Check back in for results then!
Joyce vs Zhang 2 latest odds
Joyce to win: 11/10
Draw: 16/1
Zhang to win: 8/11
Joyce to win by KO/TKO: 10/3
Zhang to win by KO/TKO: 6/4
Joyce to win by decision: 12/5
Zhang to win by decision: 7/2
Odds provided by Betfair and subject to change.
