Joyce vs Zhang Rematch Will Thwart Tyson Fury Fight

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Joe Joyce has activated a rematch clause to fight Zhilei Zhang again, scuttling the Chinese heavyweight’s rumored fight with Tyson Fury.

Joyce suffered the first loss of his professional career in April, losing to Zhang via sixth-round TKO in London. That result put Zhang in the conversation of possible opponents for Fury’s next fight, but “Big Bang” must now face Joyce again.

Joyce’s manager Shane Watson told Talksport on Tuesday (May 9) that the Olympic silver medalist had activated a rematch clause, adding: “The first fight was what it was. Joe knows how to fix it.

“We talked about an interim fight, but Joe made it clear that he wanted the rematch as soon as possible. This shows how Joe will take on any top heavyweight at any time.”

Joyce, 37, stopped Joseph Parker in his previous fight and also has a stoppage win over Daniel Dubois, but the Brit lost the WBO interim title with his loss to Zhang. That result has cost Joyce a potential fight with Oleksandr Usyk for the time being.

Meanwhile, WBC champion Fury is also rumored to take on Andy Ruiz Jr, ahead of a possible clash with Usyk later in the year, a fight that would crown an undisputed heavyweight champion.

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