Joe Joyce activated the rematch clause.

If Joyce did this with the plan to get step aside money while his eye heals, then smart play. He could also be doing it for a chance at a big money rematch next year now that Zhang is a much bigger name in China. Either option gets an aging Joyce some decent money towards the tail end of his career.

Joyce can't beat Zhang though. Before the fight I thought this was close to 50/50 with Joyce being a slight favorite. It was apparent when they were in the ring that Joyce is not on Zhang's level, and would get blown out again in a rematch. Zhang had a better gameplan, more speed, more power, and appeared to have far more confidence. There are levels to this, and Joyce is a clear notch below Zhang.

 

There is literally no need for a rematch.

 

So it’s a 50/50 fight again? Did half the posters here even watch the first fight?

 

Wouldn't mind seeing it again. Why not? Joyce's excuse is that he got his eye injured early and couldn't see.

 

Unless Joyce can learn defense and head movement at 38 he shouldn't take this fight. Bad match up for him.

 

I give Joyce the edge in the rematch, if he can box better and stay off the line for the first 3-4 rounds. Then he will wear Zhang down in the second half of the fight and beat him up.

I think if it wasnt for the eye injury he would have gone onto dominate the second half of the first fight.

 

If Joyce wasn't getting outboxed & schooled, he would've won. If he wasn't so poor defensively, he would've won. If he was about 20 years younger, he would've won. If he was a southpaw, he would've won. If this fight had taken place on Mars, he would've won as Zhang would gas even more. I got Joyce winning the rematch.

 

Brtis always try to get a rematch, even if they get murdered.
Back in 2017, Brook said he would take a rematch with Golovkin. Right now we have Woods taking on Lara again.
I still fondly remember the rivalry between Linares and Crolla.

Honestly, the only Brit that I can think of who avoided a rematch was Khan. He did not want to see Prescott again. And shame on Khan for that, but he is the crazy ****er who jumped up to fight Alvarez. Dumbass.

 

The only thing Zhang has to do to keep this fight in the bag is literally do some roadwork. If he doesn't gas then he bodies Joyce.

 

Joyce isn’t exactly a young prospect though. Bloke is nearly 40. It’s all about getting pay days at this stage. The time for polishing up his technique is over.

 

Age wise yes but hes still a relative novice with only 16 professional fights, another loss to Zhang could pretty much end his career. I think theres other paydays vs the likes of Dillian Whyte, which would be far less dangerous and winnable for him.

 

Unless he gets better defensively Joyce is going to lose again, but slightly later on than last time. Hope Joyce is still the betting favourite because I enjoyed cashing in on 11-1 odds.