Joseph Obey Joyce vs. Zhāng Zhìlěi & Denzel Bentley vs. Kieran Smith RBR.

It was great matchmaking for entertainment, but considering Joyce was mandatory for a World Title, did they really need to face a big puncher like Zhang, knowing Joyce’s style of taking shots flush to the chin?

I feel like they thought that he was turning 40 next month and that he wouldn’t pose any risk.

I also think Joshua deserves more credit for beating a similar aged Alexander Povetkin who was a higher level than Zhang. @Mitch87

Also bad decision by Matchroom letting Zhang go, but also good decision since Joyce has suffered a defeat, however you choose to look at it.

It was a great event at an almost sold-out arena. The rematch would be fun if it happens.

 

Rematch in China would be proper Rocky comeback stuff if Joyce fancies it. Good payday over there too. It means a lot more in China than it will do over here so why not?

 

Bad matchmaking for Joyce.
Zhang was all risk no reward

 

Yep it's a shame about the stoppage because I believe Joes workrate would have shown late and won the fight on points.

Problem is Joyce has trouble evading shots from average orthodox fighters. Against a big awkward seasoned southpaw he was always going to eat that left hand all night.

 

Joyce still has my support

It's not just about cheering on the guys that are undefeated

 

I can't see a rematch going any differently than what we saw tonight.

Joyce is far too stationary, no upper body movement and far too easy to hit.

 

Even crazier would be Fury Zhang in China.

It’s good from a viewer’s perspective. We saw a great fight which is what we want.

However, I agree that as he was mandatory for a World Title it made no sense fighting such a big puncher. Like I said, they thought because he was a “48 year old Chinese fella” that it would be easy work.

Shout out to Big John Fisher for having a Chinese with Zhang before the fight helping him to win.

 

100%

 

Can’t believe I got Zhang stoppage at 2/1 when the doctor first had a look

 

Yes it was an odd fight taking everything into consideration

 

Maybe if Joyce came in bigger, and Zhang would be 40 by then, it wouldn’t be out of the realms of possibility of an upset occurring.

I do feel bad for Joyce. He’s one of the most likeable guys in the sport and has taken tough fights. I hope he comes back stronger.

 

Ahhh, so that answers my question of why AJ wouldn't fight Zhang. Thanks for clearing that up

 

Joe should hold back on the volume. All that output means little defence. Bad strategy at heavy.

 

Great event? Is that some match room faux- praise?

Apart from the main event, the card was terrible. At least it wasn't terrible and PPV though.

 

Just a terrible style match up in hindsight. Always got to watch the heavy guys. Similar thing happened with andy ruiz v joshua. In that their sometimes sleeping on how heavy these guys actually are. 20 lb difference is a decent one.

Pretty much outjoyced joyce in there. The counterpuncher aspect played a big part in that not only was he a counterpuncher....he was one that was heavier and looked stronger. Made joyce look weak at times. Joes style kind of relies on being heavier and or stronger. Good thing tho is hes heavier and stronger than most.

Think joyce still has a future but certain styles will beat him without too many problems in hindsight. Should have kept building against good slightly lighter men for the minute. Looks like zhangs got his number after tonight tho. Better looking elsewhere next and maybe come back to it a couple of fights down the line.