Heavyweight Joe Joyce piled on twenty-five pounds to scale a career-high 281 pounds for his crunch rematch with Zhilei Zhang.
The Olympic silver medalist is on the verge of an attempt to right the only wrong in his career. Joyce tackles Zhang in London months after suffering his first defeat.
Another reverse is unthinkable for Joyce, who hopes the extra weight will give him an advantage against Zhang.
It wasn’t all good news for Joyce at the weigh-in, though. Zhang piled on nine pounds after beating Joyce up, damaging his eyes and stopping him the last time.
Zhilei Zhang vs Joe Joyce II weights:
The WBO interim Heavyweight World Championship 12 x 3 Minute Rounds
Zhilei Zhang 287.2lbs
Joe Joyce 281.2lbs
The WBC International Super-Lightweight Championship 10 x 3 Minute Rounds
Pierce O’Leary 139.3lbs
Kane Gardner 139.6lbs
10 x 3 Minute Rounds International Light-Heavyweight Contest
Anthony Yarde 177.9lbs
Jorge Silva 178lbs
10 x 3 Minute Rounds International Super-Middleweight Contest
Zach Parker 170.9lbs
Khalid Graidia 168lbs
6 x 3 Minute Rounds International Heavyweight Contest
Moses Itauma 237.9lbs
Amine Boucetta 296lbs
8 X 3 Minutes Rounds Light-Heavyweight Contest
Ezra Taylor 176lbs
Joel McIntrye 178.2lbs
6 X 3 Minute Rounds International Super-Featherweight Contest
Royston Barney-Smith 131.6
Engel Gomez 132lbs
6 X 3 Minute Rounds International Cruiserweight Contest
Aloys Jr 203.1lbs
Eric Nazarayan 203.7lbs
6 X 3 Minute Rounds International Cruiserweight Contest
Tommy Fletcher 199.2lbs
Alberto Tapia 197.5lbs
6 X 3 Minute Rounds International Welterweight Contest
Sean Noakes 151.7lbs
Lukasz Barabasz 154lbs
Must-win rematch
Joyce knows he cannot afford a second loss at this stage in his career. A heavyweight title shot is just around the corner for the winner.
“It is back to the drawing board and little improvements on things, nitpicking on bits I need to get right for this next camp coming,” said Joyce.
“I think, watching it back and seeing the shots thrown and landed and stuff, it was terrible to experience that. But it is all a learning curve.
“I have taken losses in the amateurs and returned and won a silver medal – if not the gold. I can do it again in the pros. I’ve got the experience and the drive.
“I don’t want to take the long route to get back for the title. All I’ve got to do is beat him. Then I am back in line for a mandatory shot.”
“That is important to me. I want to be a world champion. I want to deliver on my dreams, goals, and aspirations. That is why I am here.”
