Interim WBO champion Zhang Zhilei will meet Briton Joyce

LONDON, June 29 (Xinhua) — China’s interim WBO heavyweight champion Zhang Zhilei will fight British boxer Joe Joyce again in London on September 23.

Zhang, nicknamed The Big Bang, defeated Joyce by TKO in the sixth round in London this April, wresting the interim WBO title from his then-undefeated opponent. But Joyce, 37, has activated a rematch clause in a bid to reclaim the title.

“Since no one in China will finance the match, I have to fight on my opponent’s home soil.” Zhang told Xinhua after the rematch was confirmed to take place at Wembley Arena.

“Since it’s settled, I’ll take it seriously. I’ll prepare for the match as if I’m facing a new opponent,” said Zhang, who has lived in the United States since turning pro in 2014.

“Many people think that no Chinese boxer can succeed in the heavyweight division, and that Chinese boxing cannot compare to American or European boxing, but I disagree with them,” Zhang said. “We are confident and down-to-earth. I am sure that Chinese boxing will shine on the world stage.”