WATCH: A proud elderly gentleman cries tears of joy as Zhilei Zhang returns to China after defeating Joe Joyce 

Chinese heavyweight boxer Zhilei Zhang was showered with love and support after his victory over Joe Joyce.

WATCH: A proud elderly gentleman cries tears of joy as Zhilei Zhang returns to China after defeating Joe Joyce 

Zhilei Zhang (image credits- Twitter)

The Chinese heavyweight boxer Zhilei Zhang once again entered the ring to fight the British heavyweight boxer Joe Joyce. Furthermore, before this match, both fighters faced each other for the first time in April of this year. Subsequently, Zhang won the fight after a sixth-round stoppage, which stripped Joyce of his WBO interim heavyweight title.

After the match, both fighters agreed to a rematch five months later, which was set at London’s OVO Wembley Arena. However, Joyce fared worse in the second fight as a devastating right hook knocked him out in the third round. Furthermore, Zhang’s popularity in China has grown immensely since his first victory. In addition, during the rematch, the audience consisted of several Chinese fans and supporters who were holding Chinese flags. Subsequently, in a viral clip, an elderly citizen greeted Zhang and expressed pride in his achievements.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffuABKDE05w&pp=ygUVemhhbmcgdnMgam9lIGpveWNlIDIg

Furthermore, it can be concluded that Zhang’s consecutive victories have immensely grown his popularity worldwide and in China. The outcome of their first fight caused a lot of upset among fans, as Joyce remained undefeated to this point. Hence, Joyce’s defeat permanently dent his perfect boxing record and impacted his legacy.

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Following his devastating loss, Joyce invoked his rematch clause to rehabilitate his reputation in the boxing world. Subsequently, before the rematch, Zhang boldly stated that the first fight gave him the opportunity of a lifetime. However, Zhang stated that in their second fight, he would end Joyce’s career completely.

RELATED: “If you want I’ll give it to ya” – Joe Joyce tempts Tyson Fury to come out of retirement with potential fight

Eddie Hearn talks about the possibility of Anthony Joshua vs. Zhilei Zhang

In a press conference, Eddie Hearn, the head of Matchroom Boxing, spoke about Zhang. Subsequently, Hearn stated that he was not opposed to the possibility of Anthony Joshua engaging in a bout with Zhang.

Eddie Hearn
Eddie Hearn (image credits- The Guardian)

Furthermore, Hearn had supported Joyce as a British native before Zhang vs. Joyce II. Hearn stated that he wanted Joyce to win, but he felt that Zhang would end the fight within six rounds. Subsequently, Hearn’s prediction came true, after which Hearn stated that Joyce should retire after such a long and successful career. In addition, Hearn discussed the possibility of Joshua fighting Zhang and his confidence in Joshua winning the fight.

Furthermore, Hearn stated that Joyce should not consider facing Joshua after his consecutive losses against Zhang. Subsequently, Hearn feels that Joshua is more technical, fast, and powerful than Zhang, and Joyce would lose easily.

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