Joe Joyce activates rematch clause for a fight against Zhilei Zhang

Joe Joyce, a heavyweight contender, will now face Chinese giant Zhilei Zhang in a rematch.

The British Olympian has reportedly used his instant rematch clause to compel a rematch with Zhang, according to Joyce's manager Shane Watson.

Last month, Zhang stunned everyone when he defeated Joyce, handing him his first career loss.

Joyce started the battle using Zhang's southpaw stance, and Zhang was successful in landing left hands throughout the contest. When Joyce's right eye swelled shut, the bout was stopped by a doctor.

The plan seemed to be for Joyce to compete in an interim bout before taking on Zhang before the end of 2023, but he now wants to regain his WBO mandatory status. Zhang obtained the WBO interim championship as a result of his victory.

“The first fight was what it was. Joe knows how to put it right. We spoke about an interim fight but Joe made it clear he wanted the rematch as soon as possible and this shows how Joe will take any top heavyweight on at anytime," Watson told Talk Sport.

The most current information would eliminate Zhang from contention to challenge Tyson Fury, the WBC heavyweight champion, in July.

Zhang is the favourite to challenge Fury at Wembley Stadium in London this summer, according to Top Rank CEO Bob Arum, who also co-promotes Fury.

It is always possible to negotiate a step-aside agreement with Joyce, who would receive a guaranteed shot at the Fury-Zhang victor as part of the agreement.

Queensberry Promotions, owned by Frank Warren, is promoting Fury, Joyce, and Zhang.