The Saudi Effect: Joe Joyce has reason to believe there are still big fights out there for him

THE method of Joe Joyce’s second defeat to Zhilei Zhang final September was sufficient to have many asking whether or not the British heavyweight ought to retire from boxing or not.

His seemingly relentless cost to a shot at one of many 4 world heavyweight belts was halted by Zhang by way of sixth-round stoppage after which, within the rematch, by third-round knockout. Zhang’s reward, mockingly, is a combat in opposition to Joseph Parker, who misplaced to Joyce closely in 2022.

Referring to the favored child’s sport Snakes and Ladders, Joyce instructed Boxing News that he has fallen down a few snakes and wishes to climb a ladder as soon as once more. But one in every of his biggest strengths, the Joe Joyce chin, was uncovered by Zhang of their rematch. Does he now have doubts about his Get out of jail free card?

“No, because I’m not just a walking chin, a heavy bag,” Joyce responded. “I can actually punch, I can counter, I’ve got good timing, good footwork and I’m aiming to improve. But I came up against a hard test; a bogeyman or a tough style for me to deal with. I paid the price. I’m gonna come again. There’s plenty of fights still out there for me.”

Facing Kash Ali on March 16 will inform us little or no about Joyce’s restoration. But it’s what follows the Ali combat that may shine a brighter mild on each what Joyce has left and the place he matches within the heavyweight pack.

“There’s heavyweight showdowns taking place in Saudi so there’s plenty opportunities there [and] even here,” the 38-year-old stated.

“Joseph Parker and Dubois gained (and that’s) undoubtedly raised my inventory. Two guys I’ve beat and so they’ve had actually good wins. It simply reveals types make fights. Zhang, clearly, wasn’t a great type for me. He’s a great fighter and he’s combating Joseph Parker who I’ve knocked out.

“It’s interesting how boxing works. There’s stories behind all these fights. I haven’t had enough yet; I haven’t had my fill yet. I haven’t done what I came into the sport to do and that’s be a world champion – which I’m still gunning for. There’s such a unique opportunity which has arisen in Saudi. There’s still plenty more fights I can have and I’m not done yet.”