Zhilei Zhang vs. Joe Joyce Betting Analysis and Prediction

The biggest of all the upcoming boxing fights this weekend will be this heavyweight world title bout between Zhilei Zhang and Joe Joyce in London–which is a rematch of their first meeting in April.

Read more for a closer look at this big heavyweight title fight and for the official Zhang vs. Joyce prediction ahead of making your boxing picks on this weekend’s betting slate.

Zhang vs. Joyce Information

Zhilei Zhang vs Joe Joyce

Location of the fight: OVO Arena at Wembley, London, UK

Date & Time: September 23, 2023, 5 PM ET, estimated ring walk

How to Watch: ESPN+

Last Fight Results:

Both of their last fights were their first meeting in April. In that bout, Zhang got his hand raised as a massive underdog after the fight was stopped by the referee in the 6th round due to the damage to Joyce’s eye.

Zhang vs. Joyce Betting Analysis

Zhilei Zhang

Zhang is a Chinese boxer with a professional record of 25-1-1, with 20 wins coming by way of knockout. He is now the WBO interim heavyweight title holder at 40 years old. His boxing background stems from a dominant amateur career representing China at the Asian Championships, and the World Championships, and even taking home a silver medal at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

“Big Bang” is listed at a towering 6’6” with an 80” reach as well. He trains in New Jersey and benefits from high-quality training partners at this stage of his career in the United States. Zhang fights out of the southpaw stance.

Joe Joyce

Joyce is a British boxer with a professional record of 15-1 with 14 KOs under his belt at the professional level at the age of 38. As a UK boxing legend, Joyce held regional titles and WBO interim champion from September 2022 to April 2023.

“Juggernaut” is known for a legendary amateur career where he dominated the scene for years. He secured 5 gold medals at the National Championships and European Games and a 2016 Olympic silver medal.  Joe is listed as the same size as Zhang at 6’6” with an 80.5” reach. He fights out of the orthodox stance.

Updates

There are no injuries reported to ESPN.

Zhang vs. Joyce Betting Preview

The key to making the best Zhang vs. Joyce prediction is to take the time necessary to look over the available betting lines and rewatch their first meeting, at least.

According to boxing odds, Zhang is now the -120 slight betting favorite, with the lines trending to become EVEN at the time they close. This is a massive difference from being more than a +600 betting underdog in the first meeting. The over/under is set at 9.5 rounds, and it’s +145 to go to the scorecards, which is probably the most interesting line of the whole matchup.

Analyzing the footage of both fighters, particularly their recent clash in April, it’s intriguing to see how that bout unfolded.  Joyce’s hype stems from strong British boxing support, where fans passionately back their fighters, adding to his acclaim.

Zhang’s speed advantage was evident, and Joyce learned he couldn’t absorb punches at this elite level during their encounter. Joyce advanced, while Zhang employed basic boxing tactics, asserting dominance.

The straight left hand and the jab from Zhang had a home all night long on Joyce’s chin. Joyce, aged 38, still packs a punch, remaining a potent threat in the ring.

Zhang vs. Joyce Betting Prediction

Betting on rematches can be tricky, but this fight becomes easier to pick when you focus on the key aspects.

Zhang is more physically fit and has fewer career miles than Joyce, giving him an advantage in this matchup. Zhang has the speed advantage, and Joyce is way too easy to hit. Like the late, great Mickey Duff used to say: “he looks like he’d be insulted if you miss him.”

The official Zhang vs. Joyce prediction is that Zhang will get his hand raised again and most likely stop him in the later rounds. Joyce aims to adjust but can’t acquire world-class footwork and head movement at 38 for a 12-round showcase.

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