Hearn: Zhang should check Joyce's jaw

Zhang Zhilei
Zhang Zhilei

According to Eddie Hearn, Joe Joyce (15-0, 14 KOs) will be the undisputed favorite in the fight scheduled for April 15 against Zhilei Zhang (24-1-1, 19 KOs). The head of Matchroom Boxing, however, believes that a powerful Chinese puncher can seriously test the Englishman's resilience to punches.

“Zhang is in the twilight of his career, but he is still capable of hitting,” says a well-known promoter. - I think everyone, including Zhang, will have a problem with the intensity of Joyce's boxing. I bet Joyce will beat Zhilei, but if he's open to punches like always, Zhang can hit him well."

"Everyone talks about Joyce's strong jaw, but he's never really fought a big puncher, except for Dan DuBois, who never hit him with anything decent," Hearn added.

For Joe Joyce, the April fight could be the last test before the fight for the world title. The Briton is the official contender for the WBO belt. Zhang Zhilei in his last performance, who was the final IBF eliminator, lost to Filip Hrgovic.