Joyce and Zhang pre-fight statements

In just a few hours Joe Joyce (15-0, 14 KOs) and Zhang Zhilei (24-1-1, 19 KOs) will fight for the interim WBO heavyweight belt, and we bring you the boxers' final statements ahead of a promising fight.

It seems that both fighters respect each other, and also appreciate their previous fights quite highly. The Briton points to the great toughness of the Olympic silver medalist from Beijing, who, in turn, believes that Joyce gave a very good fight Joseph Parker (31-3, 21 KOs).

“Zhilei looks good, and who knows, he might make it to the final gong. But I do not plan to feel sorry for him, because twelve rounds is too long. I would like to finish this fight earlier. I hope it won't be a grueling fight and I won't have to take too many hits. Zhang looks cool - Hrgovic is good and he hit him really good and he didn't even flinch," Joyce said.

“Let's see if Joyce can take my punches. But he certainly looked very good against Parker, although Parker did not want to fight, he just ran around the ring. He got more and more tired because he didn't want to fight him. He was just afraid, that’s all,” Zhilei replied.