Former two-division world champion Carl Frampton commented on the upcoming rematch between the interim WBO heavyweight champion Zhang Zhilei (25-1-1, 20 KOs) and Joe Joyce (15-1, 14 KOs).
“I liked Joyce in the first fight, he was totally wrong and he was honest about it. I still like him in that fight, I think with a few changes he could have changed the outcome of the first fight.
I think Zhang hurt him early in the first fight and he couldn't handle the southpaw stance, but with a few tweaks I think he could have stopped Zhang.
There may even have been signs that this was happening in the first fight, Zhang began to breathe heavily, but Joyce's eye began to close, and the doctor made the right decision.
People said, "If the eye hadn't closed..." but it was Zhang who made it happen because he hit him right there.
I really think that Joyce can change everything, but he should be much better than in the first fight, ”Boxing Social quotes Frampton.
The rematch will take place on September 23rd. In April of this year, Zhilei defeated Joyce ahead of schedule.
