Zhilei Zhang vs Joe Joyce Odds: Redemption on the Cards
WBO Interim Heavyweight Title Fight
As Zhilei Zhang vs Joe Joyce odds suggest, the Chinese title holder will be tough to beat in the rematch.
Despite being 40 and coming out of nowhere in the heavyweight ranks, Zhang is favored at -130 to beat Joyce, who fights in his own backyard.
It’s one of the biggest fights on the boxing schedule this month, and it should end before the final bell.
Never Too Late for Zhang
For most of his career, Zhang had fought easy opponents. He was given a harder test when losing to Filip Hrgovic, before being offered to fight Joyce.
It was meant to be an easy fight for Joyce, but after stopping Joyce in the sixth round, Zhang put himself on the world stage.
The Chinese fighter, who fights out of New Jersey, burst onto the scene with the win, and he now looks to defend his WBO interim heavyweight belt.
Moving up the ranks to sixth in the world, he’s out to prove the win was no fluke. He’s a big body, and although the older fighters don’t win as often as younger fighters, he’s a seemingly unmovable object.
He targeted Joyce’s eye last time, which ended the fight, and according to the latest boxing news, the same tactics will be applied.
“Of course. Everybody saw the eye swelling up. So, I’m aiming for the eye, there’s no question about it,” Zhang said. “I’m going for the eye for sure. I have no idea what Joyce will bring to the table, but whatever he brings that’s new, I’ve seen it (in training camp).
I have to expect a more formidable challenge, so here I am. I’m waiting to see that happen. I’ll wait for it.”
Zhilei Zhang vs Joe Joyce odds have Zhang at -130. There is good respect with bookmakers, and we expect those odds to shorten closer to fight night.
Joyce Eyes Redemption
Despite some eye troubles, Joyce is hoping the rematch will bring a different fate on Saturday.
37-year-old lost his unbeaten record to Zhang, so redemption is on the cards, but now he knows what to expect.
He didn’t expect to have a rivalry with a fighter like Zhang. It was destined to be with another British heavyweight title contender, but he could still get that chance if he wins the interim belt.
Boxing bets landed when Joyce defeated New Zealand star Joe Parker in 2022. That knockout win put Joyce on the list of boxers to watch in 2023, but he’s in danger in falling off the list.
We didn’t think bettors would ever get even money for Joyce to beat Zhang, but it could be worth entertaining. He was outboxed in the first meeting, but he has a good coaching staff, and he’s good enough to turn the tables.
“I’m a bit heavier than before and more experienced, I know what to do this time around,” Joyce said.
“I am coming in a lot more dedicated and focused this time, I’ve had a bit more practice with the southpaw style in terms of sparring and tactics going into this fight.”
Price Too Good to Ignore
Getting even money for Joyce is too good to pass up. He’s a quality fighter who made mistakes in the first meeting, but bettors shouldn’t worry too much about that.
There is good value in betting Joyce to win by knockout. Zhang is a huge fighter, but Joyce has the better hands, and he could score a TKO victory.
Bettors get +300 for Joyce to win by stoppage and +300 to win by decision. Given that he’s fighting in front of his home crowd again, that could be enough for the underdog to get it done.
Zhilei Zhang vs Joy Joyce odds have Joyce at +2500 to win in Round 7, which could be worth backing as a juicy exotic wager. He could wear down the older fighter, who might let the occasion get the better of him.
For boxing odds, Zhang vs Joyce analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
