- What: Joe Joyce vs Zhilei Zhang - WBO interim heavyweight title bout
- When: Saturday, April 15th
- Where: Copper Box Arena, London
Englishman Joe Joyce will be looking to defend his WBO interim heavyweight title on Saturday in London as he steps into the ring with China's Zhilei Zhang. The winner would likely be lined up to face Oleksandr Usyk if he doesn't take on WBC belt holder Tyson Fury. This bout is expected to get started at 2 PM ET at the Copper Box Arena. Joyce has never lost in his pro career, while Zhang is 24-1-1. Find the Joe Joyce vs Zhilei Zhang picks below.
Before we get into the odds and predictions for this fight, check out the best boxing betting sites and where you can find our sportsbook reviews.
Joe Joyce vs Zhilei Zhang Odds
As you can see, Joyce is a massive favorite here with odds as high as -1000. Zhang is priced at +600. If he was able to pull off the upset, it would be well worth a bet.
Fight Preview
Joyce is nicknamed "The Juggernaut" for a reason. The 37-year-old is an absolute beast and comes into this fight hoping to defend his WBO belt. Last September, the Brit went toe to toe with Kiwi Joseph Parker in a very entertaining clash as Joyce constantly pounded Parker with heavy blows. In the 11th round, Joyce put him on the canvas, his fifth knockout in a row. In fact, 14 of his 15 victories have come via KO. Parker was once a title holder therefore it proved to be an impressive victory for Joyce.
At 6 foot 6, Joyce packs one of the biggest punches in the boxing world, let alone the heavyweight division. While he's never lost, Joyce does tend to give his opponents the opportunity to land shots. That being said, Zhang should have his chances here. Despite Joyce's strategy, it hasn't hurt him yet. I mean, he's yet to lose in his career. Fighting on home soil should help the London native, who will continue his rise up the heavyweight division with another win Saturday.
A former bronze and silver medalist at the Olympics, Zhang is no pushover. Although he did finally taste defeat in his last fight in August of 2022 via unanimous decision against Filip Hrgovic, many thought Zhang should've won. He put his opponent down early on and kept it competitive for all 12 rounds. Sure, it counted as a loss, but Zhang proved he's a force to be reckoned with.
Zhang has a wicked southpaw and has knocked out 80% of his oppositions throughout his career. At 39 years old, there is no shortage of experience for the Chinese native, either. He's used to being an underdog as well, so the odds here would be a welcoming sight for him. Zhang can't be underestimated.
Joe Joyce vs Zhilei Zhang Picks
Personally, I don't think the odds should be so lopsided. There is no doubt Joyce should be a favorite, but not by this much. Since the moneyline offers minimal value, take Joyce to win via knockout. However, expect Zhang to push him to the absolute brink. 10 of his last 11 bouts went to the 10th round at the minimum. It's worth betting on what round the fight may end, too.
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