Joe Joyce has always been known more for his in-ring prowess and iron chin than his trash-talking.
‘The Juggernaut’ is coming off a career best victory against Joseph Parker last year, when he stopped the man from New Zealand for the first time in his career, with a stunning eleventh round KO.
Next up, Joyce will take on China’s Zhilei Zhang in what is sure to be an entertaining heavyweight scrap on April 15 at the Copperbox Arena in London.
Zhang’s last fight came on the undercard of Oleksandr Usyk vs Anthony Joshua 2, as he took on Filip Hrgovic, who is widely touted as a future world champion.
Hrgovic beat Zhang by unanimous decision, although many spectators, including Joyce, thought ‘Big Bang’ deserved the decision.
Like Joyce, Zhang stands at 6 foot 6 tall and is an Olympic silver medallist, with a record of 24-1-1, and 19 KO’s as a professional.
Being an experienced operator, it is unlikely that Joyce will be able to get into Zhang’s head in the build-up and he certainly won’t with his latest attempt at trash-talk.
Joyce was asked in an interview with BT Sport whether there’s a chance he loses his temper against Zhang in the ring when they fight and after he explained that he will remain level-headed, he tried out some hilariously awkward trash-talk.
“I’m ‘The Juggernaut’,” Joyce said. “I walk through the fires and I use my own flames to uh… heat up my opponents.”
Joyce then burst into laughter, as even he realised that kind of trash-talk wasn’t going to be rattling Zhang.
With that being said, Joyce went on to say, “It’s going to be carnage at the centre of the ring.”
And, it’s hard to argue with that, as neither man likes to take a backwards step, such that this fight almost guarantees fireworks.
talkSPORT BET OFFER OF THE DAY
Get up to £40 in free bets* – CLAIM HERE
18+ New customers only. Opt in, bet up to £40 (min. £20) on selected events at odds of 2.00+, in 7 days. Get up to £40 in free bets on selected events. Bonuses expire in 7 days. Card payments only. T&Cs apply, see below. begambleaware.org | Please gamble responsibly
