Heavyweight Zhilei “Big Bang” Zhang (25-1-1, 20 KOs) achieved what some labelled improbable, stopping the iron chinned Joe “The Juggernaut” Joyce (15-1, 14 KOs) in six rounds at the Copper Box Arena in London.

Giving no excuse in defeat, Joyce stated “I’m disappointed with my performance. I couldn’t get out of the way of the left hand he kept hitting me with so respect to Zhilei Zhang, “Big Bang.” It was a good fight. I think I could have done better. I hadn’t fought a southpaw for so long – and credit to him because he’s a good fighter – I gave it my all. It’s just disappointing. I expected to win like I normally do.

Zhang lived up to his nickname (Big Bang) landing heavily from the opening round. Joyce was noticeably rocked in the second from a straight left hand from the Chinese fighter but seemed to find his rhythm in the third. Zhang stayed with the tried and tested of the effective left hand, closing the right eye of the Londoner before a halt was called from the man in charge at the sixth round.

“Today is mine. I’m 39 years old, but I’m disciplined, I trained hard” said Zhilei Zhang afterwards “next step I’m going for the title!”