'One Wheel Helps Me Take My Mind Off It And Enjoy Life' - Says Joy Joyce Before Joyce vs Zhang 2
Joe Joyce, the heavyweight fighter from Putney, faced an unusual path to deal with his first professional defeat, which occurred in April at the hands of China's Zhilei Zhang. This loss marked the first since his controversial defeat by France's Tony Yoka in the 2016 Olympic final. Now, at 38, Joyce is set to return to the ring for a Joyce vs Zhang rematch at Wembley Arena, aiming to reignite his world title aspirations. To cope with the setback, Joyce turned to unconventional means. He found solace in a one-wheel skateboard, immersing himself in nature while riding it. This helped him cope with the disappointment. Additionally, spending time with family and friends and reviewing fight footage to analyze his mistakes played a crucial role in his recovery. Joyce emphasized the importance of having hobbies outside of boxing, such as swimming, diving, and cycling, but his newfound passion for the one-wheel skateboard served as a welcome distraction from the all-consuming world of boxing.
“I got out in nature on my one wheel skateboard thing, that helped me,” he said. “Going to see family and friends. Reviewing the footage as well and seeing where I went wrong. t wasn’t that I was thinking, it was a distraction and something to feel good about and enjoy. “I have hobbies away from boxing, I swim, dive, cycle and the one wheel is my new thing. It helps me take my mind off it and enjoy life. It means it’s not boxing, boxing, boxing.”In Joyce vs Zhang previous encounter, Joyce's fight was stopped in the sixth round due to grotesque swelling around his eye, rendering him unfit to continue. This loss not only led to relinquishing the WBO 'interim' belt but also cost him the No. 1 position in the sanctioning body rankings, with the title held by unified champion Oleksandr Usyk.
“I’ve made a lot of minor adjustments in the build up some of the things with the team, and tactics and weight,” Joyce said. "I’m coming in more practised and prepared. I was a little bit light, Zhang was heavier and stronger. “I had to make sure I was eating right and eating enough. When I started previous camp I was already on fight weight so it was hard for me to keep the weight on. It was just something in my protein shake that wasn’t agreeing with me. “Maybe I overlooked him a bit and got tactics wrong, there were some minor last minute changes and weren’t practised. This time they have been practised and hopefully it will be a better outcome.”Joyce acknowledged that he has made minor adjustments in his preparation for Joyce vs Zhang 2, including changes in team dynamics, tactics, and weight management. He learned from his past mistakes, ensuring he maintains the right weight and nutrition throughout his training camp. He also noted that some last-minute tactical changes had not been adequately practiced in their previous bout but assured fans that this time they would be better prepared. Regarding the Joyce vs Zhang rematch, Joyce decided not to wait, recognizing the slow pace at which mandatory challenges and undisputed fights can materialize in the heavyweight division. He understood the importance of seizing opportunities, given his status as the No. 1, mandatory, and interim champion. Despite the setback, Joyce remains confident in his abilities and aims to prove that he is more than just a fighter with an iron chin.
“I wasn’t going to wait,” he said. “Especially with how the mandatories go. Daniel Dubois has had his chance with Usyk, now it’s Filip Hrgovic with the IBF so then it should be the WBO interim champion. I will be back in time and nothing will have changed so I had to take the rematch. “It’s hard enough when you’re No 1, mandatory and interim champion and still waiting for the undisputed fight, so these fights take so long so you don’t have time to waste going around the long way. I was in the fight and I can beat him.”Joyce emphasized his desire to become a world champion and the excitement and challenges that come with pursuing success in the sport of boxing. As he readies himself for the Joyce vs Zhang rematch, he is determined to showcase his skills and determination on the path to achieving his world title dream.
“I know my strengths and weaknesses,” he said. “It’s the boxing media building me up as ‘look at his chin’ but that’s not what I’m all about. I’m going to be a world champion. That’s what I got in it for - to be successful. I enjoy the lifestyle, the excitement and the challenge that comes with boxing.”
