WBO interim champion Zhang Zhilei to face rematch with Britain's Joyce

LONDON - China's WBO interim heavyweight champion Zhang Zhilei will fight against British boxer Joe Joyce again in London on Sept 23.

Zhang, nicknamed Big Bang, defeated Joyce with a sixth-round technical knockout in London this April, snatching the WBO interim title from his then-undefeated opponent. But 37-year-old Joyce activated a rematch clause, aiming to reclaim the title.

"Since no one in China will fund the match, I have to fight on my opponent's home soil," Zhang told Xinhua after the rematch was confirmed to be held at the Wembley Arena.

"As it's settled, I will treat it seriously. I will prepare for the match as if I'm facing a new rival," said Zhang, who has been based in the United States since turning professional in 2014.

"Many people think that no Chinese boxer could achieve success in the heavyweight category, and that Chinese boxing cannot match that of the US or Europe, but I don't agree with them," said Zhang. "We are confident and down to earth. I'm sure that Chinese boxing will shine on the world stage."