Apart from the actual result (which I can be forgiven for, minor detail), this is how I saw it going.
Wow, i'm turning into EO
The Gratest wrote: ↑27 Jan 2023, 05:22
Man, I like this one. It's like a heavyweight Mayweather v Pac.
Zhang's got fast hands for such a big lump, and a fair bit of snap to his punches early on. He reminds me a bit of Corrie Sanders, southpaw, fast hands, 2-3 punch combos with a bit of a dig. I can see Joyce's vaunted chin being tested early on like never before (except when he got dropped in the ama's), especially by that left cross. Zhang being a big southpaw might prove a bit problematic for Joyce as well, as it might negate his jab, and he's not exactly known for delivering a straight right cross lead. I expect him to eventually prevail, wearing down Zhang late on with his relentless output as Zhang has show signs that his stamina isn't the best, but he'll probably need to eat a few punches early on (as ever).
The Gratest wrote: ↑18 Sep 2023, 17:32
Apart from the actual result (which I can be forgiven for, minor detail), this is how I saw it going.
Wow, i'm turning into EO
The Gratest wrote: ↑27 Jan 2023, 05:22
Man, I like this one. It's like a heavyweight Mayweather v Pac.
Zhang's got fast hands for such a big lump, and a fair bit of snap to his punches early on. He reminds me a bit of Corrie Sanders, southpaw, fast hands, 2-3 punch combos with a bit of a dig. I can see Joyce's vaunted chin being tested early on like never before (except when he got dropped in the ama's), especially by that left cross. Zhang being a big southpaw might prove a bit problematic for Joyce as well, as it might negate his jab, and he's not exactly known for delivering a straight right cross lead. I expect him to eventually prevail, wearing down Zhang late on with his relentless output as Zhang has show signs that his stamina isn't the best, but he'll probably need to eat a few punches early on (as ever).
Well one thing is for certain, and that’s big Joe is going to get hit hard and often early on. That’s a given isn’t it?
So the question is, does his chin and face hold up. Odds are one of those won’t. I’m worried that was one defeat that is not going to be under the ‘only makes you stronger’ category.
Still, everybody loves big Joe and I really hope he wins this. Big bang’s got a good chin though, which would be one of his best chances. I’m hoping for a miracle, also I’m gonna be in Wales so I’ll have to find a pub to watch it, so that’s two miracles I’m hoping for.
MightyWarrior wrote: ↑19 Sep 2023, 01:30
Well one thing is for certain, and that’s big Joe is going to get hit hard and often early on. That’s a given isn’t it?
So the question is, does his chin and face hold up. Odds are one of those won’t. I’m worried that was one defeat that is not going to be under the ‘only makes you stronger’ category.
Still, everybody loves big Joe and I really hope he wins this. Big bang’s got a good chin though, which would be one of his best chances. I’m hoping for a miracle, also I’m gonna be in Wales so I’ll have to find a pub to watch it, so that’s two miracles I’m hoping for.
Give yourself plenty of time to find a pub .. 20mph bit troublesome at moment in Wales:doh:
The last time I saw Joyce interviewed it looked like he had a load of scar tissue. Unless he’s able to nullify Zhang’s left hand then I can’t see him avoiding cuts.
I’m looking forward to it though. Good fight and credit to Joyce for going back into the fire.
I feel like Joyce will win this and probably by referee stoppage.
It seems odd to say that given how thoroughly he was beaten last time and it’s easier said than done but I think he will look to start faster, this time by moving his head and following Zhangs left hand back when it’s thrown with the tried and tested JJ 1-2-1-2-1-2-1-2.
Zhang doesn’t have 12 rounds at any pace in him and will tire significantly before the half way stage.
Joyce will need to start fast and keep on the pressure, but he won't be able to do that if he's getting his face panned in over and over again by the short left hand.
I'm going for another stoppage win for Zhang, I think Zhang is the better boxer, and he will have other tricks up his sleeve if Joyce finds a way to land the jab without getting hit loads.
Joyce was coming back into the fight last time, but his face couldn't hold up long enough, it will likely swell even quicker this time.
MightyWarrior wrote: ↑19 Sep 2023, 01:30
Well one thing is for certain, and that’s big Joe is going to get hit hard and often early on. That’s a given isn’t it?
So the question is, does his chin and face hold up. Odds are one of those won’t. I’m worried that was one defeat that is not going to be under the ‘only makes you stronger’ category.
Still, everybody loves big Joe and I really hope he wins this. Big bang’s got a good chin though, which would be one of his best chances. I’m hoping for a miracle, also I’m gonna be in Wales so I’ll have to find a pub to watch it, so that’s two miracles I’m hoping for.
Joe's other problem last time, was that Zhang kept parrying his jab, with an open glove and Joe didn't have an answer to that, and by the time he reacted, he'd already taken the left hand down the pipe, and that happened over and over again.
maverick23 wrote: ↑19 Sep 2023, 02:37
The last time I saw Joyce interviewed it looked like he had a load of scar tissue. Unless he’s able to nullify Zhang’s left hand then I can’t see him avoiding cuts.
I’m looking forward to it though. Good fight and credit to Joyce for going back into the fire.
Yeah, and he already had plenty - wasn't he in a car crash or something when he was young, I am sure i heard something like that, which curtailed his athletic career - he's certainly always had a lot of scar tissue around the left eye, ever since he was in the pro game.
I think those types of things tend to recur in the next fight, and Zhang has a definitive target to aim at now.
Kilburn wrote: ↑19 Sep 2023, 14:13
Zhang can navigate 12 rounds, but can’t apply pressure for 12 rounds.
Perhaps it wasn't clear what I was saying.
Zhang can't do 12 rounds at any(thing more than a very slow) pace.
I agree with you.
Joe needs to remember that although he's been vunerable to Zangs left hand , Zang is vunerable to Joe's right hand , who lands the most wins , non are excatly light ont there feet are they
maverick23 wrote: ↑19 Sep 2023, 02:37
The last time I saw Joyce interviewed it looked like he had a load of scar tissue. Unless he’s able to nullify Zhang’s left hand then I can’t see him avoiding cuts.
I’m looking forward to it though. Good fight and credit to Joyce for going back into the fire.
Yeah, and he already had plenty - wasn't he in a car crash or something when he was young, I am sure i heard something like that, which curtailed his athletic career - he's certainly always had a lot of scar tissue around the left eye, ever since he was in the pro game.
I think those types of things tend to recur in the next fight, and Zhang has a definitive target to aim at now.
he's got loads of scar tissue hasn't he - has anyone ever opened it up in a fight? was it that eye that was damaged vs Zhang? I can't remember.