JOE JOYCE has activated his rematch clause with Zhilei Zhang – throwing Tyson Fury’s plans up in the air.
Joyce was primed for a summer stadium showdown against Fury after fighting against Zhang in April.
GettyJoe Joyce has activated his rematch clause with Zhilei Zhang[/caption]
Tyson Fury was in line to fight Zhilei ZhangJamie McPhilimey
But he was stunned in his first career defeat following a sixth-round stoppage due to his eye being too swollen for him to continue.
So Fury’s US promoter Bob Arum spoke out to say Zhang, 40, was the frontrunner to challenge the WBC champion in July.
But that plan now faces the KO after Joyce’s manager Shane Watson CONFIRMED the rematch clause has been triggered.
Watson said: “Joe once again shows he’s the only elite level heavyweight who will fight anyone and everyone.
“The last fight we know what went wrong and Joe knows how to put it right.
“We spoke about an interim fight but Joe Joyce made it very clear he was only interested in righting the wrong.”
For Zhang to now fight Fury, Joyce would need to step aside and a fee to do so would likely be required.
It leaves some sceptical fans joking that the Gypsy King will turn to old rival and friend Derek Chisora, 39, for a FOURTH bout.
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And others have questioned 37-year-old Joyce’s decision to rematch Zhang, while some praised him.
One fan said: “Fury gonna fight Chisora again.”
Another joked: “Chisora 4?”
One warned Joyce: “Humongous mistake.”
But another argued: “Massive credit to Joe Joyce for wanting the immediate rematch versus Zhilei Zhang.”
Joe Joyce after defeat to Zhilei ZhangPA