Skip to content

Expert prediction

Zhilei Zhang vs Joe Joyce II Prediction, Preview, and Odds (Sep 23)

  • Alex Dudley
  • Sep 22, 2023 at 3:24 AM EDT

Pick rationale

Analysis & key factors

  • Zhilei Zhang caused a huge upset earlier this year after beating Joe Joyce by TKO
  • Winner of this bout will likely face a world title showdown with Oleksandr Usyk in 2024.

A huge fight with massive ramifications in the heavyweight division will take place in London on Saturday, as the mandatory challenger for Oleksandr Usyk’s WBO title will be determined. Zhilei Zhang holds the advantage after scoring a shock TKO win in the first fight against Joe Joyce, but can the Brit respond this weekend?


How To Watch

  • When: Saturday, September 23, 2023
  • Where: Wembley Arena, London, England  
  • How To Watch: ESPN+

Odds

Fight ResultOdds
Zhilei Zhang
Joe Joyce

Fight Preview

A future world title shot hangs in the balance at Wembley Arena on Saturday, as Zhilei Zhang looks to confirm his recent win over Joe Joyce. The Chinese Olympian was the huge outsider in the betting for the first meeting between the pair in April, but he scored a stunning sixth-round TKO victory after it was determined that the Brit was unable to continue.

The result sent shockwaves across the heavyweight division, but Zhang’s win shouldn’t have been a shock outcome. He has been excellent throughout his professional career, winning 25 of his 27 professional bouts. His only defeat was suffered in August 2022, but the unanimous decision loss against Filip Hrgovic was rightly criticized by many, as fans believed that the result should have gone the opposite way.

READ MORE: Canelo Alvarez vs Jermell Charlo Prediction, Preview, and Odds (Sept 30)

Saturday will be the biggest night in Joyce’s career, as he looks to get back on track after suffering a shock defeat at the hands of Zhang. However, the Brit has made a career out of coming back from huge setbacks better than ever, and that is one of the key reasons why he is ranked as the second best active heavyweight by TBRB.

Joyce has won 15 of his 16 professional fights, with a staggering 14 of his victories coming by knockout. The standout win was achieved against Joseph Parker, as he became the WBO interim champion after becoming the first man to stop the Kiwi heavyweight. But, the pressure will certainly be on this weekend, as he looks to show why he is considered one of the very best on the planet.


Zhilei Zhang vs Joe Joyce Prediction

This is a fascinating bout in the heavyweight division, and the pressure will be on Joyce. However, we truly believe that he would have learned his lessons from that first professional defeat, and we could see him stopping Zhang in the final six rounds.

Free Pick:

Boxing

More Predictions

Boxing Insight

David Benavidez vs Michał Cieślak Odds, Preview, and Picks

Best bet: David Benavidez to win (-1500) Also like: Benavidez by KO/TKO (odds to come) Claim Up to $250 Free Bet at BetOnline David Benavidez comes home to Arizona on December 5 to defend his WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles against mandatory challenger Michał Cieślak at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale. Benavidez has taken over […]

Alex Dudley 3 min read

Boxing Insight

Callum Smith vs Dmitry Bivol Odds, Preview, and Picks

Best bet: Dmitry Bivol to win (-900) Also like: Bivol by decision (odds to come) Claim Up to $250 Free Bet at BetOnline Dmitry Bivol is back on December 12, defending his light heavyweight titles against Britain’s Callum Smith at the UMMC Arena in Yekaterinburg, Russia. Fighting at home, Bivol is a commanding -900 favorite […]

Alex Dudley 3 min read

Boxing Insight

Jake Paul vs. Cedric Doumbe Odds, Preview, and Picks

Best bet: Jake Paul to win (-450) Also like: Fight to go the distance (odds to come) Claim Up to $250 Free Bet at BetOnline YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul is back on Christmas Eve, taking on decorated kickboxer Cedric Doumbe in Dubai. It’s Paul’s first fight since Anthony Joshua knocked him out, and the question is […]

Alex Dudley 3 min read

Boxing Insight

Keith Thurman vs Vergil Ortiz Jr Odds, Preview, and Picks

Best bet: Vergil Ortiz Jr to win (-2000) Also like: Ortiz Jr by KO/TKO (odds to come) Claim Up to $250 Free Bet at BetOnline Keith Thurman is back in the ring for the first time since Sebastian Fundora stopped him in March, and he’s taking on one of the most dangerous punchers in boxing. […]

Alex Dudley 3 min read

Boxing Insight

Canelo vs Mbilli Odds, Prediction, and Props Picks: Can Canelo Become a Champion Again?

Best bet: Canelo Alvarez by decision (-140) Fight to go the distance: Yes (-350) Moneyline: Canelo Alvarez (-350) Claim Up to $250 Free Bet at BetOnline One of the generational greats returns to the ring this weekend, as Canelo Alvarez challenges undefeated champion Christian Mbilli for the WBC super middleweight title in Saudi Arabia. The […]

Alex Dudley 3 min read