Joe Joyce Vs Zhilei Zhang heads to London this weekend, a credible heavyweight clash that comes at a timely fashion for the division.
ProBox TV News spoke exclusively to Zhang’s sparring partner for this camp, Dmytro Bezus to get his view on this weekend's heavyweight showdown.
The Ukrainian (10-1, 5 KOs) has built his career in Latvia, Turkey and his native Ukraine. Most recently he was on the wrong end of a 2nd round stoppage to David Adeleye in London.
“There was a good atmosphere the whole time I was there.” Bezus said “It was a nice gym and I like the trainer, we did some good sparring in America.
Bezus stands at an identical 6ft 6in with Joyce and has a similar come-forward hard-hitting style to that of the Englishman. The Ukrainian continued with his views on the man he had been brought in to replicate.
“I really like Joe Joyce.” Bezus stated. “There hasn’t been a fighter to ever shake his head yet, nobody has ever really hurt him. I hope Zhang is the first to do it. Zhang does have the skills, he has the size to be successful in London.
“However, it’s heavyweight, it’s very hard to predict fights at heavyweight. This fight is well-matched also, it will be a very high quality fight I believe. It’s tough to call! It could go either way, it will depend on who makes the first mistake or first big error. They both have the ability, you will definitely see some great boxing from both men. It is two Olympic silver medalists, two of the best boxers in the world. Everyone who spent money on the fight should be expecting a great show, they spent their money well.”
Zhang comes off a highly disputed career-first defeat at the hands of Filip Hrgovic on the Usyk vs Joshua undercard last August in Saudi Arabia. Bezus couldn’t help but give his view.
“I think Zhilei won that fight.” He stated firmly. “There were many moments in that fight when Hrgovic absolutely wanted out. He kept looking at his corner and did not want to continue. I don’t know how they didn’t raise the hand of the boxer from China. And it’s not just me who thinks so.”
