Joe Joyce apologies to fans after losing his WBO interim heavyweight title to Zhilei Zhang

Joe Joyce has insisted his  ‘journey is not over’ despite losing his WBO interim heavyweight title to Zhilei Zhang.

The Chinese boxer beat Joyce by sixth round technical knockout after the Brit suffered a serious eye injury.

There had been talk of ‘the Juggernaut’ fighting Oleksandr Usyk or Tyson Fury for the world heavyweight title next, but after losing his title and unbeaten record such a bout seems unlikely.

‘I’m just disappointed with my performance,’ Joyce said after the fight. ‘The right hand he kept hitting me with I couldn’t get out of that way so respect to Zhang, Big Bang.

‘It was a good fight. I think I could have done better. I haven’t fought a southpaw for so long and credit to him because he’s a good fighter. I gave it my all. I think I could do better, but it’s just disappointing. I expected to win like I normally do.’

Joe Joyce has apologised to fans after losing his WBO interim title to Zhilei Shang

The Chinese boxer won by sixth round technical knockout after a heavy eye cut to Joyce

Joyce apologised to fans after the loss but insisted his ‘journey’s not over’

The 37-year-old admitted struggling against Zhang but insisted he would be back in the ring, as he continued:  ‘A little bit more practise [is needed]. Zhang is a fellow silver medallist, he’s good fighter and hits hard. 

‘He’s an awkward style because he’s a southpaw and a powerful southpaw at that. I just couldn’t get away, I kept getting hit by his left hand. 

‘I’m disappointed. I’d like to apologise to all my fans and supporters. I’ll be back. My journey’s not over. This is just a hurdle I’ve tripped over. I’ll be back.’

For Zhang, the result was a perfect comeback after losing to Filip Hrgovic by unanimous decision last August.

The 39-year-old could be back in action against Joyce, as promoter George Warren revealed there is a rematch clause in place.