‘Journey isn’t over’ – Joe Joyce says he’ll be back after Zhilei Zhang inflicts first defeat of Juggernaut’s career

Joe Joyce said his ‘journey is not over’ after suffering the first loss of his professional career to China’s Zhilei Zhang by a sixth-round technical knockout.

The British heavyweight, a 2016 Olympic silver medallist, surrendered his WBO Interim belt against the 39-year-old in a big blow to his hopes of a shot at the world title.

“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,” Joyce told BT Sport.

He added: “I’m just disappointed with my performance. The right hand he kept hitting me with…I couldn’t get out of the way, so respect to Zhang. I expected to win like I normally do. Thanks for all the support and congratulations.”

Zhang overpowered the Juggernaut, leaving him with a swollen eye as Joyce was staggered several times.

Referee Howard Foster was forced to step in at the midway point as the ringside doctor inspected Joyce’s injury before the contest was called.

It was a major setback for Joyce, who was the mandatory challenger for Oleksandr Usyk’s WBO title and hoping for a potential fight with the Ukrainian, WBC champion Tyson Fury or Anthony Joshua.

Instead, 2008 Olympic silver medallist Zhang was left declaring ‘today is mine’ as he celebrated one of the biggest wins of his career.

“Today belongs to me, belongs to everyone who showed up, belongs to every Chinese fan who showed up,” Zhang said.

“I’m 39 years old, but I’m disciplined, I train hard and next step I go for the title.”