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

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

The Chinese boxer defeated Joyce by technical knockout in the sixth round after the Briton suffered a serious eye injury.

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

“I’m just disappointed with my performance,” Joyce said after the fight. “I couldn’t get rid of the right hand he kept hitting me with, so respect to Zhang, Big Bang.

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

The Chinese boxer won by technical knockout in the sixth round after a serious eye injury to Joyce

Joyce apologized to fans after the loss, but insisted his ‘journey isn’t over’

The 37-year-old admitted that he struggled against Zhang but insisted he would be back in the ring, continuing: “Practice a little more [is needed]. Zhang is a co-winner of a silver medal, he is a good fighter and hits hard.

“He’s a clumsy style because he’s a southpaw and a powerful southpaw. I just couldn’t get away, I kept getting hit by his left hand.

‘I’m disappointed. I want to apologize to all my fans and supporters. I will come back. My journey is not over yet. This is just a hurdle I’ve tripped over. I will come back.’

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

The 39-year-old could return to action against Joyce as promoter George Warren revealed a rematch clause is in place.