Joe Joyce vs Zhilei Zhang: Date, UK start time, live stream, TV channel and undercard for big heavyweight fight

JOE JOYCE is back in heavyweight action as he faces Chinese heavyweight Zhilei Zhang next.

The Juggernaut hasn’t been in the ring since he dismantled Joseph Parker in 11 rounds back in their September slugfest.

GettyJoyce is undefeated but is still looking for his first world title shot[/caption]

Zhang has only lost once as a professional against Filip HrgovicGetty

Undefeated as a pro and with some beefy names on his resume, Joyce is still looking for his first world title shot.

And he’s set to wait a little longer as he faces all-action fighter Zhang at the Copper Box in London.

The winner, however, is expected to be ordered by the WBO to face the winner of Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk.

With Zhang standing in Joyce’s way, the Putney man will have to be switched on if he wants to compete for his first world honours as a pro.

When is Joyce vs Zhang?

Joyce’s clash with Zhang will take place on Saturday, April 15.

The main card gets underway from 7pm, with ring-walks for the main event expected at around 10pm UK time.

Joyce vs Zhang will be held at the Copper Box Arena in London.

What channel is it and can it be live streamed?

Joyce vs Zhang will be shown live on BT Sport 1 in the UK.

You can live stream the action from the BT Sport app, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.

Joyce vs Zhang full card

Joe Joyce vs Zhilei Zhang
Mikael Mayer vs. Christina Linardatou
Denzel Bentley vs. Kieran Smith
Dennis McCann vs. TBA
Sam Noakes vs. TBA
Eithan James vs. TBA
Sonny Liston Ali vs. TBA
Joel Kodua vs. TBA

What has been said?

“He bangs so I will have to watch out for it,” Joyce said. “As Hrgovic and I have a similar style, they had a great fight, so when we fight it should be entertaining.

“It will be carnage in the centre of the ring! I have lost my temper a few times in sparring and once was against a come-forward southpaw who was trying to knock me out. It was an exciting spar.

“I think with me and Zhang there will be real heavy punches exchanged and I am sure it will be a good fight.”

“I am always up for the challenge and when the opportunity rings the bell,” Zhang said.

“Joe Joyce and I share a lot in common – we both are Olympic silver medalists, both are big punchers, and are nearly the same size. This is going to be an explosive, epic and tremendous fight.”