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    Fans love how BT Sport have camera just for Jack Grealish’s calves after cutting to them during interview

    FANS loved how BT Sport cameras cut to a shot of Jack Grealish’s calves during a post-match interview.The midfielder spoke to the media after Manchester City drew 1-1 with Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final.
    Manchester City ace Jack Grealish admitted to getting cramp in both his calves versus Real MadridCredit: BT Sport
    BT Sport’s cameras swiftly cut to his calf muscles when they were mentionedCredit: BT Sport
    However, supporters were left in awe of Grealish’s bulging muscles as the player admitted to feeling pain in his legs after the game.
    The City ace said: “I was tired, I have never had cramp before, but I had it in both my calves at the end.”
    Pundit Rio Ferdinand quickly jumped in, stating: “Especially with them calves as well, Jesus.”
    And the cameramen reacted just as swiftly, zooming in on the back of Grealish’s legs.
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    Fans found it hilarious, one said: “‘Those calves, Jesus’ and then the opposite camera panning to his calves cracked me right up.”
    Another joked: “We’ll have Grealish on camera five, keep his calves in frame in case we need to cut to them quickly.”
    A third added: “It’s impossible not to like this man. Warning, contains gratuitous leg shots too.”
    The interview has also hit the headlines with internet sleuths believing a mystery pundit farted towards the conclusion of the chat due to a suspicious noise being heard.
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    During the game, Grealish was engaged in a fiery exchange with Dani Carvajal.
    Afterwards, he claimed he was not intimated by him or the occasion, saying: “I loved it, these are the nights you play football for.
    “These are nights you dream of playing in with everyone in the world watching.
    “Playing against Carvajal, I can’t count the amount of people that said to me before the game, ‘you know what he is going to be like’. It was a good battle, I really enjoyed it out there.
    “I had a text from my mum before the game and she was like ‘these are the nights you’ve dreamed of since you were a kid’ and it’s true.” More

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    Watch Rio Ferdinand’s wild reaction to Vinicius Jr goal as Man Utd legend leaves City fans raging

    MANCHESTER CITY supporters were left fuming with Rio Ferdinand after his wild reaction to Vinicius Jr’s goal.The Manchester United legend was working for BT Sport as a pundit for City’s thrilling Champions League semi-final first-leg draw with Real Madrid.
    Rio Ferdinand produced a wild reaction to Vinicius Jr’s goal against Manchester CityCredit: BT Sport
    The Man Utd legend jumped to his feet after the Brazilian thundered home the openerCredit: BT Sport
    He then began jumping and screaming to leave City fans ragingCredit: BT Sport

    Vinicius Jr broke the deadlock with an incredible strike from outside of the area in the 36th minute.
    But a stunning effort from Kevin De Bruyne ensured City a 1-1 draw to take back to the Etihad next week.
    BT Sport shared footage at half time of their pundits in the studio reacting to the Brazilian breaking the deadlock.
    Ferdinand jumped from his seat in excitement and screamed: “Oh my god. That’s what he does!
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    “Vinicius Jr the difference. The difference.
    “The soul snatcher. The soul snatcher. Wow. Wow. Vamos!”
    And those tuning in from the blue half of Manchester were less than impressed with his reaction.
    “What a melt,” responded one City fan.
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    Another fumed: “Glad I cancelled @btsport a few months ago.”
    A fellow supporter said: “Typical bad example not supporting your country!”
    As another raged: “This is f***ing weird mate. You’re a grown adult not a weird 14 year old Youtuber.” More

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    Rio Ferdinand blunder on BT Sport has fellow pundits in fits of laughter as Man Utd icon moans ‘we still in school’

    THE BT SPORT studio erupted into a roar of laughter after an hilarious blunder from Rio Ferdinand last night.He was in the studio to provide the analysis as Tottenham came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw with Manchester United.
    Tottenham’s Clement Lenglet caused Rio Ferdinand all sorts of problems last nightCredit: Getty
    The Man Utd legend had his colleagues in stitches trying to pronounce his nameCredit: BT SPORT

    The Red Devils were two up in North London thanks to goals from Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford at half time.
    But Spurs fought back to earn a point against United thanks to strikes from Pedro Porro and Heung-min Son.
    United had a great chance to go 3-1 up when Bruno Fernandes brilliantly nutmegged Tottenham defender Clement Lenglet inside the area but then rifled his strike back off the bar.
    And it was while discussing this piece of magic from the Portuguese ace that the legendary United defender slipped up trying to say the Spurs’ star’s name.
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    Ferdinand said: “That will be everywhere though. Imagine being Linglay now?”
    “Who’s that?” asked his fellow pundits as they burst into laughter.
    The tongue-tied ex-England ace responded: “Ling… Ling… Ok sorry, pronunciations.”
    As the laughter heightened, the embarrassed looking Ferdinand said: “Are we at school?”
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    While former Tottenham ace Jermaine Jenas replied: “That’s going to be on digital.”
    One fan responded on Twitter: “Rio Ferdinand just called Lenglet ‘linglay’.”
    While another said: “Bit of a tongue twister eh Rio?”
    Fortunately that was not all that Ferdinand had to say during the coverage of last night’s Premier League encounter.
    He also revealed that he would be surprised if United are not already in talks over a move for Harry Kane this summer.
    Erik ten Hag is desperate to bring in a new No9 this summer to spearhead his attack next term.
    As well as Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, United have also long-been linked with a swoop for Spurs star Kane.
    Discussing that potential transfer pre-match, former United defender Ferdinand stated that his old side must take advantage of Tottenham’s “turmoil”.
    He told BT Sport: “If there aren’t conversations going on in the corridors of power about Kane then I’d be surprised.”
    Ferdinand then joked: “Sell now before the season even finishes.
    “Manchester United have to be looking at the turmoil that Tottenham are in.”
    He was then asked if United win the Premier League title should the 29-year-old head to Old Trafford.
    He replied: “They get closer than where they are now.”

    Ferdinand also says that it was “too long” for Kane and United to wait another 12 months to get him for nothing when his contract expires in 2024.
    And to reinforce that he said that the striker is “exactly what they [United] need” now. More

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    Fans notice subtle change to BT Sport’s Premier League coverage and they say it’s ‘great news’

    VIEWERS of BT Sports were delighted with a change to their usual programming last night.The broadcaster was screening the crunch Premier League title showdown between Manchester City and Arsenal.
    Peter Walton was not in the hot-seat for BT Sport last night as usualCredit: BT Sport
    Fans noticed the change during coverage of Man City’s win over Arsenal
    The Cityzens thrashed the Gunners 4-1 as a brace from Kevin de Bruyne and strikes from John Stones and Erling Haaland delivered a hammer blow to the North London club’s championship chances at the Etihad.
    However, those tuning in to the action appeared to be delighted that BT Sport had swapped ex-Prem referee Peter Walton in favour of Mark Clattenburg as the go-to guy for officiating decisions.
    After De Bruyne’s early opener, viewers quickly took to Twitter after being surprised when Clattenburg was brought in to discuss it.
    “BT Sport have sacked off Peter Walton for Clattenburg. Best news of the week,” declared one.
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    Another wrote: “Peter Walton has been binned off BT? Great news.”
    While another said: “BT Sport have f***ed Peter Walton off in favour of Mark Clattenburg for the biggest game of the season.”
    But not everyone was happy to see the diverse Walton, who Sun Sport has learned was absent due to a long-standing personal engagement, replaced.
    One tweeted BT Sport asking: “Mark Clattenburg?! Where’s Peter Walton?”
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    As another said: “Excuse me, where is Peter Walton?”
    Walton has been BT Sports’ main guy for discussing and analysing officiating decisions for several years.
    The 61-year-old refereed games in the Premier League between 2003-2012 as well as the 2008 FA Community Shield.
    Walton was also absent for the channel last week as they covered City’s Champions League quarter-final second leg away at Bayern Munich.
    Ex-Prem ref Mark Clattenburg stepped in for himCredit: Getty More

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    Man Utd legend Rio Ferdinand shuts down Martin Keown with brutal Arsenal jibe live on BT Sport

    RIO FERDINAND shut down Martin Keown with a brutal response about Arsenal’s development. The former Premier League defenders were part of BT Sport’s punditry team at the Etihad ahead of Manchester City’s crunching 4-1 win in the top-of-the-table clash.
    Rio Ferdinand stunned Martin Keown with his brutal replyCredit: BT Sport
    The Gunners headed to Manchester City five points clear at the top but having played two more matches in this thrilling Premier League title race.
    Patrick Vieira was talking up Arsenal and their chances of lifting the trophy – either this season or next.
    Keown then chipped in by claiming his former side can now be classed as “winners”.
    The ex-centre back said: “The manager has reinforced the old culture we used to have, a winning culture.
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    “These guys are winners now, things have changed.
    “People come to work to be the best.”
    But Ferdinand immediately retorted: “How are they winners now?
    “They’ve not won nothing.”
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    That left Keown on the back foot and scrambling for a comeback.
    He replied: “No, no…”
    And then Keown added: “Look at the number of games they have won.
    “The reputation of these players has changed enormously, they were a soft touch, the players weren’t physical enough.
    “If you play Arsenal now, you’re in a game.
    “The culture has changed. They’ve come a long way.”
    Ferdinand totally agreed that Mikel Arteta has helped transform Arsenal since taking over at the Emirates in December 2019.
    But the FA Cup win that season is the only silverware to show for it just yet.
    And the ex-Manchester United man is reluctant to overstate the success.
    Ferdinand added: “I wouldn’t be going up against them saying they’re winners.
    “The culture is changing and Arteta has done remarkably well.
    “But to say they are a winning team is a stretch too far right now.
    “They have a great opportunity this season. City are the team to beat.”
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    Earlier on in the programme’s build-up, Keown left fans at home slamming him for the “cringiest moment of the season”.
    When interviewing Arteta pitchside, he bizarrely decided to call him “boss”.
    Mikel Arteta won the FA Cup with Arsenal in 2020Credit: Reuters More

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    Keown slammed for ‘cringiest moment of the season’ live on BT Sport before Arsenal’s must-win clash at Man City

    FOOTBALL fans roasted Martin Keown after he called Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta “boss” during his pre-match interview at the Etihad.Arteta, 41, joined the BT Sport broadcast ahead of their Premier League title six-pointer against Manchester City on Wednesday evening.
    Martin Keown, far right, referred to Mikel Arteta as ‘boss’
    And he was met by Gunners legends Keown and Patrick Vieira, along with Rio Ferdinand and Joleon Lescott.
    Arteta began answering the pundits questions ahead of the crunch clash.
    But Keown, who won three Premier League titles with Arsenal, then left viewers squirming when he opened his question by referring to the Arsenal head coach as “boss”.
    It was a comment that led to much mockery on social media.
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    One said: “Keown calling Arteta ‘boss’ has to be the cringiest moment of the season.. he’s 87 years older than him ffs.”
    Another added: “Keown calling him ‘boss’?! Horrific. Someone please stop him.”
    A third replied: “Martin Keown calling Arteta ‘boss’ 🤮🤮.”
    And a fourth responded: “Keown calling Legoman boss….cringe 🤣🤣🤣.”
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    Arsenal come into the pivotal clash with Man City off the back of three successive draws.
    And a win for Pep Guardiola’s men at the Etihad would move them to within two points of the Gunners with two games in hand.
    But an Arsenal victory would extend their advantage to eight points as they bid to end their 19-year wait for a league title. More

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    Major shake up to Premier League coverage on the way with 60 EXTRA games aired – but one broadcaster set to miss out

    PREMIER LEAGUE coverage is set to undergo a major shake-up with a further SIXTY games to be aired a season, according to reports.The lion’s share of Prem matches have, for the last few years, been shared between Sky Sports and BT Sports – with the former having aired them close to three decades.
    Premier League chiefs plan to make more matches available at the next domestic auctionCredit: GETTY
    A further SIXTY matches will reportedly be made available to broadcastersCredit: AP
    But Prem chiefs plan to make more matches available in order to “squeeze more money out of broadcasters” at the next domestic auction.
    That’s according to The Telegraph, who claim 260 of the season-total 380 matches will available for broadcasters to pick up.
    That’s an increase on the 200-a-season currently aired.
    The Prem’s current TV rights deal with broadcasters ends in 2025.
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    It’s said that “meatier” game packages will be available to Sky and their rivals.
    But some TV execs expect the number of packages to be reduced from the seven currently available.
    Sky currently dominate the current package split with four – the equivalent of 128 matches per season – to their name.
    BT Sport own the coveted 12.30pm kick-offs and midweek packages.
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    Despite their imminent rebranding, BT Sport – which will become TNT Sports in the summer – are expected to bid for whatever packages become available.
    Amazon owns the package for the Bank Holiday Christmas fixtures and a set of midweek fixtures, but their future in airing Premier League football remains unclear.
    The reduction of available packages, in theory, will make it harder for them to continue broadcasting games unless they opt to buy more matches.
    While Prem chiefs plan to make more games available for broadcast, there are currently no intentions to scrap the 3pm Saturday blackout.
    The decision to make more games available for TV could result in more Premier League games kicking off at untraditional times.
    The Premier League resumes action on Saturday, with title-chasing Arsenal’s clash with relegation battlers Southampton being the pick of the fixtures.
    A pivotal clash in the race for Champions League football between Newcastle and Tottenham rounds out this weekend’s matches. More

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    Joe Joyce vs Zhilei Zhang LIVE RESULT: Juggernaut LOSES fight by TKO as ref forced to stop fight for swollen right eye

    JOE JOYCE has LOST by TKO to Chinese heavyweight Zhilei Zhang after suffering severe damage to his right eye.The former Team GB star hoped to retain the title – and his status as the mandatory challenger for Oleksandr Usyk’s undisputed strap – with a sixth stoppage victory in a row.
    But Chinese clubber Zhang had other ideas – ending his reign as interim champ with a sixth-round TKO victory courtesy of a doctor stoppage.

    RESULT: Zhilei Zhang beat Joe Joyce by TKO
    Live stream: BT Sport website
    TV channel: BT Sport 1

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    Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…

    Eye can’t see, doc
    Joe Joyce saw his fight with Zhilei Zhang waved off after the ringside doctor deemed him unable to continue.
    The heavyweight’s world title dreams have been hugely dented after his right eye was left gruesomely swollen.
    Referee Howard Foster twice took Joyce, 37, over to the doc, who assessed the damage and extent of the injury.
    On the second occasion, cameras caught the moment the medic covered Joyce’s left eye and asked how many fingers he was holding up.
    The Londoner did return the correct answers – in two and one – but the damage was already done.
    Foster was advised to wave off the fight and Zhang, 39, was handed a shock technical knockout win after six rounds.
    Credit: BT Sport
    Credit: BT Sport
    Question marks over the scores
    Joe Joyce was beaten and battered by Zhilei Zhang across six brutal rounds at the Copper Box.
    But incredibly one judge had the Brit WINNING against the Chinese heavyweight before Joyce was pulled out.
    Joyce’s right eye was horribly swollen and he could barely see as Big Bang Zhang went to town on the Putney powerhouse.
    Somehow, though, one judge had Joyce in front, sparking fury among fans.
    One said: “Joyce up by one… never in a million years.”
    Another wrote: “Whichever judge has Joyce up on the scorecard should probably be investigated.”
    At last
    Hall of Fame trainer Teddy Atlas believes Anthony Joshua might feel more enticed to fight Joyce now.
    He tweeted: “Silver lining in every dark cloud, and for Joyce it might be that this poor performance will now entice Joshua to fight him.”

    Joshing around
    Anthony Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has reacted to Joyce’s stoppage loss.
    He posted a picture of AJ with the words: “Been there done it and seen it all.”

    Good Joyce ref
    Irish boxing legend Barry McGuigan believes Joyce would have been knocked out had the fight continued any longer.
    He wrote on Twitter: “Zhang was always going to be dangerous early on BUT I genuinely did not believe he could hurt Joyce the way he did.
    “Had the ref let the fight go on he would have KO’ed Joyce because he couldn’t see the Zhang backhand and his right hook was shaking Joe badly.”
    Credit: PA
    Not worth the weight
    Former cruiserweight champion Enzo Maccarinelli believes Joyce dropping weight proved to be his downfall.
    Maccarinelli tweeted: “Great performance by Zhang he was excellent from the start can see his pedigree but I still believe Joyce losing a stone in weight didn’t help him in there tonight don’t know if it would’ve changed anything but I just think it was a wrong move.”
    Credit: Getty
    Chis to that
    Derek Chisora has called out Zhilei Zhang.
    Chisora refused to retire following defeat to Tyson Fury in December and has set his sights on Zhang.
    He tweeted: “I want this fight. Chinese power.”

    Cold call
    Coach Dave Coldwell reckons Joyce’s fan-friendly style caught up to him.
    Coldwell tweeted: “Again, Joe Joyce was great to watch from a fans point of view. Tough as nails.
    “But If you have no defence you’re going to pick up damage.”
    Credit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    How about it
    Referee Howard Foster has been praised by trainer Shane McGuigan for stopping the fight when he did.
    McGuigan tweeted: “Nasty eye there! Hoping Joyce is ok & speedy recovery.
    “Zhang was calm with his attacks & performed great. Great call from Howard Foster.”
    Credit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    Being Frank
    Joyce’s promoter Frank Warren has backed the beaten heavyweight to bounce back from defeat.
    Warren tweeted: “Two absolute warriors who deserve all the credit in the world.
    “Joyce will be back no questions. Congratulations to Zhilei Zhang whose been an absolute credit to himself.”
    Credit: Getty
    Croll to be kind
    Ex-world champion Anthony Crolla has hailed Joyce for his classy response to defeat.
    Crolla tweeted: “Joe Joyce handled that unbelievably well post fight. Thought Zhang was very good, left hand was some weapon.
    “Was Joe a bit too light?? Would of he got to Zhang second half of fight?? Credit to Zhang tho was a very good performance.”
    Credit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    At last
    Hall of Fame trainer Teddy Atlas believes Anthony Joshua might feel more enticed to fight Joyce now.
    He tweeted: “Silver lining in every dark cloud, and for Joyce it might be that this poor performance will now entice Joshua to fight him.”

    Ben there done than
    Tyson Fury’s former coach Ben Davison was full of praise for Zhang’s tactics in the fight.
    Davison tweeted: “Zhang is a clever fighter. Created a comfortable environment before making Joe pay, Rinsed and repeated.
    “Neglected the body which may have taken Joes work rate away from him down the stretch… if it got there.
    “Gutted for Joe, of course, he’s a topman, He’ll be back.”
    Credit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    Joshing around
    Anthony Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has reacted to Joyce’s stoppage loss.
    He posted a picture of AJ with the words: “Been there done it and seen it all.”

    Eye caramba
    This is how Joyce’s eye was left following the six-round beating to Zhang.
    The referee and ringside doctor had no choice other than to wave it off.
    Joyce could now be in line for a rematch with Zhang in China.
    Credit: PA
    Closing out
    Joe Joyce’s world title dreams were shut down with his battered right eye by Zhilei Zhang in a bloody shock.
    The 37-year-old Putney ace just needed to come through the 39-year-old Chinese southpaw to secure a summer showdown with ringside Dillian Whyte, before finally securing a world title shot in the winter.
    But he made a typically terrible start to the bout, was battered for almost every moment of the six one-sided rounds and had to be pulled out by the referee on advice from the doctor.
    The fact he was still standing after the second round was incredible but Joyce’s famously solid chin just meant his eyes were left to absorb all of the punishment.
    With Joyce’s mother registered blind, the idea of him suffering serious long-term damage like that was too much to bear for anyone watching, with knowledge of the family.
    So there was relief when our Rio 2016 Olympic silver winner was pulled out of the fight – without going out on his shield.
    Credit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    Joyce words
    Zhang says: “Today belongs to me. It belongs to everyone who showed up, belongs to every Chinese that showed up.
    “Im 39 years old but I’m disciplined, I train hard. Next step I’m gong for the title.”
    Joyce says: “I’m just disappointed with my performance.
    “The right hand he just kept hitting me with, I just couldn’t get out of the way so respect for Zhilei Zhang big bang.
    “I twas a good fight, I could have done better because I haven’t fought a southpaw for so long but 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 but thanks to all the support and congratulations.”
    Credit: Reuters
    Joyce vs Zhang
    Zhang could not miss with the left hand and Joyce just could not get out of the way of it.
    Right call to end the fight, Joyce’s eye is completely shut and it was only going to get worse.
    Zhang is now mandatory for Oleksandr Usyk’s title but could have to rematch Joyce down the line.
    Credit: PA
    Joyce vs Zhang
    THE FIGHT IS OVER!
    Joyce is deemed unable to continue with his right eye completely closed, causing a TKO for Zhang.
    Massive upset for Zhang, who hands Joyce his first defeat and inherits the WBO interim title and mandatory title position.
    Credit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    Joyce vs Zhang
    Round 6 – The doctor has cleared Joyce to fight but for who long, who knows?
    If it’s stopped Zhang will be declared the winner by technical KO – so Joyce needs to get going.
    Zhang unleashes a flurry of combination, he must sense victory is near.
    Credit: Getty
    Joyce vs Zhang
    Round 5 – Joyce come out swinging, launching attacks to the body.
    Zhang lands two left hands down the pipe in succession, Joyce just can’t seem to get out of the way of it.
    Joyce ends the round on top but his eye is gruesomely swollen, the doctor might have to take a look at this.
    Credit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    Joyce vs Zhang
    Round 4 – Early left hand break through Joyce’s guard, lovely shot from Zhang.
    Joyce comes forward with a combination but Zhang lands TWO left hands and it’s really good work from the Chinese star.
    Right hand comes over the top from Joyce but it’s been a slow start from the 2016 Olympian.
    Credit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    Joyce vs Zhang
    Round 3 – Joyce has come out on the front foot but Zhang is firing in sharp left hand counters.
    Left hand fires in from Zhang but Joyce returns fire with a combination, it’s really hotting up now.
    Joyce is marked up, bleeding and bruised but is starting to warm into the contest now.
    Credit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    Joyce vs Zhang
    Round 2 – Joyce makes it through the round but has suffered a really nervy start here.
    He’s bleeding from the face and was on shaky legs after a big left hand.
    Great start for Zhang but Joyce needs to desperately turn this around.
    Credit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    Joyce vs Zhang
    Round 2 – Joyce lunges in with a right but Zhang counters with a left.
    Lovely hook and straight left combination from Zhang, who puts Joyce on his heels.
    Big shot from Zhang and Joyce is shaken! Could be in trouble here…
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