Joe Joyce will face Kash Ali again in March

Setback in 2023

After a disappointing 2023 that saw Joe Joyce's heavyweight world title dreams shattered, the 38-year-old is ready to bounce back. In April, Joyce suffered his first career defeat in a TKO loss to Zhilei Zhang. He then exercised his rematch clause but was knocked out in the third round.

Return Confirmed

Despite the setback, Joyce has decided not to retire and will step back into the ring. Multiple reports suggest that he will make his return on March 16 in Birmingham against Kash Ali.

Ali's Infamous Biting Incident

Kash Ali, Joyce's 31-year-old opponent, holds a record of 21-2. However, he is best known for his shocking disqualification in a fight against David Price in March 2019. Ali bit Price's shoulder in the third round and then bit him again on the stomach in the fifth round. The referee immediately disqualified Ali, who faced the fury of fans as he was escorted out of the arena.

Ali's Redemption

After serving a six-month ban, Ali returned to the ring and won his next five fights. However, he suffered a defeat in his most recent bout against Bohdan Myronets in July. Now, Ali is set to face Joyce in his comeback fight.