Heavyweight boxer Joe Joyce has suffered a shock title defeat to Zhilei Zhang just days after he announced a new deal with Rangers’ kit partners Castore.
The 37-year-old Londoner suffered extensive bruising to his right eye in the fight with Chinese counterpart Zhang, who secured the interim WBO title as a result.
This comes despite Joe Joyce being a heavy favourite heading into the bout – which was held in the Copper Box Arena in the boxer’s hometown – and Joyce being the reigning champion.
As a result of the damage inflicted by Zhilei Zhang on the eye of Joe Joyce, the match was called by the referee in the sixth round in a major turn up for the boxing books.
Joe Joyce sign deal with Rangers retailers Castore
If you’re wondering what this has to do with Rangers, well, Joe Joyce signed a deal with Castore which was announced just days before the fight.
The Ibrox side’s retailers have been making serious forays into the world of sport and were delighted to announce their latest partnership with the then World Champion boxer.
As per the Castore website:
“In his fight for The World Champion, we’re proud to announce Heavyweight Title-Holder Joe Joyce as our first Global Castore Boxing Ambassador.
“Joyce embodies excellence and is a true representation of our brand ethos ‘Better Never Stops’ with his relentless attitude and unwavering mindset.”
But just days after the deal was made public, Joyce has lost the WBO interim heavyweight title and we’re sure he’ll be eager to win it back as soon as possible.
Rangers signed a retail deal with Castore in the summer of 2020 and since then the now Manchester-based retailers have signed a range of deals around Europe’s top leagues.
The Castore deal with Rangers has been recently described as a “quantum leap” for the brand with the retailers now looking to take even bigger steps in sport.
The retailer’s partnership with Joe Joyce is just another part of that with reports claiming Castore’s valuation could soon top £1bn.
