So British heavyweight Joe Joyce's world-title ambitions have been derailed after a sixth-round technical knockout defeat by China's Zhilei Zhang.

Joyce, 37, was staggered several times and had no answer to Zhang's power as he suffered his first pro loss.

The ringside doctor inspected Joyce's swollen eye at the end of round five and then again in sixth, before the referee halted the contest.

You can read Kal Sajad's report here.

That's all from us - until next time...

The moment Joe Joyce lost his '0'...

Image source, Getty Images

Carl Frampton
Former world champion on BT Sport

The tactics weren't right. Some real novicey, amateur stuff from Joyce. But he can really still come back. I know Joyce was hurt a number of times, but I still think if the eye wasn't swollen I'm still confident he could have come back.

Steve Bunce
Boxing expert on BT Sport

I think they will go straight back in with Zhang. I don't think they should, but I think they will.

So what is next for Joe Joyce?

Promoter George Warren has not ruled out a rematch with Zhilei Zhang but says time will be taken to make a decision.

It's intriguing to see what will happen...

Speaking to BT Sport, Joe Joyce said: "I’m just disappointed with my performance. The right hand he kept hitting me with I couldn’t get out of that way so respect to Zhang, Big Bang.

"It was a good fight. I think I could have done better. I haven’t fought a southpaw for so long and 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. Thanks for all the support and congratulations.

"A little bit more practise [is needed]. Zhang is a fellow silver medallist, he’s good fighter and hits hard. He’s an awkward style because he’s a southpaw and a powerful southpaw at that. I just couldn’t get away, I kept getting hit by his left hand. I’m disappointed. I’d like to apologise to all my fans and supporters. I’ll be back. My journey’s not over. This is just a hurdle I’ve tripped over. I’ll be back.

"Maybe it’s payback for Daniel Dubois’ eye? I got my eye done as well. Never mind. I’ll be back."

Both fighters show their respect for each other after the fight. Who saw that result coming?

Image source, Getty Images

Speaking to BT Sport, Zhilei Zhang said: "Today is mine. Today belongs to me, belongs to everyone who showed up, belongs to every Chinese who showed up."

"I’m 39 years old, but I’m disciplined, I train hard and next step I go for the title."

Image source, Getty Images

Joe Joyce was still standing despite taking some heavy punishment. His chin might be made of granite but his eye proved to be his Achilles heel.

"Chinese poweerrrrrrrrr."

Zhilei Zhang has a short message to the camera inside the ring.

That victory will mean so much for sport in China. What a performance.

Image source, Getty Images

Joe Joyce applauds his opponent as he comes to terms with the defeat.

Zhilei Zhang was getting so much success with that left hand. He certainly landed the better shots.

Joyce's unbeaten record is ended.

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What an upset.

The damage to the eye of Joe Joyce has led to the fight being stopped.

Zhilei Zhang is the winner. What a fight.

The fight is paused again and the doctor is asked to have a look at Joe Joyce's eye.

It could be all over.

Now then.

The doctor is taking a look at Joe Joyce's right eye. He's cleared to continue but he can't have much time left.

Worrying times for the Briton.

Joe Joyce's right eye is seriously damaged and there is a lot of swelling.

Can he even see the shots coming?

Zhilei Zhang has been the more dangerous fighter so far.

Image source, Getty Images

Steve Bunce
Boxing expert on BT Sport

Those last two rounds were tight. It's so much harder, so much harder than we expected. And Joe expected.

Joe Joyce is off his stool quickly as he looks to gain a foothold in this bout.

Zhilei Zhang picks him off with another left hand shot but the Briton is firing back.

Better by Joyce.

The left hand gets through twice before the bell and Zhilei Zhang is on top so far.

Joe Joyce tends to start fights slowly and he's going to need to respond here now.

Dave Coldwell: "Can’t allow Zhang to box at his own pace. Needs more body work. I’d say head movement but Joe doesn’t do that."

John Dennen: "I believe in Joe Joyce."

Rob Tebbutt: "Joyce's right eye is closing and he's bleeding from the nose. Zhang really doing damage with the left hand."

Zhilei Zhang is staying in the pocket and letting the left hand go when he sniffs an opportunity.

Joe Joyce is a tough cookie and he's still standing and trying to trade but he's taking more punishment.