Heavyweight Boxing
Zhoukou, China (October 6, 2023) - Zhilei Zhang, the hard-hitting top heavyweight from China, is recalibrating his plans in light of recent developments in the heavyweight division. After his definitive third-round knockout of Joe Joyce last month, Zhang expressed a desire to face heavyweight titlists Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk. However, those plans appear to be on hold as Fury and Usyk have signed a contract for a heavyweight championship bout in Saudi Arabia, tentatively scheduled for December or January.
Terry Lane, a co-manager for Zhang, revealed in a recent interview that they are exploring other meaningful fights for their client. He hinted at the possibility of Zhang fighting in the United States, with potential venues being New York or Las Vegas in February. Lane acknowledged that their plans have shifted to Plan B and Plan C since Fury and Usyk are now unavailable.
Zhang's top preferences for opponents include Deontay Wilder or Anthony Joshua, although those two fighters are reportedly in discussions for a matchup of their own. Lane emphasized that Zhang is eager to face top-tier competition and is not interested in easy fights or stay-busy bouts.
If fights with Wilder or Joshua don't materialize, Zhang's team is open to facing veterans like Joseph Parker or Luis Ortiz. Zhang's goal is to take on big-name opponents and continue moving forward in his career.
Zhang, at 40 years old, remains an intriguing figure in the heavyweight division, and his team is actively seeking opportunities for him to showcase his skills against top competition.
His potential fights will be of great interest to boxing fans, and it remains to be seen who his next opponent will be as he looks to make a significant impact in the heavyweight landscape.