Zhilei Zhang, the towering Chinese southpaw heavyweight, has been making waves in the boxing world with his impressive performances and knockout power. However, despite his success in the ring, Zhang has been unable to secure a fight with British superstar Anthony Joshua. According to Zhang and his team, Joshua and his promoter Eddie Hearn are avoiding a potential showdown with the Chinese heavyweight out of fear.
In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Zhang’s co-manager Terry Lane reiterated the claims that Joshua is afraid to fight Zhang. The two fighters previously met in the 2012 Olympics, where Joshua scored a points victory over Zhang on his way to winning the gold medal. Since then, Zhang has been eager for a rematch with Joshua in the professional ranks, but it seems like the British champion is not interested in the fight.
Desire for a World Title Shot
Despite Joshua’s reluctance to face Zhang, the Chinese heavyweight remains determined to capture a world title. Lane highlighted Zhang’s desire to challenge both Joshua and Tyson Fury, two of the top heavyweights in the division. However, Zhang’s reputation as a dangerous opponent has made it difficult for him to secure high-profile fights.
While Zhang waits for a shot at the world title, he may face former opponents like Joseph Parker or up-and-coming contenders like Martin Bakole. As Lane mentioned, Zhang is well-ranked by all four governing bodies, giving him a strong position in the heavyweight rankings. However, the road to a title shot remains uncertain for Zhang, especially if the top contenders like Joshua and Fury are hesitant to face him.
As Zhang continues to wait for his opportunity to challenge for a world title, questions remain about his future in the heavyweight division. With Joshua focused on upcoming fights against Daniel Dubois and potentially the winner of the Usyk-Fury rematch, Zhang’s chances of facing the top champions seem limited. Despite Lane’s insistence that Zhang has earned his shot, it’s unclear if he will get the opportunity he deserves.
Zhilei Zhang faces numerous challenges and obstacles as he strives to make his mark in the competitive heavyweight division. While he has the skills and determination to succeed, the reluctance of top fighters like Anthony Joshua to face him presents a significant roadblock. As Zhang continues to climb the rankings and seek out opportunities for high-profile fights, only time will tell if he will get the chance to prove himself against the best in the world.