Zhilei Zhang: I Want Joseph Parker Fight Next
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Zhilei Zhang has revealed that he would like to fight Joseph Parker next, with the Chinese heavyweight targeting a return to the ring in February or March.
It’s been almost four months since Zhang defied the odds set by betting sites, securing his second consecutive triumph over Joe Joyce in a thrilling Wembley Arena clash.
The 40-year-old Chinese heavyweight, widely known as 'Big Bang,' is poised to make a resounding return to the boxing scene in 2024.
Despite the ticking clock on his career at the upper echelons of the sport, Zhang remains undeterred. In a candid interview with Gambling.com, 'Big Bang' declared his interest in squaring off against the some of the biggest names in boxing.
Joshua Fight Will Have To Wait
The confirmation of Anthony Joshua's bout with Francis Ngannou has effectively sidelined Zhang from a potential matchup with the British boxer in the early months of this year and the 40-year-old hinted at a reluctance from Eddie Hearn, Joshua's promoter, to pursue the fight with Zhang, citing the threat he poses to AJ's resurgence.
"I know Frank Warren wants to make the fight happen, and I appreciate him for trying to make it happen, but it really comes down to Anthony Joshua and Eddie Hearn, so that's the key to the equation. Do they really want this? I don't think so," Zhang conveyed to Gambling.com.
Expressing his skepticism, Zhang estimated a mere 20% chance of the fight materialising, questioning whether Joshua and Hearn believe they have a substantial chance of defeating him.
He explained, "Some fighters like Anthony Joshua think if they can beat me on a 70% probability, then they will probably face me, but they know it's not even 50/50 for him if he faces me."
The subsequent confirmation of the Joshua versus Ngannou bout appears to align with Zhang's earlier remarks, indicating he may need to explore alternative opponents for a match in the opening months of 2024.
Parker Well On The Radar
Joseph Parker recently announced that he was locked in for a fight with Zhang before opting for a bout with Deontay Wilder instead.
Now, the New Zealander has more bargaining power after shocking boxing betting sites to secure the biggest win in his career and could feature on the undercard of the Joshua and Ngannou bill against ‘Big Bang’ on March 9.
During our conversation with Zhang, he shared, "If you're asking me who I want the next opponent to be realistically, then I say Joseph Parker, but does he dare to fight me?
"I'm open to everything, but I am focusing on the gym and being in the ring for my return. I would like to have my next fight in Saudi Arabia, but everything is being worked on and is in the process. I can't say too much about it."
With the Joshua and Ngannou bout scheduled for just under nine weeks time, betting apps wait for a decision to be made between Parker and Zhang with regards to securing a spot on this highly anticipated card.
Zhang openly acknowledged the significance he places on the sheer number of bouts Parker had ahead of his win over Wilder, stating "There are two sides to the coin. Joseph Parker's activity and Deontay Wilder's inactivity.
"Joseph has been really active since his defeat to Joe Joyce, fighting a couple of times in a year with no ring rust.
"When you look at Wilder, he has had one round in over two years, so Wilder is only depending on that big right hand and landed one big punch, but he couldn't find the right timing or rhythm, and that's where he messed up. Activity is very important."
Parker has made it clear he wants to fight on the Riyadh card in March, and with both fighters keen to face each other, it appears that the WBO interim heavyweight champion, Zhang, may be granted his wish.
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Zhang Senses Fury Versus Usyk May Not Happen
After Tyson Fury's visible struggles against Ngannou, many in the boxing community are cautious about the 'Gypsy King' jumping back into the ring with the undefeated Oleksandr Usyk in February, believing it might be a bit premature.
Zhang expressed uncertainty about the Fury-Usyk fight, stating that he's "unsure if it happens" and suggesting that "the Ngannou bout should be as a wake-up call for Fury."
'Big Bang' hinted at the significance of Fury's lack of preparation for Ngannou, cautioning, "You have to train hard and focus on the gym, but you never know, everyone is different.
"But I can tell you if he prepares the same way he did against Ngannou, then he is going to be in big trouble and big danger."
When discussing Usyk's chances against Tyson Fury, Zhang leaned towards Usyk winning, stating "Right now, I am leaning towards Usyk winning this fight as I believe skills pay the bills and dedication is the key to the sport of boxing."
This left the question of where the land lies with regards to the belts. Fury currently holds the WBC belt, while Usyk carries the WBA, WBO and IBF titles, one of which Zhang is next in line for a shot at.
The 40-year-old asserted, "Somebody is going to come up with the IBF belt because they are very strict with the rules, and I am number one for the WBO belt, and we have to enforce that."
He elaborated on the scenario, noting, "It depends on whether the winner wants to face me as the WBO mandatory challenger. If they want to face me, then good, I'll have my shot. But if they don't, we will see what happens. I believe all of the belts are going to be in different directions."
What Lies Next For Zhang?
Considering potential opponents for his next fight, Zhang hinted at looking inward, and we posed the question of Daniel Dubois as a potential match-up, given that both fighters are under Frank Warren.
Zhang explained, "We have the same promoter, so it should be relatively easy to make the fight, but let's see what happens."
Reflecting on Dubois' recent performance, a knockout win over Jarrell Miller on the 'Day of Reckoning' bill, Zhang commended Dubois, saying, "I believe Daniel Dubois did a great job to pick himself up from the Oleksandr Usyk defeat and showcase his ability, so credit to him."
Given Dubois' previous knockout loss to Joe Joyce in 2020, a potential bout against Zhang, who has emerged victorious against Joyce on two separate occasions, creates an exciting prospect fight, offering fans a compelling clash between two intriguing fighters.
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