Despite no longer being world champion, Anthony Joshua is still in high demand.
Soon after turning pro, the Brit he started knocking people out and was rarely troubled on his way to becoming a world champion.
His first belt, the IBF, came with a knockout win over Charles Martin, then he unified in an epic battle with former long-ruling champion Wladimir Klitschko in 2016.
After adding the WBO belt with a victory over Joseph Parker, Joshua suffered his first defeat in June 2019 against Andy Ruiz Jr. He righted the wrongs of that upset in December that year, but again came unstuck against Oleksandr Usyk in 2021, and failed to win the rematch in 2022 so was left beltless.
After another successful period of rebuilding with stoppage wins over the likes of Otto Wallin and Robert Helenius, he again stepped up for a world title challenge against Daniel Dubois last September. That contest at Wembley ended in fifth-round defeat. ‘AJ’ is now in the market for a big name opponent who can get him back to the top as quick as possible. Enter Zhilei Zhang, who is fighting for the WBC Interim belt this weekend.
Speaking to IFLTV, ‘Big Bang’ said he remains keen for his shot at the former champion having lost to him in the amateurs.
“People have been talking about it for years but this fight never materialised. For me, I am always open to this option and if he really wants it, just send over the contract.”
He then had a final message for Joshua.
“Let’s fight, don’t hide.”
Zhang was beaten on points by Parker last year but then stopped Deontay Wilder inside five in his return, earning him this next fight against Agit Kabayel this weekend. Promoter Eddie Hearn has listed the Chinese southpaw as a potential for ‘AJ’ should he beat Kabayel, though the focus remains on a world title shot and thus the winner of Dubois vs Parker further up the bill.
