Zhilei Zhang is coming to the end of his career but could still have one huge fight left.
The Chinese southpaw turned over after winning a silver medal at the 2008 Olympics and was undefeated in 25before a controversial loss against Filip Hrgovic in 2022.
His back-to-back knockout wins over Joe Joyce the following year announced him on the world stage, and, after losing a close points decision to Joseph Parker, he returned to destructive form with a fifth-round knockout win over the fearsome puncher Deontay Wilder in June 2024.
Since the Wilder win, ‘Big Bang’ has fought just once. That was in February when he took on German Agit Kabayel and was stopped inside five rounds after sustained assaults to his body. It was a punishing defeat that many thought could spell the end of the road, however the fan favourite heavyweight has vowed to fight on.
Speaking on iFL TV, promoter Eddie Hearn was pushed for news on his man Anthony Joshua’s comeback. ‘AJ’ has not fought since being stopped inside five rounds when he attempted to become a three-time world champion back in September against IBF ruler Daniel Dubois.
Hearn named a list of potential opponents including Zhang – a pro rematch from the amateur fight in which ‘AJ’ won after scoring a knockdown.
Zhang is now 41 years old, so a fight with Joshua could represent his last chance to get back to the big time. For Joshua, it would be a big name with little reward, though team ‘AJ’ may think it is the perfect time to face him.
The Brit, 35, could also be matched up with the likes of Deontay Wilder, Kabayel or Parker if he can’t land the Dubois rematch or tempt Tyson Fury out of retirement. American rival Jarrell Miller has also thrown his hat into the ring.
