Zhilei Zhang is one of the form men in the heavyweight division along with Daniel Dubois and Joseph Parker.
Now approaching 42 years of age, Zhang is a late bloomer who has put together his best wins of late. Most recently, he stopped once fearsome American puncher Deontay Wilder inside five rounds last June.
Next up he takes on Agit Kabayel but has long had his eyes fixed on bigger targets and world champions. One of those is IBF belt holder Dubois, who has knocked out Fillip Hrgovic, Jarrell Miller and Anthony Joshua in his last three fights to put together the best current run of anyone in the division bar pound-for-pound ruler Oleksandr Usyk.
Dubois now fights Parker this month, the New Zealander a former WBO world champion himself who is riding high after also beating Wilder by stoppage, as well as Zhang on points, in his last two outings.
Speaking to BoxNation, Zhang predicted the contest and feels deep down inside that ‘DDD’ will take the victory.
“I like both fighters. I respect both fighters. But somewhere in my gut feeling is telling me that Dubois is going to win this one. I admire his style. I like how he approaches fights. I like Parker as well but subconsciously I believe Dubois is going to win it.”
Whoever does end up winning this much-anticipated battle on 22 February in Saudi Arabia will likely be the next opponent for unified champion Usyk, though Zhang, who is well-ranked with the WBC, will also be calling for his shot against the Ukrainian should he beat Kabayel on the same card.
