Zhilei Zhang was stopped for the first time in his professional career in February of this year.
Zhang lost to Joseph Parker on points at the end of 2023 but bounced back in fantastic fashion six months later by stopping Deontay Wilder inside five rounds. He then took on a tough test that not many heavyweights were calling for in Agit Kabayel for the WBC Interim Heavyweight World Title.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Zhang – who turned 42 on May 4 – reflected on the loss.
“I held myself together with fists to the canvas, trying to get up. I felt the breathless agony. It was a breath-stolen moment. Although there were some regrets and disappointment after the fight, since I dropped him in the fifth and let that slide.
“He messed up my rhythm since the fourth. His body shots affected the way I breathed and my whole strategy went south. But I also gave him the first knockdown of his career. We had practiced again and again in camp how to deal with body shots, but his output was so high. It was a lot of punches.”
He then confirmed that he would fight on until his body says otherwise.
“42 is not the end. It is the beginning of a new chapter. I still have not lowered my fist … I was 31 when I turned pro, a typical age to consider retirement for most Chinese boxers. I am in my 40s now. Age is a number to me. I know I still have what it takes to perform at a high level.
“My body is doing well. I have never thought about retirement. However, if there comes a day where my body doesn’t function properly, it would be my time to hang it up … We will be discussing our next steps, including the opponent, date and location. I hope to fight by the end of this year.”
The towering southpaw will entertain fans once more.
