Zhilei Zhang is a man in form but a man without an opponent right now.
The 41-year-old Chinese heavyweight was last out in June when he stopped former world champion Deontay Wilder in dramatic fashion in the fifth round.
Before that in 2023, he twice stopped Brit Joe Joyce but then lost on points to Joseph Parker despite having his man down twice during the 12-round contest.
Speaking to Seconds Out, Zhang was honest about his chances of a shot at IBF world champion Daniel Dubois and instead explained that what he wants is a Parker rematch.
“The truth is, what’s in front of us, Dubois just fought, he’s probably not going to fight again until the first quarter of 25. The titles are already tied up. The best choice for me is to exercise my contractual right to fight Joseph Parker for the rematch.”
He was then asked what he would do differently in the rematch and started by giving Parker his flowers.
“He’s all around a great fighter. I really have to give him credit for what he’s done. He is fast, flexible and has good stamina. I learned my lesson in the first fight. I believe I lost the first fight cause I was overconfident in the ring. I believe that going into the rematch we will be able to right the wrong.”
Since ‘AJ’ is no longer likely to take an immediate rematch with Dubois, a shot against the young champion has opened up for February. Parker could be a frontrunner, but there’s little doubt that Zhang will be throwing his hat in the ring too.
