Zhilei Zhang is still riding high off the success of his last outing in the ring.
Back in June, the towering Chinese heavyweight managed to stop Deontay Wilder in impressive fashion. His fifth-round knockout victory might have sent the once fearsome American puncher into retirement at the same time as giving his own career a new lease of life.
The win came after a points loss to Joseph Parker in March of this year but followed two impressive back-to-back stoppage victories over Joe Joyce in 2023. As such, 41-year-old Zhang is now vying for a shot at a world title.
Speaking to CGTN Sports Scene, he has now named three opponents in the running to face next.
“Because Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will have a rematch in December they are excluded.
For example, a rematch with Joseph Parker, cause I have an agreement and terms with them. Anthony Joshua also can be considered. And Agit Kabayel as well. I have many opponents to consider and I am OK with any of them.”
As of yet, Parker has nothing lined up for his next fight, while Joshua is on a mission to become a three-time world champion when he takes on the IBF belt holder Daniel Dubois in September.
Germany’s Kabayel could also be an option. The 31-year-old’s record stands at 25 wins, 17 knockouts and no losses and he is on a fine run of KOs having stopped Frank Sanchez last time out in May, and Arslanbek Makhmudov and Aaron Smakici back in 2023.
Failing that, American prospect Jarred Anderson has also called out Zhang.
