Zhilei Zhang intends to fight on despite being 42 years of age.
The Chinese heavyweight has had 31 fights in all. He has lost 3 and won 27, and had very much found his form in recent years.
His highest profile victory came against Deontay Wilder, whom he knocked out in impressive fashion in five rounds back in June 2024. Prior to that he had also twice stopped the previously unbeaten and immovable Brit Joe Joyce in 2023 after losing a rather controversial points decision to Filip Hrgovic in 2022.
Between beating Joyce and Wilder, ‘Big Bang’ did lose to Joseph Parker on points, however dropped the New Zealender twice. Last time out in February, he also managed to knock Agit Kabayel down, but was stopped for the first time in his career by a body shot in the sixth round.
Speaking on his own YouTube channel, Zhang revealed that he is in talks for another return to the ring and that former two-time champion Anthony Joshua remains at the top of his list.
“We will be discussing our next steps, including the opponent, time and location. I hope to fight by the end of this year. If Joshua is interested, okay, I’m in. Wherever it is. This fight has been talked about for many years but it has never materialised. It would be great if we can make it happen this time around.”
Joshua has not fought since his KO loss to Daniel Dubois back in September 2024. He is currently out recovering from elbow surgery but he and Zhang have history. They fought back in the 2012 Olympics when ‘AJ’ got the win in the quarter final, something Zhang has long wanted to avenge.
The big-punching Brit has mentioned Zhang as a potential fight, however he was not listed a man being considered when promoter Eddie Hearn provided his most recent update.
