BY BOXING HIT STAFF-
Zhilei Zhang, the towering Chinese southpaw heavyweight, has been vocal about his desire to face off against Anthony Joshua. Unfortunately, it seems that this matchup is not in the cards anytime soon. Despite their amateur encounter in the 2012 Olympics, where Joshua emerged victorious, Zhang has been persistent in his pursuit of a rematch in the professional ranks. However, both Joshua and his promoter, Eddie Hearn, have shown little interest in making this fight happen.
According to Zhang’s co-manager, Terry Lane, there is a prevalent belief that Joshua is actively avoiding a showdown with Zhang. Lane firmly stated, “I think it’s the worst kept secret in boxing that AJ wants no part of Zhilei.” This perception of fear from Joshua’s camp has only fueled Zhang’s determination to secure a fight against the British heavyweight champion.
Despite being ranked favorably by all four governing bodies, Zhang faces numerous challenges in his quest for a title shot. His team believes that both Joshua and Tyson Fury are the ideal opponents for Zhang, showcasing his eagerness to compete against the best in the division. However, the reluctance from top contenders to face Zhang has made it difficult for him to secure significant fights.
Zhang’s journey in the heavyweight division has been fraught with obstacles and missed opportunities. From disrupting potential matchups between other top fighters to his current struggle to secure a fight with Joshua, Zhang’s career has been marked by unfulfilled desires. Despite his undeniable talent and determination, Zhang continues to face roadblocks on his path to championship glory.
As Zhang contemplates his next move in the ring, fans eagerly anticipate the possibility of a showdown between Zhang and Joshua. While Hearn claims that Joshua is willing to face anyone, the reluctance to set up a fight with Zhang raises questions about the validity of these statements. With Joshua focused on upcoming challenges, including a potential rematch with Daniel Dubois and a shot at the Usyk-Fury winner, Zhang’s chances of securing a matchup with the British champion seem slim.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future opponents, Zhang’s team remains steadfast in their belief that he deserves a shot at the title. Whether it comes in the form of a rematch with Joseph Parker or a highly anticipated battle with Joshua, Zhang’s dedication and persistence serve as a testament to his unwavering commitment to achieving greatness in the heavyweight division.
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