Towering Chinese heavyweight Zhilei Zhang hopes to raise his profile be facing a big-name British heavyweight, according to advisor Terry Lane.
The 37-year-old returns to action against Jerry Forrest this weekend on the undercard of Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez’s unified super middleweight title defence against Avni Yildirim in Miami.
Should Zhang overcome Forrest on Saturday, advisor Lane says that Dereck Chisora and Joe Joyce are both of interest for the Chinese contender later in the year.
“We want a name that will draw more attention to Zhang because he doesn’t yet have a big name on his résumé,” Lane told Sky Sports. “Chisora is the name that I like. Joyce is also a fight that we would love. Let me say it like this; there is no name that we are looking to avoid.
“There are more passionate boxing fans in the UK including among the Chinese community. Boxers, golfers or any athletes are global these days so we would definitely look at the UK. We have no reservations about that. The sand under our feet is constantly changing but, for the right opportunity, we would do it.
“There is a unique opportunity with Zhang and the Chinese market and we are inching closer to a world title shot. The musical chairs that is the professional boxing game, things change quickly. It is within the realm of possibility that, within a couple of fights after Saturday, Zhang could be there.”