Zhilei Zhang is still widely regarded as one of the most dangerous men in the heavyweight division, but he has issued a fresh threat to Anthony Joshua, declaring that his rival is afraid to get into the ring with him.
Zhang is coming off a fifth round stoppage win over Deontay Wilder in Riyadh last month, getting back on track after a majority decision defeat to Joseph Parker in March.
The hard-hitting Chinese heavyweight has long been linked to a showdown with Joshua, who in September will attempt to become a three-time world champion when he faces Daniel Dubois for the IBF heavyweight title at Wembley Stadium in London.
Zhang is still desperate to secure a clash with Joshua at some point in his career, but whilst speaking to Boxing Social he revealed that he feels neither the Brit, or his team, would dare risk stepping into the ring with him.
“I don’t think he wants to fight me, I don’t think Eddie wants him to fight me, I don’t think his management team want him to fight me. I’m waiting and I’m down for it, but he won’t do it. I’m a big threat, he has a lot to lose and a lot to put on the line.”
Zhang also shared his thoughts on the upcoming clash between Joshua and Dubois, believing that ‘DDD’ will prove to be a much tougher test than many onlookers believe.
“I think Dubois is on the way up, his performance against Hrgovic in his last fight was fantastic. I believe he’s going to come into this fight strong and aggressive and cause a lot of trouble for Joshua.”
For Zhang, the goal in his career still remains becoming world champion, and at 41-years-old, time is running out on when he may get the chance to achieve that. He hopes it will come sooner rather than later, but admits that he may need another fight in the meantime.
“As much as I want the world title, I have to be realistic. When you look at the dynamic of heavyweight boxing, there are a lot of moving parts. In December, Usyk fights Fury in the rematch, so those belts are on the line. In September, Joshua fights Dubois, the IBF belt is on the line. Realistically I might need one more fight before finally getting my hands on the title.”
One opponent that Zhang is keen to face next is Parker, as he looks to avenge the defeat that he suffered back in March.
“Parker posted a video saying he’s waiting and doesn’t know what he’s waiting for, well I’m right here. It comes down to the teams and promoters sitting down and going over everything, but I’m ready for this fight. That is the ideal situation.”
Time will tell whether a potential rematch between Zhang and Parker could be on the cards for later this year.
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