Zhilei Zhang, following his convincing victories over Joe Joyce, has emerged as a significant force in the heavyweight boxing scene. With a record of 26-1-1 and 21 KOs, the now 40-year-old Zhang has dispelled doubts and gained widespread respect in the boxing community. As he contemplates his next move, Zhang has been closely observing his fellow heavyweight contenders.
The recent heavyweight bouts in Saudi Arabia, headlined by Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder, also featured an attention-grabbing match between Jarrell Miller and Daniel Dubois. Despite Miller's pre-fight theatrics and bold declarations, Dubois secured a decisive 10th-round stoppage victory. Following his win, Dubois called out several top names in the division, notably omitting Zhang from his list.
Zhang, however, remains unfazed by this oversight. In an interview, he suggested that it might be too early for the 26-year-old Dubois to face him. “It might be too early for him to get in the ring with me,” said Zhang. “I can see his potential. Maybe one or two fights down the line, but right now it’s probably a bit early.”
Despite Dubois’ recent success and his need to shift the narrative surrounding his career, especially after being accused of quitting against Joe Joyce and Oleksandr Usyk, Zhang acknowledges Dubois’ prowess. He concedes that Dubois looked sharp and powerful in his recent bout and recognizes him as one of the best in the heavyweight division. However, Zhang remains supremely confident in his abilities, believing a fight against Dubois would be an easy win for him.
Zhang’s confidence and strategic outlook on the heavyweight division highlight his experience and maturity in the sport. As he weighs his options for future bouts, Zhang’s potential showdown with Dubois remains a tantalizing prospect for boxing fans. With both fighters demonstrating skill and power in their recent matches, a clash between Zhang and Dubois could offer a compelling and high-stakes battle in the heavyweight division.
Image Credit: Sky Sports