Zhilei Zhang (25-1-1, 20 KOs) expressed his desire to go up against WBC champion Tyson Fury in China.
His comments arrived on the back end of his shock victory over Joe Joyce (15-1, 14 KOs), in which he stopped the ‘Juggernaut’ in the sixth round.
In a performance that was characterized by sharp, precise left-hands, Joyce’s eye was repeatedly targeted, causing the referee to intervene and stop the fight.
In doing so, Zhang became the interim WBO champion, putting him in line to face Oleksandr Usyk as a mandatory.
While a rematch with Joyce could occur, it seems that Zhang has bigger names on his mind. Step forward: Fury.
Fury wouldn't fight Zhang unless
-It was in England
-95/5 split
-No rematch clause
-Zhang at 200.1 lbs
-Zhang cleans Fury's shoes before the fight
-Zhang can't punch back
-Usyk signs a contract before Zhang v Fury that Usyk agrees to fight Fury with the same conditions as Zhang pic.twitter.com/srVQIMhTw4— DeputyMambo43 (@DMambo43) April 17, 2023
The latter was heavily criticized for his role in the breakdown of talks between him and Usyk after demanding a 70-30 split.
With that being said, a fight with Zhang could momentarily stop that criticism, as it is clear that the Chinese fighter is keen to get it on.
In his comments on Seconds Out, he said: “[I want] Tyson Fury in China. [Or] I’ll do it if Joe Joyce wants to do it. I’ll do it in London, New York, or China.”
Social Media Reaction
Tyson Fury lacks the courage to be willing to face Zhang. He's avoided Joshua for years, and recently ducked Usyk. He'll likely have a rematch with Kevin Johnson or Christian Hammer next, or maybe fight Charr.
— Joe Denham (@Freedom2111) April 17, 2023
I want to see that fight. Tyson likes money and there is a ton to be made with this guy.
— Landon 🏴☠️🥊 (@RLJ2DAY) April 17, 2023
Fury will duck Zhang 🤷🏽 remember this
— Benji 🥊 (@JhusLeftarm) April 17, 2023