Zhilei Zhang is the world’s second best heavyweight behind Oleksandr Usyk and should earn a fight with the Ukrainian in 2025, says co-manager Terry Lane.
The Chinese contender will fight Agit Kabayel for the WBC interim title, with the winner lining up a shot at the full WBC world belt, which is currently held by unified champion Usyk.
Usyk retained his WBC, WBO and WBA belts after a unanimous decision win over Tyson Fury in their rematch this month and is yet to reveal plans for his next fight.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Oleksandr Usyk used his scintillating boxing skills to beat Tyson Fury on the judges’ scorecards and retain his heavyweight world titles.
“Zhilei has a tough fight ahead of him in Agit Kabayel on February 22,” Zhang’s co-manager Lane told Sky Sports.
“If he beats Kabayel, he will have, again, beat another top-10 heavyweight, and will cement himself as the second-best heavyweight on the planet behind Usyk. There is no question that should earn him a world title shot.”
Zhang propelled himself back into title contention with a stunning knockout victory over Deontay Wilder, the former WBC champion, in June.
Zhilei Zhang demolished Deontay Wilder in a fifth round KO win
The Germany-based Kabayel stands in the way of Zhang’s plans after extending his unbeaten record with impressive stoppage wins over Arslanbek Makhmudov and Frank Sanchez.
But Lane said: “Being World Champion has been Zhilei’s aim from day one. We will work to make that happen in 2025.”
If the Zhang-Kabayel winner is made to wait for a world title fight, Britain’s Anthony Joshua could even be part of their future plans.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Tyson Fury gives his verdict straight after losing to Oleksandr Usyk.
Joshua is ranked at No 6 by the WBC and would be eligible to fight for the WBC interim title.
“Absolutely,” WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman recently told Sky Sports.
“That’s an opening of possibilities for more fights to continue to take place.”