Zhilei Zhang is the second-best heavyweight in the world behind Oleksandr Usyk and should fight the Ukrainian in 2025, said co-manager Terry Lane.
The Chinese contender will fight Agit Kabayel for the WBC interim title, with the winner able to challenge for the full WBC world belt currently held by unified champion Usyk.
Usyk retained the WBC, WBO and WBA belts after a unanimous decision win over Tyson Fury in their rematch this month and has yet to reveal his plans for his next fight.
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Oleksandr Usyk used his superior boxing skills to beat Tyson Fury on the judges’ scorecards and retain his heavyweight world title.
“Zhilei has a tough fight ahead of her in Agit Kabayel on February 22,” said Zhang’s co-manager Lane. sky sports.
“If he beats Kabayel, he will have beaten a top 10 heavyweight again and will establish himself as the second best heavyweight on the planet behind Usyk. There is no doubt it will give him a world title opportunity. doesn’t exist.”
Zhang bounced back into title contention with a stunning knockout win over former WBC champion Deontay Wilder in June.
Zhilei Zhang defeated Deontay Wilder by 5th round knockout.
Germany-based Kabayel stands in the way of Zhang’s plans after extending his undefeated record with impressive stoppage wins over Arslanbek Makhmudov and Frank Sanchez.
But Lane said: “Being world champion has been Zhilei’s goal since day one. We will strive to achieve that in 2025.”
If the Zhang-Kabayel winner ends up waiting for a world title fight, Britain’s Anthony Joshua could also be in their future plans.
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Tyson Fury delivers his verdict soon after losing to Oleksandr Usyk.
Joshua is ranked #6 in the WBC and is eligible to fight for the WBC interim title.
“Of course,” WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman said in a recent interview with Sky Sports.
“That opens up the possibility that more fighting could continue to occur.”
