Heavyweight Zhang Zhilei aims to become the first Chinese country to defend his world title if he dethrones Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk

Chinese heavyweight contender Zhang Zhilei says he wants to fight for the biggest prize in boxing history in front of fans in his home country while showing his path to becoming world number one.

The 40-year-old southpaw is set to defend his interim WBO championship belt against Joseph Parker in Riyadh next month, and a win could earn him the chance to face the likes of Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.

The fight was originally scheduled for Sunday, but due to a freak training injury suffered by Fury last week, the unification bout for all five heavyweight belts – WBC, WBA, WBO, IBF, and IBO – will be rescheduled for May 18th. Readjusted.

China’s Zhang KOs Joyce, moves closer to world heavyweight title

If, as many expected, the loser requests a rematch, IBF rules require him to immediately defend his title. That could pave the way for Zhang to vie for the throne.

“This is our plan [to have a world title fight in China] “There are some companies in China who want to host this contest, and we are gradually doing so,” Zhang told the Post.

“I have a lot of fans in China who pay attention to me, and the last time I returned home, I was very moved by the welcome I received from my fans. They were very enthusiastic,” said Zhang, who was born and raised in Henan province. Ta.

“It’s good to give Chinese boxing fans the atmosphere of a big event and the opportunity to experience a heavyweight title fight.”

Zhang said the team had previously considered holding matches in Beijing, Shanghai and Macau, but that was not possible due to COVID-19 restrictions in place at the time.

However, if the opportunity arises, Zhang said he would like to compete domestically, citing “Beijing, Shanghai, Macau and Hong Kong” as possible locations.

But first, the world’s attention will be on Fury and Usyk in Riyadh, and Chan is rooting for the British boxer to reach the top.

“If Fury has a good camp, he will win because he has a height and weight advantage and is a very flexible fighter,” said Chan. “If we have a rematch, it will be a unification match, so whoever wins will have to give back the belt.”

The current mandatory challenger for the IBF title is Croatian Filip Hrgovic, but he suffered his only professional loss to Zhang in a 12-round fight, suggesting the Chinese boxer is not suited for long-term fights. This has led to speculation that this may be the case.

“I haven’t thought about it [people saying I can’t fight for 12 rounds]Because at the end of the day, if they really saw my performance, I’m the enforcer in the ring,” Chan said. “And when I get in the ring, I use my ability and strength to prove to everyone what I can do.”

Currently based in New Jersey, Chan has risen to interim champion status after a bumper 2023 with two wins from two races.

“I started boxing when I was 15, which is quite late…but my dream was to become a world-famous boxer.” [Mike] Tyson and Muhammad Ali,” he said.

“Now that dream is getting closer and closer, and when it comes true it will be worth it.”

But before that, Zhang has to get past Parker on March 8, but Zhang told the New Zealander to get ready “because we’re going to give boxing fans around the world a great fight.” Ta.