Zhilei Zhang believes Anthony Joshua is avoiding a rematch with him despite Zhang’s interest and accomplishments, citing Joshua’s cautious opponent selection and promotional protection as reasons.
Zhilei Zhang believes Anthony Joshua is ducking him.
In 2012, Zhang and Joshua met in the quarterfinals of the Olympics. Joshua won a decision en route to taking home the gold medal. Since then, Zhang has been itching for a rematch in the professional ranks. Even after his stoppage win over Deontay Wilder in June, “Big Bang” thinks he’s unlikely to ever get that chance.
“Mark my words, he’s not fighting me,” Zhang said Wednesday on The MMA Hour through a translator. “He’s not going to fight me, ever.”
“Because after the 2012 Olympic Games, that was when we initially collided. After that, it’s been so many years.”
“I was with Matchroom [Boxing] and I know what happened. I don’t think he’s ever going to fight me.”
“My managers flew to London and I got words. So I don’t think he’s going to fight me.”
“Look at his previous opponents: Francis Ngannou from the UFC, Robert Helenius — I don’t think he has what it takes to stand up against me.”
“The way he picks his opponents says a lot about him.”
Following their bout at the Olympics, both men amassed impressive professional records. Zhang claimed the interim WBO heavyweight belt; Joshua became a two-time unified heavyweight champion.
For years, Joshua appeared to be the next big thing in boxing. Zhang says his promoter, Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing, protected that investment.
“Neither does Eddie. They don’t want it,” Zhang said. “He’s a cash cow for Eddie.”
“The closest time we had to getting the deal done was after AJ lost to Usyk and I lost to Filip Hrgovic in Saudi Arabia.”
Why? Who knows! That’s his problem.
But if he ever wants to fight—I’m in.
Despite his many accomplishments, Joshua faced harsh criticism over much of the past several years.
After suffering a stunning upset defeat by Andy Ruiz in 2019…
Joshua became more tentative…
Delivering tepid performances in many of his next bouts.
Since losing back-to-back fights against Oleksandr Usyk…
Joshua appears back on form…
Stringing together four straight wins—three by stoppage!
Zhang remains skeptical: Is Joshua truly “back”?
“Maybe people say he’s back,” Zhang said.
“He knocked out Ngannou in two rounds.”
“Beat Robert Helenius.”
“Knocked him out.”
“And beat Jermaine Franklin.”
“Otto Wallin.”
“I can’t say he’s back until I meet him in the ring and test him with my fists.”
Unfortunately for Zhang…
That doesn’t appear on the horizon anytime soon.
Joshua fights Daniel Dubois in September for IBF heavyweight title.
Should he win…
An undisputed heavyweight title fight with winner of Usyk vs Tyson Fury rematch awaits!
So with Joshua off-menu for now…
Zhang hopes for redemption elsewhere:
Avenging majority decision loss against Joseph Parker from March.
“I’m looking at top-ranked guys,” Zhang said.
“Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk are definitely ranked No.1 & No.2.”
“I’m looking forward fighting them!”
“If you go down rankings…”
“Agit Kabayel highly ranked…”
“So could be on radar as well.”
“[Or] Parker.” Rematch.