Heavyweight Zhang Zhilei wants first world title defence in China if he dethrones Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk
- Zhang defends WBO interim title against Joseph Parker in Riyadh on March 8, but all eyes will be on desert kingdom two months later
- Unification clash between Fury and Usyk on May 18 could open up IBF belt if loser triggers rematch clause
Chinese heavyweight contender Zhang Zhilei said he wanted to fight for boxing’s greatest prize in front of his home fans, as he laid out a path to becoming world No 1.
The 40-year-old southpaw is scheduled to defend his WBO interim champion belt against Joseph Parker in Riyadh next month, and a win could earn him a shot at the likes of Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk.
Originally down to fight on Sunday, a freak training injury Fury suffered last week means the pair’s unification clash, when all five heavyweight belts – WBC, WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO – will be on the line, has been rearranged to May 18.
If, as is widely expected, the loser demands a rematch, IBF rules dictate the title be defended immediately. That could open the door to Zhang to fight for the crown.
“This is our plan [to have a world title fight in China] and there are some enterprises in China hoping they can put on this contest and they are slowly carrying it forward,” Zhang told the Post.
“I’ve got a lot of fans in China who are paying a lot of attention to me, and the last time I went home, being greeted by fans, really moved me. They were very enthusiastic,” said Zhang, who was born and raised in Henan Province.
“It would be good to give Chinese boxing fans a feel for a big event and the opportunity to experience a heavyweight title fight.”