China heavyweight Zhang Zhilei to turn pro, agent Dino Duva says
Dino Duva says the 1.98m heavyweight will change the face of the sport as a professional
China's former Olympic medallist Zhang Zhilei is turning pro after being signed up by an American promoter who insists he can rank alongside the Klitschko brothers.
The 1.98m Zhang, who won the silver medal at the Beijing Games, is the first fighter to join Dino Duva's promotion company.
Duva is the son of Hall of Fame trainer-manager Lou Duva. He has worked with heavyweight champions Lennox Lewis, Evander Holyfield, Michael Moorer, George Foreman and Riddick Bowe.
Zhang, from Henan, is 30 but Duva still believes he's one for the future in the heavyweight division - and he could be the first of many mainland boxers to join the stable.
"It's a sincere pleasure to get back into the promotion business, especially with these unique and special Chinese boxers being a major part of it," Duva said. "Of course, we will be looking to promote other great boxers from across the country and world as we go forward. But our major focus right now will be developing the Chinese market.
He will be the talk of the heavyweight division and all of boxing
"[Zhang] has the whole package - size, athleticism, good looks and great personality. And one other thing: He knows how to fight. He has more of a pro style than Olympic style. Mark my words, once boxing fans get a chance to see him, he will be the talk of the heavyweight division and all of boxing.