Zhilei Zhang caused the biggest shock in the heavyweight division this year when he stopped Joe Joyce earlier this month.
The Chinese giant has climbed the rankings slowly and quietly, but he provided boxing fans with a performance that proved that he’s ready to test himself the best fighters in boxing’s big leagues.
Zhang was considered a significant underdog before the bout, but it was clear early on that he was very much ready to compete with Joyce.
Now a fighter in demand, Zhang should have plenty of options moving forward but the unbeaten man might not be ready to move on from Joyce and has been speaking about rematch.
“[Joyce] has asked for the rematch, date, and location,” said Zhang when speaking to CGTN Europe about his current situation.
“I don’t mind about the when and the where. Of course, it would be better if it could happen in China so that Chinese boxing fans can see a heavyweight championship fight.”