Zhilei Zhang is leaving no stone left unturned in hopes of landing a desirable dance partner for his next fight.
Days after
calling out fellow-aging heavyweight contender
Derek Chisora, the 42-year-old Zhang is reaching for the other side of the age spectrum for a clash against 20-year-old
Moses Itauma.
“Moses Itauma is a great fighter. I watched a couple of his fights, and he knocked out Dillian Whyte in one round. He was fantastic. But for the time being, right now, we haven’t received anything from Itauma in terms of fighting him,” Zhang told Box Nation.
When Zhang was asked if he’s ready and willing to take on the fast-rising heavyweight phenom in Itauma, he replied: “Anyone who wants to fight me. I want to see that contract. I will sign it.”
Zhang (27-3-1, 22 KOs) has enjoyed a series of big-time fights over the last three years. His resume includes knockout wins versus Deontay Wilder and twice against Joe Joyce, as well as close decision losses against Joseph Parker and Filip Hrgovic. The Chinese southpaw "Big Bang" Zhang suffered a
sixth-round knockout loss against
Agit Kabayel last time out in February.
Itauma (13-0, 11 KOs) – The Ring’s 2024 Prospect of the Year – is set to headline a Queensberry Promotions show at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, England, on December 13 and is still looking for an opponent following his
blistering knockout of Whyte in August.
Manouk Akopyan is The Ring’s lead writer. Follow him on X and Instagram: @ManoukAkopyan.