Anthony Joshua is ‘finished’ but I’d still love to fight him if he is brave enough to face me
Anthony Joshua is ‘finished’ but I’d still love to fight him if he is brave enough to face me
“A Heavyweight Reckoning: Zhilei Zhang Questions Anthony Joshua’s Future, Yet Yearns for Showdown”
In a recent bombshell, Chinese heavyweight contender Zhilei Zhang has suggested it may be time for former champion Anthony Joshua to consider walking away from boxing for good. The two-time heavyweight world champion, whose attempt to reclaim the title was recently thwarted, now faces mounting calls for retirement from several ex-fighters, with Zhang being the latest voice to urge him toward an exit—despite his own strong desire to meet Joshua in the ring.
Joshua’s September clash with IBF champion Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium ended in a shocking fifth-round knockout, leaving the boxing world in disbelief. Entering the bout as the clear favorite, Joshua’s quest for a third world title victory ended in bitter disappointment. This defeat was especially bruising for the 2012 Olympic gold medalist, who has had a tumultuous career since his back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk.
In light of the defeat, Joshua, now 35, opted against an immediate rematch with Dubois, sparking speculation about his next move. Rather than return to the ring quickly, he appears to be holding out hope for a potential showdown with Tyson Fury, should Fury successfully defend his titles against Usyk in an anticipated December unification bout in Saudi Arabia. Yet, Zhang—who delivered a jaw-dropping fifth-round knockout of Deontay Wilder just this past June—is skeptical that Joshua can reclaim his former glory.
Zhang, who has clawed his way back into title contention at the age of 41, voiced his concerns for Joshua’s future in an interview with AceOdds. “He should look into retirement and get himself wrapped up with the business side of it. Whatever he wants to do, just go ahead and choose that route,” Zhang stated bluntly. The Chinese powerhouse acknowledged Joshua’s right to choose his path but hinted that the British star might be better served focusing on life outside the ring.
However, Zhang’s own ambitions remain high, and he didn’t mince words about his desire to go head-to-head with Joshua. “With everything being said, of course, I do want to fight him,” Zhang admitted. “But I don’t think he wants to fight me. I don’t think Eddie Hearn will put him anywhere near me.”
The British boxing scene now waits with bated breath as Joshua contemplates his next move. Will he bow out with dignity, or does he still believe there’s unfinished business left in the ring? For Zhang, a face-off with Joshua remains a tantalizing prospect, even as he wonders if the former champion is already one foot out the door.
Zhang’s own journey in the heavyweight division has been remarkable, and his call for a potential bout adds further intrigue.
