The two heavyweight boxers, Zhilei Zhang and Anthony Joshua, clashed in the 2012 London Olympics quarterfinals. Joshua emerged victorious after their battle and went home with a gold medal.
Since then, both fighters have gone on to have fulfilling careers, Joshua winning two-heavyweight champion and Zhang claiming the interim WBO heavyweight belt. Following his defeat, Zhang has been looking forward to a rematch with Joshua, but the Nigerian boxer seems uninterested in fighting Zhang.
“Mark my words. He’s not fighting me.” Zhang said. “He’s not going to fight me, ever. Because after the 2012 Olympic Games, that was when we finally collided. After that, it’s been so many years. I was with Matchroom [Boxing], and I know what happened. I don’t think he’s ever going to fight me.
“My managers flew to London, and I got words. So I don’t think he’s going to fight me. Look at his previous opponents, Francis Ngannou from the UFC and Robert Helenius–I don’t think he has what it takes to stand up against me. The way he picks his opponents says a lot about him.”
Joshua has been on the rise in his career after notable wins over notorious opponents. Zhang believes Joshua’s popularity in the industry and his promoter, Eddie Hearn, protected him from picking his opponents.
“ Neither does Eddie. They don’t want it.” Zhang said. “He’s a cash cow for Eddie. The closest time we had to getting the deal done was after AJ lost to USYK, and I lost to Filip Hrgovic in Saudi Arabia. My managers got an invitation, flew to London to talk to them, and got a no.
“I don’t know why. I don’t have a reason. That’s his problem. But if he ever wants to fight, I’m in.”
Joshua will not gain from the fight between the two, as Zhang has no professional ranking or belts that can be won. However, Joshua’s match with Dubois may give him the chance to face the winner of Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury. This opportunity also offers him a shot at the Undisputed Heavyweight title.
Despite his notable wins, Joshua has suffered a few losses and faced savage responses from fans. The fight suffered a shocking defeat to Andy Ruiz in 2019 and a back-to-back loss in his performances thereafter. However, the boxer seems to be back in his A-game, but Zhang has doubts about his recovery.
“Maybe people say he’s back,” Zhang said. “He knocked out Ngannou in two rounds, he beat Robert Helenius, knocked him out, and he beat Jermaine Franklin, Otto Wallin. I can’t say he’s back until I meet him in the ring and test him with my fists.”
