Previously, it was reported that Zhang Zhilei, a heavyweight boxer in the Chinese boxing world (over 91 kg), will fight with Croatia's undefeated fierce general Philip Hogović, and the winner will be forced to challenge IBF heavyweight world boxing champion Usik, which is also a rare opportunity for 38-year-old Zhang Zhilei. Zhang Zhilei performed well in the last match, strong TKO American boxer Lewis.
However, although the game was finalized, it has not been determined which promotion company will host it. Recently, the bidding meeting for the IBF World Boxing Championship Qualification Tournament has finally come to an end. In the end, the well-known boxing promoter Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Boxing and Wasserman jointly bid $650,000 to win the bid, according to a number of foreign media reports, the game Hegovich will share 60% of the revenue, about $390,000, Zhang Zhilei will share 40% of the income of about 260,000 US dollars (about 1.64 million), the single game appearance fee income is also among the best among today's Chinese boxers. (Income is not confirmed with the boxer himself)
Hégović (left) Zhang Zhilei (right)
Zhang Zhilei is a chinese boxing champion with a professional record of 24 wins, 23 wins, 1 draw and 18 KO, remaining unbeaten. Although he has been in the professional boxing world for many years, Zhang Zhilei has more opportunities to challenge higher results until he signed a contract with Herne Promotion Company in 2020. Zhang Zhilei is currently ranked 13th in the heavyweight list of IBF boxing organizations, while Hegović is ranked 3rd.
Hégović, the Croatian boxer with a professional record of 14 wins over 12KO. Hegovich is 29 years old, younger than Zhang Zhilei. The battle between Hégović and Zhang Zhilei was also a twist and turn, and Hégović initially wanted to fight against IBF heavyweight second-ranked "Cuban King Kong" Ortiz, who had fought Wild twice, but because Ortiz was injured, Hégović had to look for an opponent again.
Hégović (Blue Side)
Higovic's second choice was Parker, who was also a gold belt challenger, but Parker turned down the opportunity to compete for the right to challenge. At the same time, Joka, who was invited by Hégović to fight in World War I, had no chance because of the terms of The Second World War, and although Joka wanted to fight with Hegovich, he had to fulfill the terms of the Second World War first, so he had no chance. Later, Ruiz of Joshua and Russian boxer Gassiev refused to fight Hgović. In the end, Zhang Zhilei accepted Hegovich's invitation.
This time is both an opportunity and a challenge for Zhang Zhilei, and it is definitely not an easy task to win the battle against Hegovic. However, if the challenge is successful, he will also have a great chance to usher in the World Golden Belt Challenge, at that time, regardless of whether he wins or loses, Zhang Zhilei is destined to surpass this game and get a more generous income.
According to foreign media reports, the game is expected to be held in the United States in April or May. I hope the Chinese veteran has all the best in the game and a good start for 2022.