If Zhang Zhilei's TKO Joyce shocked the boxing world and boosted the morale of Chinese boxing, then there is now a real "battle of the century" in the making.
A few days ago, news from the American boxing media BoxingScene said that WBC heavyweight world boxing champion Tyson Fury's opponent for the next title defense is about to surface, and Zhang Zhilei is at the forefront of the candidates.
Zhang Zhilei defeated Joyce.
Arum appointed Zhang Zhilei
Previously, Andy Ruiz said on social media that he had finalized a contract with Fury, but was immediately clarified by Fury's co-promoter Warren.
He said that everything is nothing, and with Ruiz's recent "domestic violence" scandal, it is difficult to get into the ring in a short time.
At the moment, the media quoted Tyson Fury's American promoter Bob Arum himself as saying, "Ruiz is not Fury's choice to defend the title, we are more concerned about the Chinese player Zhang Zhilei who defeated Joyce, negotiations are underway, we have basically reached an agreement, we will try to solve all the details at the weekend." ”
The "weekend" that Arum talked about has actually passed, but considering that the negotiations for the King of Fighters fight have always been cautious, since Arum can publicly name Zhang Zhilei, this big fight is by no means for nothing.
At present, the united war between Fury and Usyk has temporarily collapsed, Ruiz has a lawsuit to fight, Wild belongs to his defeated generals, and has just been arrested for illegally carrying guns, plus Joshua's confidence has collapsed...
Among the top players, Fury's options are extremely small, and Zhang Zhilei, who has just made a name for himself by beating Joyce, can indeed be a defensive title.
Previously, Fury said that among British boxers, he ranked first, and the second was Joyce - a Chinese fighter overturned the second in charge, as the number one in the UK and even the world, Fury found Zhang Zhilei to "take revenge", which sounds like a good promotion gimmick.
A contest of steady wins and no losses
Coincidentally, the first time he defeated Joyce, Zhang Zhilei was interviewed by the British media on the issue of "the opponent he most wants to challenge", and he bluntly said that the person he wanted to fight the most was also Tyson Fury.
Although Zhang Zhilei has the mandatory challenge rights of the WBO, the match between Usyk and Dubois is already under negotiation, and Zhang Zhilei cannot face Usyk in the next competition schedule - Zhang Zhilei, who is almost 40 years old, cannot wait for nothing, and needs to meet a more valuable opponent as soon as possible.
To be fair, for Zhang Zhilei, being able to fight with the above boxing masters as soon as possible is a steady profit from the competitive level or commercial value considerations.
WBC heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury.
Especially against Tyson Fury, this is undoubtedly the most watched match - currently in the latest ranking of the authoritative boxing magazine "RING", Zhang Zhilei ranks fourth, and the first place is Tyson Fury.
Looking back at the history of professional boxing in China, Chinese boxers have never fought against such a big-name current boxing king. The heavyweight division is at the top of the pyramid in professional boxing, and if the big fight is promoted, Zhang Zhilei will be famous in history regardless of victory or defeat, and it is a golden opportunity for the promotion of boxing in China.
"I can fight anywhere, in the UK, in New York, in Las Vegas, in the Beijing Bird's Nest, you can do it, the location is arbitrary, he can't hold my fist." Zhang Zhilei's eagerness was also overflowing.
Will Fury be honest?
While Fury is widely regarded as the first man in the current heavyweight division, former WBC welterweight champion Briton Tony Bellu stressed that Zhang Zhilei is Fury's strongest opponent after Klitschko Jr. and Wild D.
"It was definitely a long-awaited game, Zhang Zhilei had the opportunity to pose a big threat to Fury, he never really lost."
Of course, professional boxing, as a highly commercial sport, can not really conclude anything until the moment of the final official announcement.
As far as Zhang Zhilei is concerned, barefoot is not afraid to wear shoes, but whether Fury is willing to take this hard stubble in the end still has to put a question mark.
After all, he didn't change his mind once or twice, and the match with Usyk was aborted because Fury's lion opened his mouth... Can Fury be so honest this time?