What's next for Zhilei Zhang?

Discussion in 'World Boxing Forum' started by fitzroy boy_iron mike, Sep 30, 2025 at 9:05 AM.

  1. Barrf

    Barrf Boxing Addict Full Member

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    yeah he’s a what if. He had a lot to work with. Technically sound, surprisingly fast and explosive, nuclear power in both hands, and a good chin.
     
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  2. Veys9

    Veys9 Let's go Champ! Full Member

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    Zhang - Bakole would be fun to watch. If he's too old then Ortiz is still around.
     
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  3. TSoprano

    TSoprano Boxing Addict Full Member

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    I hope Chisora fights him in December.
     
  4. velagod

    velagod Boxing Addict Full Member

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    He should fight chisora and winner and loser retire.
     
  5. Rico Spadafora

    Rico Spadafora Master of Chins Full Member

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    Zhang is my favorite heavyweight. Savage power and has been able to knock down his last few opponents but not put the finisher on them. Unfortunately his stamina is terrible and I think I read he is borderline diabetic as well. He can knockout anyone in the division though.
     
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  6. Barrf

    Barrf Boxing Addict Full Member

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    he smokes? If true, what a way to ruin a professional athletic career.
     
  7. CrossT

    CrossT New Member Full Member

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    Ajagba or Bakole then retirement
     
  8. Kiwi Fish

    Kiwi Fish Active Member Full Member

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    Yeah apparently he quit for a while, but you know how it goes. I remember seeing a video of him smoking and drinking before the Parker fight, and thinking "yeah Parker has this". I think more high level athletes smoke than most expect, especially if its socially, after a few drinks.

    Different sport I know, but I'm more familiar with actual people from it, but quite a few professional rugby/rugby league players smoke, even All Blacks. I was shocked when I found out.

    I wouldn't expect boxing to be too different, especially since there isn't the central team environment which would pressure athletes to not smoke.
     
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  9. MorvidusStyle

    MorvidusStyle Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Zhang v AJ we wanted but AJ and Hearn ducked that one when it meant something so no chance.

    Zhang v Whyte is a great fight, love to see it.
    Zhang v Dubious also quite interesting.
    Zhang v Ruiz, why not.
    Zhang v Wilder II, sure.
    Zhang v Parker II, maybe.
    Zhang v Hughie Fury, what a bizarre matchup

    The options are endless for him.
     
  10. Bofo24

    Bofo24 hobbyist Full Member

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    Call out Dubois. Dubois is still popular, and actually still quite fresh because he quits fast. Compared to Zhang who took quite a punishment last time.
     
  11. 11player

    11player Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Zhang vs Bakole is the fight to make
     
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  12. Reinhardt

    Reinhardt Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    What's next for Zhang? I was going to say a plate of Kung Pao Chicken when I saw this,,,,,,
     
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  13. Reinhardt

    Reinhardt Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Zhang is in the walking dead section of the heavyweight division along with Chisora ,Pulev ,Lucus Browne etc.
     
  14. Barrf

    Barrf Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Zhang is at the end. Bakole isn't, if he puts the fork down and gets serious. He didn't look bad against Ajagba, he just had some issues ending it (he'd beaten up Ajagba pretty badly by the end) because it's hard to be light on your feet when you're showing up 40lbs heavier than you should be. He took some serious shots from Ajagba without issue, had zero issues hurting Ajagba, didn't appear to have stamina issues, looked fresh at the end, carried his power all the way through, etc. He could have gone two more rounds and would probably have finished the job in those two. His issues were being slow on his feet because he's too fat and his defensive technique of blocking punches with his face.

    Doesn't seem worth the risk for Bakole. Only real fights for Zhang would be other guys at the end.
     
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  15. Barrf

    Barrf Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Chisora would wreck Pulev and Browne right now.
     
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