What's next for Zhilei Zhang?

I love Zhang as a fighter, he feels like a video game character stat wise and the way he fights.

Happy to see him against nearly anyone tbh, and there is money to be made there still for him.

Personally I think he doesn't live the lifestyle out of camp, or even in camp for that matter, apparently he smokes like a train, drinks etc, so I can imagine at his age all that stuff really starts to hit hard, and it's tricky for him to get into fighting shape without there being a big motivator lime a big payday.

 

I like watching Zhang fight, hes fun to watch, although he does have some glaring flaws especially his stamina, footwork and agility.

I'd love to see Itauma in against Zhang in December, but realistically I think Zhang has one or two more fights left at the very best. Zhang could be an option for Chisora in December too. But, other than that not sure what his plans are in the short term.

 

Those fights make the most sense but it looks like he's closer to journey man status at this point. He's 42 and his stamina is horrible, those fights are winnable but if he can't get you out of there with a big shot he's cooked.

 

Zhang is just far too good to be a journeyman, I'd rank him as a very strong/dangerous gatekeeper.

 

Idk if he has the fire anymore, plus he's older now.. he's always going to have a punchers chance but we won't know how much he has left until we see him in his next fight and who know when that will be.

 

Zhang is old but still dangerous in the early rounds, I would like to see him against Chisora.

 

Serving Chinese food in Manhattan.

 

Zhang is done, he just opened up a restaurant, probably content with his piles of cash

 

I think he's done at the top level. Hits pretty hard and is dangerous for 5 rounds. Vs Kabayel he looked the fattest of his career. He has the ability to knock guys down and or out but I think he has been largely figured out

 

Actually true, he just opened up a Chinese restaurant there. Does look good though.

 

Really? I’m disappointed. I like Zhang and he looked great after the Joyce wins. But If he’s smoking whilst knowing he’s only got 5 rounds in him then I’m checking out.

I’m amazed any top fighter would smoke. Maybe I’m naive.

 

Yeah, I might check it out.

 

Shame we didn't see him at a much younger age.

 

Probably nothing. But he could have 3-5 years as a freakshow if he wanted it. Go the Butterbean route. Put him in with slow journeymen, he’s going to generate a bunch of 1-3 round highlight reel KOs. His power and explosiveness is absolutely still there and he’s got a good chin. Just has absolutely zero stamina.