Ajagba vs Zhang Clash

Zhilei Zhang has issued a challenge to the hard-hitting Nigerian boxer, Efe Ajagba, proposing a co-main event clash set against the historic backdrop of the Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk bill. Despite the absence of announced undercard fights for the event, Zhang, coming off a decisive third-round stoppage of Joe Joyce, expresses a strong desire to be part of the spectacle.

Following his consecutive victories over Joyce, Zhang has solidified his standing among the heavyweight division’s elite. Currently serving as Usyk’s WBO mandatory challenger and holding the No. 4 spot in the esteemed Ring Magazine rankings, his ascent marks a remarkable transformation from just a year ago.

Zhang’s journey took an unexpected turn after facing criticism for two notable setbacks on his boxing record. The first setback was a concerning majority draw against the resilient American fighter Jerry Forrest, who staged a remarkable comeback in rounds one, two, and three, causing Zhang significant trouble.

A year later, Zhang sought redemption in an IBF final eliminator against the rising Croatian contender Filip Hrgovic on the Usyk vs. Anthony Joshua II undercard in Saudi Arabia. Despite widespread belief that Zhang had done enough to secure victory, the judges awarded the decision to Hrgovic, marking Zhang’s first professional defeat.

In the unforgiving world of boxing, the 40-year-old Zhang found himself at a crossroads with no major world-level wins on his record. However, against the odds, he would rise from the ashes in the face of Joe Joyce, stopping the formidable opponent in back-to-back bouts.

The first encounter concluded in the sixth round as Zhang strategically closed Joyce’s right eye with precise left straights, followed by a devastating right hook that folded the British heavyweight in their rematch, ending proceedings in the third stanza. Now riding the momentum of these victories, Zhang sets his sights on a showcase fight on the Usyk vs. Fury undercard scheduled for February 17.

In an exclusive conversation with Express Sport in association with FreeBets, Zhang outlines his aspirations, expressing a fighter’s eagerness to be part of the most significant bouts. Highlighting the magnitude of events in Saudi Arabia, Zhang expresses his interest in securing a chief support role on the Fury-Usyk card, emphasizing his current focus on training and remaining hopeful for updates. Regarding potential opponents, Zhang remains uncertain, acknowledging the dynamic nature of the heavyweight landscape but expresses enthusiasm for a matchup with Efe Ajagba, stating, “I like the [Efe] Ajagba fight. Bring it.”

Ajagba, who initially garnered substantial attention in 2015 with a series of first-round stoppages in seven out of his first eight professional fights, was once hailed as the next African world heavyweight champion. However, a setback against Frank Sanchez in 2021 derailed his momentum, placing him in a position reminiscent of Zhang’s pre-Joyce fight situation.

A clash between these two formidable punchers promises an explosive showdown, particularly considering the limited availability of top heavyweight matchups towards the end of the year and early 2024. This potential bout adds a compelling narrative to the unfolding story of heavyweight boxing.