Zhilei Zhang Prepares for Joseph Parker but Dreams of Usyks Fights

Heavyweight contender Zhilei Zhang is laser-focused on his upcoming bout with Joseph Parker, set to take place in Saudi Arabia on March 8. Zhang, who holds a lesser WBO belt and is the mandatory challenger for Oleksandr Usyk, refuses to look beyond Parker, emphasizing that defeating him is his sole priority.

In a recent interview with Seconds Out, Zhang expressed his dedication to studying Parker closely, admitting that the New Zealander is constantly on his mind. He acknowledged Parker’s recent victory over Deontay Wilder as a significant achievement, attributing it not only to Wilder’s inactivity but also to Parker’s skill and performance in the ring.

Reflecting on his journey to securing the fight with Parker, Zhang revealed that initially, there were challenges in arranging the matchup, but eventually, Parker came on board, dispelling any doubts about the fight’s possibility.

While Zhang acknowledges the potential future bout with Usyk, especially considering Usyk’s upcoming fight against Tyson Fury, he remains steadfast in his focus on Parker. He believes that defeating Parker is essential for any future opportunities in the heavyweight division.

Regarding comparisons to fellow boxer Anthony Joshua, who previously fought Parker, Zhang dismissed the notion of measuring himself against Joshua based on their shared opponents. He emphasized that true comparisons can only be made inside the ring.

As Zhang prepares for his showdown with Parker, the anticipation builds, with both fighters aiming to prove their dominance in the heavyweight division. While Zhang remains fixed on his immediate opponent, the boxing world eagerly awaits the outcome of this highly anticipated matchup.