ANTHONY JOSHUA is being targetted with a knockout move on the Chinese market.
The reigning WBO, WBA and IBF heavyweight champ could fight former amateur foe Zhilei Zhang, and open up a whole audience at the same time.
Anthony Joshua could be on route to becoming the next big thing in ChinaCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Zhilei Zhang is unbeaten as a pro and wants a rematch against JoshuaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The two fought in the London 2012 Olympics, with AJ flooring Zhang on route to securing his gold medal.
But the Chinese warrior, nicknamed ‘Big Bang Zhang’ is eager for them to rematch in the professional ranks.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the 37-year-old said: “I said it on multiple occasions, let’s make it happen as soon as possible.
“I went in the ring with the wrong mentality knowing that he was from the host country, that I had to knock him out to win.
“I fought the whole fight looking for the big shot and over-exposed myself.
“Ever since then I have been working on adjusting my mind before the fight and I’m happy that a lot has been done over the years.”
And a rematch between the two in the pro ranks could be easier to make than you might think.
Zhang has a ranking with both the WBO and the IBF and is promoted by Matchroom – the same as Joshua.
Joshua floored Zhang on route to a gold medal at the London 2012 OlympicsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Zhang says he has learned lessons from his defeat to JoshuaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
As an amateur he won a silver medal at the 2008 Olympics, and now as a professional he has racked up 21 straight wins.
His advisor Terry Lane is predicting big things for the almost 7ft Chinese fighter.
He added: “We have big plans. His next couple of fights will be in the US but Matchroom share our vision of a major, major fight in Beijing or Shanghai. That is the goal for everybody.
“China wants to be the best at everything so they would want a mega-fight with a top heavyweight like Joshua or Tyson Fury. That is the aim for us.
“We’re closer to it than we were a few months ago.”
Joshua is busy preparing for his world title defence against Kubrat Pulev on December 12 and is seemingly close to agreeing two fights with Brit rival and WBC champ Tyson Fury.
So for now, Zhang will have to wait in line for his title chances.
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Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
