ZHILEI ZHANG has told Tyson Fury to “stop lying and telling fake stuff” and get back to fighting.
China’s 40-year-old Zhang recorded a career best upset victory over Joe Joyce in April.
“Big Bang” Zhang instantly called Fury out as he outlined his ambition for a dream homecoming in China after his stunning win.
The 6ft 6in heavyweight returned to London 11 years after losing to Anthony Joshua in the Olympics.
But he made no mistakes in his quest for redemption in the capital as he brutally left Joyce unable to continue following six rounds due to eye swelling.
Zhang inherited the WBO interim title and mandatory challenger status for the full belt held by Oleksandr Usyk but instead it was WBC champion Fury who he wanted after bouncing back from defeat to Filip Hrgovic, 30, in August.
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Speculation then mounted over talks for a bumper showdown between the two giants but that has been halted by Joyce activating his rematch clause, with a return bout set for September.
That is the same month that Fury claims he is looking to get back in the ring but opponents are looking few and far between despite a host of public offers.
The Gypsy King says he has attempted to reignite talks with Usyk after failing to agree on a April unification bout while he has also stated he wants to fight Anthony Joshua, who already has other plans in the pipeline.
Fury also recently hinted that his next bout could be against an Australian during his recent trip Down Under.
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But Zhang has completely lost patience with the Brit and claimed all of his rival’s recent call outs have been lies while speaking to Boxing Social.
He blasted: “He should stop lying to people and he should stop telling fake stuff to boxing fans.
“It’s damaging the world of boxing. I really believe that actions speak louder than words.
“Instead of saying you are going to fight this, you are going to fight that, just get in the ring.”
Fury has not fought since the end of 2022, when he beat Derek Chisora via a 10th round TKO in London.
We reported yesterday how Fury will be given a take it or leave it offer “very soon” for the “biggest fight of his career”.
He will be presented with the chance to make a return to the boxing ring in December of this year.
However, a fight with Usyk to crown the undisputed heavyweight world champion could be back on the cards.
That is after the Ukrainian signed with Saudi Arabian organisation Skills Challenge Entertainment.
The organisation previously worked with Usyk for his rematch with Joshua.
They are also behind plans for a one-night event featuring Fury vs Usyk and Joshua vs Deontay Wilder in December.
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Usyk’s signing has prompted his promoter Alex Krassyuk to reveal he will make one final offer to Fury.
Frank Warren, Fury’s promoter, has already stated that they are planning a September bout before that.
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
