ANTHONY JOSHUA’S rival Zhilei Zhang stopped Devin Vargas within four rounds – and is now eyeing a rematch with the world champion.
The Chinese heavyweight, 37, was dominant throughout his bout on Saturday night.
Zhilei Zhang took his professional record to 22-0 with victory over Devin Vargas in FloridaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The 37-year-old heavyweight, promoted by Matchroom, is now desperate to face Anthony Joshua Credit: Getty Images – Getty
And it was all over within four rounds as he knocked the American out in Florida.
That took his professional record to a perfect 22-0.
The fight against Vargas was the first time Zhang had been exclusively promoted by Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom.
And the heavyweight is determined to take on Hearn’s poster boy Joshua again.
AJ got the better of ‘Big Bang’ Zhang on his way to Olympic gold in 2012.
But a rematch between the WBO, WBA and IBF king and the China star in the latter’s homeland would also raise the profile of boxing in the country.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Zhang 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.”
His advisor advisor Terry Lane added: “Professional boxing in China is still in its infancy, it is still emerging.
“But there are indications that it is growing, although it’s not as big as NBA, tennis or golf.
“To make it explode, we want a big heavyweight fight involving Zhilei hosted in China.
“He is a very talented, top heavyweight who is in the mix. We want to use this to build the boxing industry in China.”
Joshua takes on Bulgarian veteran Kubrat Pulev on December 12 – that will be the first defence of his belts since reclaiming them from Andy Ruiz Jr at the end of last year.
If he wins that, Zhang may have to wait even longer for a shot at AJ because a two-fight deal is in place for the Watford hero to take on British rival and WBC champ Tyson Fury in a blockbuster double act.
Joshua floored Zhang on his way to Olympic gold in 2012Credit: Getty Images – Getty
The Chinese star wants a rematch in his homeland to help promote boxing in the countryCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Anthony Joshua rival Zhilei Zhang shows off his moves in the training ring
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
