November Is The Target Date For Zhilei ‘Big Bang’ Zhang

Chinese heavyweight contender Zhilei ‘Big Bang’ Zhang (27-2-1, 22 KOs) has had one of the best late runs in recent history as the 41-year-old is as popular as ever. His 2023 run, which consisted of two savage stoppages over Joe Joyce, helped skyrocket his profile in the heavyweight division and back home in China. After a bump in the road, which was a majority decision loss to Joseph Parker in March, Zhang returned in June and made a massive statement by knocking out Deontay Wilder in five rounds. The question everyone wants to know is when they will see ‘Big Bang’ Zhang back in the ring.

FightsATW checked in with Zhang’s advisor, Terry Lane, who helps guide Zhang’s career along with his brother Tommy, to see what is the latest with the heavyweight contender. “We’re talking to Queensberry & the Saudis every day, and we are targeting November [as the next fight for Zhang],” said Lane. “All the fighters we want [Anthony Joshua & Tyson Fury, etc.] are currently tied up. We are kinda looking into a Parker rematch, but the clock is ticking.”

Zhang is currently making his U.S. media rounds after returning from a month-long promotional tour in his home country of China. Today, he made a stop at The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, which gives you an indication of Zhang’s level of popularity here in the U.S. If you haven’t grown to love his knockout style in the ring, he’s found a way to talk smack playfully on social media with his limited English vocabulary. His “I will bang you’ line has become widely popular and was even used as part of a song when he was introduced at the press conference for Queensberry vs. Matchroom: 5v5 in June. Zhang has brought a level of entertainment to a sport that can often be way too serious outside of the ring.

There are several options regarding his potential November fight date, including the winner or loser of Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois or the rematch with Parker. The fight with Joshua is long overdue, and with the history between them, that fight is a no-brainer and would have plenty of interest from the public. A rematch with Parker seems more risk than reward but it may be the only fight available for Zhang in November. Whichever direction he goes, fans will be tuned in to see the “Big Bang” Zhang show which doesn’t disappoint.

Abraham Gonzalez

Abraham Gonzalez is the founder of FightsATW. His journalistic work has been published and used across several platforms to include online, network TV and promotional companies. He is an American Public University alumnus and a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA). Abraham was the Managing Editor for NYFights, Big Fight Weekend, contributed to FanSidedMMA and ProBoxTV.

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