Zhilei Zhang Receives Ominous Message From Top-Ranked Heavyweight: "You Will Pay"

Martin Bakole has thrown down the gauntlet to Zhilei Zhang, warning the Chinese heavyweight that he'll knock him out if they meet in the ring. Bakole's challenge comes hot on the heels of his impressive victory over Jared Anderson.

Zhang, at 41, has become a late bloomer in the heavyweight division. He's had a busy couple of years, beating Joe Joyce twice by stoppage in 2022. Though he lost to Joseph Parker on points, he managed to floor the New Zealander twice. His most recent win was a knockout of Deontay Wilder in Saudi Arabia.

Bakole's been making waves of his own. He stopped Carlos Takam and recently knocked out promising American prospect Jared Anderson. Now, he's set his sights on Zhang.

In an interview with talkSPORT Boxing, Bakole didn't mince words:

"Like I said after [my last] fight, I am open to everyone. And especially I am open to 'Big Bang' cause I know I can stop him no matter where the fight is going to be in China, in Saudi Arabia, in UK, in America, I am ready to face him."

Bakole's confidence stems from his experience facing southpaws. He even claims to have stopped Oleksandr Usyk with a body shot in sparring. He added:

"I will make him pay because all my life I learned boxing from my brother who is a southpaw. You can ask Usyk, I stopped him on a body shot because I know how to stop [southpaws]. I think it will be much easier for me. I know he's a tough and a good fighter but I will stop him. Believe me."

Zhang hasn't taken Bakole's challenge lying down. He told DAZN News he's open to the fight and believes he'd win within five rounds.

The fight could land in Saudi Arabia, with Riyadh Season's Turki Alalshikh backing it. There's also talk of hosting it in China.

Bakole calls himself "the most avoided man on the planet," claiming top contenders are turning down fights with him. With both fighters seemingly eager to face each other, fans might not have to wait long to see this exciting heavyweight clash.