Zhilei Zhang plans to face Joseph Parker once again, sidestepping a call-out from Martin Bakole. The Olympic silver medalist aims to settle the score after their first bout ended in controversy.
Zhang, known as 'Big Bang', had a roller-coaster 2023. He stopped Joe Joyce twice and knocked out Deontay Wilder, possibly ending the American's career. But his momentum hit a snag when he lost to Parker on the scorecards in March 2024, despite dropping the New Zealander twice.
That fight left many fans divided, with some believing Zhang had done enough to win. Now, the Chinese heavyweight wants to clear up any doubts.
Speaking to Box Nation, Zhang made his intentions clear:
"[Parker] was always the one on top of my hit list. We have a contract, I'm honouring the contract. It is my contractual right to have a rematch and this what I am hoping for … I am aiming for [the knockout]. After the first fight people have different opinions. Some people think I won, others think he won. But I learnt a lot from that fight and I'll make sure that doesn't happen again."
While Zhang focuses on Parker, in-form heavy-hitter Martin Bakole had other ideas. The Congo-born boxer called out Zhang after his impressive win over Jared Anderson. Bakole confidently predicted he'd knock out the older Zhang.
Zhang didn't let Bakole's words go unanswered:
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"After Bakole's win – I think it was a beautiful win against [Jared] Anderson – he's been calling out my name. He says he will knock me out in five rounds and then it turned to eight rounds … When they fight me they always look at my age and think he's old I can take care of him, I can drag him to deeper waters, ever since the Hrgovic fight they've been saying the same thing, but as soon as they get in the ring with me things become different. I believe we talk through fists, not all the talking like that."
While some fans feel disappointed about missing out on a Zhang-Bakole clash, there's hope Bakole will land an equally intriguing fight next. As for Zhang, he's made it clear he's open to future challenges, including Bakole, once he settles his unfinished business with Parker.