Zhilei Zhang, the 42-year-old Chinese heavyweight boxer, will continue his career in the ring. He made this decision after his recent knockout loss to Agit Kabayel in their WBC Interim Heavyweight World Title fight.
Zhang, known as "Big Bang," lost to Kabayel by knockout in the sixth round. It was the first time Zhang had been stopped in his professional career. The fight had its ups and downs for Zhang. He managed to knock Kabayel down in the fifth round, but couldn't capitalize on the advantage.
"I held myself together with fists to the canvas, trying to get up. I felt the breathless agony. It was a breath-stolen moment. Although there were some regrets and disappointment after the fight, since I dropped him in the fifth and let that slide."
Kabayel's strategy of throwing a high volume of body shots proved effective. These punches affected Zhang's breathing and forced him to change his game plan.
Despite the loss, Zhang firmly believes he can still compete at the highest level. He explained his decision to continue boxing:
"42 is not the end. It's the beginning of a new chapter. I still haven't lowered my fist … I was 31 when I turned pro, a typical age to consider retirement for most Chinese boxers. I'm in my 40s now. Age is a number to me. I know I still have what it takes to perform at a high level."
Zhang hopes to fight again by the end of this year. He and his team are currently discussing the next steps, including potential opponents, dates, and locations.
This recent loss to Kabayel follows a mixed run of results for Zhang. He lost on points to Joseph Parker at the end of 2023 but bounced back with an impressive stoppage win over Deontay Wilder six months later.
Zhang has made it clear that he'll only consider retirement if his body stops functioning properly. For now, the Chinese heavyweight wants to prove that age is just a number in the boxing ring.
Fans can watch highlights of the Kabayel vs Zhang fight to see how the contest unfolded.
