China's Zhang Zhilei talks about beating Wilder, expects fight at home

Chinese heavyweight boxer Zhang Zhilei recently sat down with CGTN Sports Scene for an episode of Talk Sports.

In the beginning of this month, Zhang scored the biggest win of his professional career when he brutally knocked out former WBC world champion Deontay Wilder in the fifth-round in Riyadh. The 41-year-old shared his thoughts about his next opponent and the possibility that he would return for a fight on home soil in the future.

"Our team has been working on that. We want to hold a top-level fight in China, so that Chinese boxing fans can enjoy it on home soil. China now has many boxing enthusiasts, and millions of people stayed up to watch the fight between Wilder and I online, so I know they are looking forward to a grand fight being held in China," Zhang said.

In a review of the showdown, Zhang credited his victory to a more balanced use of both hands to keep Wilder under control.

"Well, I have no idea, maybe because he didn't find an opportunity, but his right hand is really powerful. Looking back at his past bouts, many fighters including Tyson Fury were knocked down by him, and some of them were even beaten into a state of shock and sent to a hospital. So the power of his right hand is really terrifying, but I managed to limit the use of his right hand. Both of my hands are powerful, while Wilder is only powerful with his right hand. I controlled him, so he had no space to attack."

When asked about Zhang's next opponent, his guess is that it will be one of the three among Joseph Parker, Anthony Joshua and Agit Kabayel.

"Because Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will have a rematch in December, they are excluded, but I still have many choices. For example, a rematch against Joseph Parker, as I have an agreement on terms with him. Anthony Joshua also can be considered. And Agit Kabayel as well. I have many opponents to consider, and I am okay with any of them," he said.