China’s Zhilei Zhang has become one of boxing’s favourite heavyweights, appreciated for his personality as much as his aggressive fighting style. Fans, however, have not seen him in the ring since February 2025.
Zhang had been on the verge of a world title shot after two statement stoppage wins against Joe Joyce during 2023, but defeat to Joseph Parker cost him his WBO Interim title and subsequent position as mandatory challenger.
The Zhoukou-born big man then bounced back with a devastating knockout of Deontay Wilder, before falling short against Germany’s Agit Kabayel, leaving the 42-year-old southpaw desperate for a another chance to show that he is capable of winning a world title.
Recently, ‘Big Bang’ Zhang has been open to fight Fabio Wardley, Derek Chisora and Daniel Dubois, but has been unable to secure any of those fights, sidelined beyond the one-year anniversary of his loss to Kabayel.
However, there is a fresh and willing potential opponent in Dave Allen, who plans to bring Zhang over to Sheffield later this year, before a possible challenge for the British heavyweight title, he told First Round TV.
“I think that it is going to be Zhilei Zhang. I think Zhilei Zhang and me is going to happen. We have already spoke about it and I am happy to do it, as well. I’m not bothered.”
“We are not skipping it [British title level]. I think that Riakporhe-TKV is a great fight, the winner of that fight will probably not box again until autumn, so they have mentioned Zhilei Zhang to me.
“I have never backed down from anyone in my life and I ain’t going to start with him. So, I am hopeful that I can have a couple fights before but I am here to have a go, all I want to do is entertain everyone.
“If I box Zhilei Zhang, one of two things will happen; I will get flattened for the first time or he will be knackered after three rounds and I will beat him on points.”
Allen lost to Arslanbek Makhmudov when he headlined at Sheffield Arena in October, but he returned to the win column on Saturday night, halting France’s Karim Berredjem within 60 seconds.