Joe McConnell
Anthony Joshua’s refusal to accept a fight with Zhilei Zhang is “boxing’s worst-kept secret”, says the Chinese heavyweight’s co-manager Terry Lane.
Joshua is preparing to challenge British rival Daniel Dubois for the IBF title at Wembley Stadium on September 21, Live on Vscek Box Office.
Zhang was knocked out and outclassed on points by Joshua at the 2012 London Olympics, but the power-punching southpaw failed to secure a rematch with his amateur rival in the pros after a string of impressive victories, including an explosive KO over Deontay Wilder in June.
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Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois were separated by security ahead of their IBF title fight at Wembley
“I think it’s the worst kept secret in boxing that AJ wants nothing to do with Zhilei,” Lane said. Vscek.
“There were opportunities for them to fight.
“It’s very clear that AJ is not interested in anything, he just wants to avoid the fight, which is unfortunate.”
Vscek understands Joshua feels rivals are using his name to “stay relevant” as he attempts to become world heavyweight champion for the third time against Dubois.
Zhilei Zhang stopped Deontay Wilder in the fifth round in June
Zhang had previously been linked with a bout against Tyson Fury following his back-to-back stoppage victories over Joe Joyce.
With Fury set to face Oleksandr Usyk in a rematch on December 21, Zhang will be watching with interest who emerges with the WBC, WBA and WBO belts.
“The goal is to go for the world title,” Lane said.
“AJ and Fury are Zhang’s main desires: they are the two guys he wants to fight.
“I don’t know if Usyk is serious about returning to light heavyweight, but I think Zhilei has more than earned a chance against Fury and AJ.
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Oleksandr Usyk responds on Instagram to Tyson Fury’s provocation ahead of their boxing rematch in Riyadh on December 21
“The problem with Zhilei is that he is feared. It’s a risky fight for anyone, a hard-hitting southpaw.
“He ruined Joyce’s plans to fight Fury and he ruined Deontay Wilder’s plans to fight AJ, so he’s known for being a risky party pooper, a party pooper, so getting these guys in the ring is proving to be tough.”
Zhang’s bid to cement his place in the WBO title race was thwarted by a points defeat to Joseph Parker, but Lane insists his recent victory over Wilder should secure a bout against either the winner of the Usyk-Fury rematch or Joshua.
“Obviously, we would love to have a rematch with Parker and have a chance to take back the WBO interim title, but we consider Zhilei already in contention for the title, with his overall rankings across all sanctioning bodies,” Lane said.
Zhang Wants Rematch With Joseph Parker
“I think he’s in the top four or five in everyone, as he should be, so we think he’s already in title contention and has earned a shot, regardless of whether the rematch with Parker happens or not.”
Watch Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois for the IBF world heavyweight title at Wembley on September 21, live on Vscek Box Office.
