Zhilei Zhang’s Manager Reveals Post-Rematch Plans: Tyson Fury in Sights

by · September 19, 2023

Key Takeaways:

  • Zhilei Zhang’s co-manager, Terry Lane, discusses Zhang’s future plans.
  • Zhang aims to secure a victory in the Joe Joyce rematch.
  • If Zhang wins, Tyson Fury is the desired next opponent.

In a recent interview, Terry Lane, co-manager of Chinese heavyweight contender Zhilei Zhang, hinted at their aspirations post-rematch against Joe Joyce, emphasizing the potential showdown with WBC world champion Tyson Fury.

The Rematch Looms

Zhang made headlines in April when he handed Joyce his first career defeat with a dominant sixth-round stoppage. Zhang’s powerful left hand inflicted significant damage to Joyce’s right eye, ultimately leading to the ringside physician waving off the fight.

Now, Joyce has activated an immediate rematch clause, setting the stage for a highly anticipated second bout this Saturday at The AO Arena in London.

A Game-Changing Victory

Lane believes that a victory for Zhang in the upcoming rematch could significantly impact the heavyweight division’s landscape. He stated,

“If Zhilei wins on Saturday, it will truly set him apart in the heavyweight division. We’ll have the likes of Fury, Usyk, and Zhang at the top, with everyone else trailing far behind.”

Targeting Tyson Fury

Should Zhang emerge victorious, the primary target on their radar is none other than Tyson Fury. However, Lane acknowledges that the path forward will depend on various factors, including matchmaking decisions. He characterized the heavyweight division as a continuous game of “musical chairs.”

Contractual Obligations

Notably, there were prior discussions about arranging a fight between Fury and Zhang, but these negotiations were derailed when Joyce invoked his contractual right to a rematch. Zhang expressed his initial disappointment, revealing,

“I was very close to finalizing the Tyson Fury fight just before Joe activated the rematch clause. However, it was a contractual obligation to secure the rematch that led us there. So, I’ll honor what’s right, which is the rematch.”

Fury’s Next Challenge

Meanwhile, Tyson Fury is gearing up for his upcoming non-title boxing match against former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, scheduled for October 28 in Saudi Arabia.

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Tyler Potts

Tyler Potts is experienced football tipster and blogger. He has over two years of experience as a freelance football analyst and journalist. His hobbies include team sports, windsurfing and climbing. He loves the Bundesliga and the German national team. Tyler is invariable part of BettingID’s journalist team.

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