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Andrew Cesare Richardson

Chinese heavyweight boxer Zhang Zhilei has called for a shot at Daniel Dubois’ IBF title following the Briton’s stunning knockout victory over Anthony Joshua on Saturday.
Dubois, 27, retained his belt with a brutal fifth-round stoppage at Wembley Stadium.
It is unclear what Dubois’ plans are for his next fight, with a rematch against Joshua or fellow world champion Oleksandr Usyk – to whom he lost in controversial circumstances in 2023 – mooted as possibilities.
But Zhang, whose standing in the heavyweight division improved greatly following his knockout victory over Deontay Wilder earlier this year, believes he should be in the conversation.
“Congrats, Daniel. Good win,” Zhang said on his personal Instagram account, before gesturing for the two of them to face off and urging the Briton to call him.












View this post on Instagram























A post shared by Zhilei Zhang (@zhileibigbangzhang)



In June, Zhang had called for a clash with Joshua but his attention has now turned to Dubois, who went into his fight with his compatriot on Saturday as the underdog, according to bookmakers, despite being champion.
Dubois said his next fight would be against “whoever pays me more”.
“I want to do even better next time,” the IBF champion said of a potential rematch with Joshua. “I know where I need to improve as well, so as a champion and a fighter I want to prove people wrong every time and that’s what we have been doing.
“I think I can do a lot better than that. It was a great showing but next time I believe I’ll be more clinical. More sharp, everything.”
Pressed on whether he would rather face Joshua or Usyk, Dubois said: “I would love a rematch but either one really, whoever pays me more money.”
Dubois had become interim IBF champion with a TKO victory over Filip Hrgovic in the card headlined by Zheng’s clash with Wilder.
Usyk then vacated the belt following his victory over Fury, which meant Dubois was named full champion and his first defence was the victory over Joshua.
For Zhang, meanwhile, the fifth-round knockout of former WBC champion Wilder in June represented this biggest victory of his career.
Earlier in 2024, the silver medallist at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games had taken Joseph Parker all the way but lost on points, despite flooring the New Zealander on two occasions.


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Boxing

Chinese heavyweight Zhang Zhilei has called on IBF world champion Daniel Dubois to give him his shot after the Brit’s KO victory over Anthony Joshua. Photo: Reuters

Chinese heavyweight Zhang Zhilei eyes Anthony Joshua match-up after Deontay Wilder KO

Zhang Zhilei recently delivered a brutal knockout of Deontay Wilder to make the boxing world sit up and take notice. Photo: Xinhua

Zhang Zhilei knocks out Deontay Wilder in heavyweight clash, puts exclamation point on 5v5 clean sweep for Warren

Zhang Zhilei (right) connects with a right during his fight with Deontay Wilder at Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Photo: Reuters

Zhang Zhilei knocked Deontay Wilder out in the fifth round. Photo: Reuters

Daniel Dubois celebrates after winning his fight against Filip Hrgovic. Photo: Reuters

Sport

It is unclear what Dubois’ plans are for his next fight, with a rematch against Anthony Joshua or Oleksandr Usyk on the cards


It is unclear what Dubois’ plans are for his next fight, with a rematch against Anthony Joshua or Oleksandr Usyk on the cards.
