Zhilei Zhang Challenges Anthony Joshua to Overcome Olympic Ghost
Zhilei Zhang, the talented heavyweight boxer, has thrown down the gauntlet to Anthony Joshua, calling for a rematch of their Olympic clash in 2012. Zhang believes that Joshua is still haunted by their previous encounter, which ended controversially in Joshua’s favor. With both fighters having come a long way since then, Zhang wants to prove that he deserved the victory and show the world that Joshua is not the unstoppable force they believe him to be.
In their Olympic bout, Joshua narrowly escaped defeat, visibly exhausted in the final round as Zhang relentlessly attacked him with powerful lefts. For Joshua to accept this challenge would require tremendous courage, as Zhang poses a completely different type of threat compared to the opponents hand-picked by Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, in recent fights.
Fans have been clamoring for quality opposition for Joshua, wanting to see him face formidable opponents instead of those easily dispatched to boost his confidence. Zhang represents the kind of challenge fans have been waiting for, eager to see Joshua tested against a fighter of his caliber.
Zhang (26-1-1, 21 KOs) wasted no time in calling out Joshua after witnessing his dominant victory over Otto Wallin in Saudi Arabia. Fans still believe that Zhang rightfully won their Olympic encounter, despite the contentious decision in Joshua’s favor. A rematch would give Joshua the opportunity to prove that he earned his victory and that the result was not influenced by the fight being held in London.
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, now faces a crucial decision. He must weigh the risks of pitting Joshua against the man who once humbled Joe Joyce, given the mental scars their previous encounter may have left on Joshua. Hearn undoubtedly recognizes the threat Zhang poses and will have to carefully consider whether to accept the challenge on behalf of his fighter.
On social media, fans have expressed great interest in Joshua accepting Zhang’s challenge, especially considering that a highly anticipated bout between Joshua and Deontay Wilder is no longer on the table following Wilder’s recent defeat against Joseph Parker. Facing Parker or Filip Hrgovic holds little appeal for fans, who view Zhang as a far superior choice for Joshua’s next opponent, both in terms of attracting viewers and proving his mettle as a top-tier heavyweight.
Zhang’s performance against Joyce showcased his talent and power, and he undoubtedly aims to replicate that success against Joshua. Zhang himself is eager for the opportunity to dethrone another Olympic champion and disprove any lingering doubts about Joshua’s abilities.
While Joshua may have won their previous encounter, the memory of that fight still looms large over his career. A rematch would allow Joshua the chance to silence the doubters and demonstrate that he can defeat a top-tier heavyweight like Zhang. With fans eagerly awaiting an official announcement, the boxing world waits to see if Joshua will accept the challenge and take another step forward in his quest for greatness.
