"It’s time to do this for the boxing". Zhilei has called on Joshua to engage in a fight

Zhang Zhilei, the interim WBO heavyweight champion (26-1-1, 21 KOs), has called upon former champion Anthony Joshua (27-3, 24 KOs) and proposed a bout.

It's worth noting that Zhilei and Joshua clashed in the quarterfinals of the 2012 Olympics in London. The Chinese fighter lost that bout on points (11-15).

“I lost to a better man 11 years ago in the Olympics. I’m happy we have both come a long way, gone through ups and downs in life. Now it’s time to do this for the sport of boxing and give it to the fans around the world. Let’s get it on!” wrote Zhilei in the Instagram.

On December 23, Joshua secured a confident victory over Otto Wallin during a boxing event in Saudi Arabia. The Swedish boxer declined to continue the fight in the fifth round, given Joshua's overwhelming advantage.

Zhilei secured a knockout victory over Joe Joyce in September 2023.