Zhilei Zhang Challenges Anthony Joshua: ‘I’m Ready, Are You Ready?’

In the ever-evolving world of heavyweight boxing, matchups are often teased for years before they finally happen—or never do at all. But a bout between Anthony Joshua and Zhilei Zhang seems to be gaining new momentum, fueled by recent comments from the Chinese powerhouse and a shift in the heavyweight rankings following some seismic fights in recent months.

Zhang, a towering southpaw with knockout power and global ambition, has thrown down the gauntlet yet again: “If Joshua is ready, I am ready. Anywhere,” he said recently. That simple statement may finally push this long-discussed heavyweight bout toward reality. With the division wide open following Tyson Fury’s loss and a new era dawning, Zhang vs. Joshua could be the kind of blockbuster that reshuffles the heavyweight pecking order.

But is the timing right? And can this fight live up to the years of anticipation?

Zhilei Zhang’s Burning Desire: One Step Away from His Dream

For Zhilei Zhang, the hunger to become a world champion hasn’t faded with time. At 41 years old, the former Olympic silver medalist is in the twilight of his career—but he remains dangerous, focused, and determined. “My dream has not yet come true,” Zhang recently said. “I continue to move towards it and strive to become the best champion in the world. I am just one step away from this goal.”

This isn’t just promotional fluff. Zhang’s rise from amateur stardom to heavyweight contender has been fueled by perseverance. Born in Henan, China, and fighting out of New Jersey, Zhang represents a rare blend of global appeal and raw physical force. Standing at 6’6″ and weighing well over 270 pounds, he is one of the few fighters who can match Joshua’s size and power.

Zhang’s recent record may raise some eyebrows—three losses in his last six fights—but the story behind those defeats paints a more nuanced picture. His controversial loss to Filip Hrgović in 2022, in particular, sparked outrage among many fans and pundits who believed Zhang had done enough to win. Since then, he’s rebounded with knockout wins and continues to pose a serious threat to anyone in the top 10.

Anthony Joshua: Rebuilding from the Rubble

On the other side of the ring is Anthony Joshua, once the shining face of heavyweight boxing. Though his back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk shook the boxing world, Joshua has quietly rebuilt, winning four of his last five fights and reminding everyone that he still has the power, athleticism, and brand to be a global boxing megastar.

However, it hasn’t all been smooth. His knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in 2024 raised more questions than answers. Was it a fluke, or a sign that Joshua’s punch resistance has waned? Has the mental strain of years in the spotlight and multiple title reigns taken its toll?

Still, AJ’s name remains box-office gold. A fight with Zhang would not only draw massive crowds in London, New York, or Macau—it would also test how far Joshua’s rebuild has come. This wouldn’t be just another tune-up. It would be a war with a fellow giant looking for one last shot at greatness.

Stylistic Breakdown: Clash of Titans with Contrasting Styles

From a stylistic standpoint, Anthony Joshua vs. Zhilei Zhang is fascinating. Joshua brings technical boxing fundamentals, explosive combinations, and strong mid-range control. At his best, AJ is fluid, balanced, and dangerous, especially when he fights behind his jab and uses controlled aggression.

Zhang, by contrast, is a southpaw who relies on patient pressure and thunderous left hands. While not as mobile as Joshua, he’s deceptively accurate and dangerous in exchanges. His knockdowns of Joe Joyce and his near-upset of Hrgović show that Zhang is not to be underestimated.

Their styles could create an intriguing matchup. Joshua tends to struggle with southpaws, as seen in his losses to Usyk. Meanwhile, Zhang’s slow feet could be exploited by a more mobile, volume-heavy opponent—if Joshua chooses to box rather than brawl.

The question is: can Joshua resist the temptation to trade? And can Zhang land enough to slow AJ down?

A Fight Years in the Making

What makes this potential matchup even more compelling is the fact that it’s been on the radar for years. Both fighters share an Olympic background—Zhang was a silver medalist in 2008, while Joshua took gold in 2012. Their amateur pedigrees and mutual respect have kept them in each other’s orbit since the early 2010s.

But politics, timing, and title pursuits always got in the way. Now, with both men searching for a path back to the top—and with the titles scattered across different hands following Fury vs. Usyk—the timing has never been better.

Zhang himself alluded to the years of missed opportunities: “We have been discussing this fight for many years, but it never happened. It would be great to organize it this time.”

Global Stakes: China, the UK, and the Power of Promotion

This fight isn’t just about belts or rankings—it’s about markets. A bout between Anthony Joshua and Zhilei Zhang would be a global event, one that could help boxing expand its footprint in Asia while maintaining its stronghold in Europe.

Joshua’s fanbase in the UK remains loyal and massive, while Zhang has galvanized Chinese fans, becoming a symbol of resilience and international pride. Promoters know the value of this clash—it’s a commercial juggernaut.

There’s also a chance that the fight could take place in a neutral mega-market like Saudi Arabia or Macau, both of which have shown interest in hosting global boxing events. Either way, this is a fight that sells itself.

The Risk Factor: What’s at Stake for Both Fighters?

For Zhilei Zhang, this fight is likely a final title eliminator. At 41, he doesn’t have many more chances to get into the world title picture. A win over Joshua would catapult him into a mandatory challenger position, potentially setting up a bout with Usyk, Dubois, or even a rematch with Hrgović.

For Anthony Joshua, the stakes are arguably even higher. A loss here could permanently remove him from elite title contention. With Deontay Wilder’s career on the decline and Tyson Fury recently dethroned, AJ has a clear lane to reclaim glory—if he keeps winning.

A loss to Zhang, especially by knockout, would be a devastating blow to his career. Fans and pundits alike would begin to question whether his best days are firmly behind him. In contrast, a statement win over Zhang would reinforce Joshua as one of the few true top-tier heavyweights left in the sport.

Zhang’s Weaknesses and Joshua’s Path to Victory

Despite Zhang’s power and experience, there are clear paths to beating him. His stamina has always been a concern; in longer fights, he tends to fade. His fight with Hrgović showed that once you survive his early pressure, he becomes more plodding and reactive.

Joshua, if he stays disciplined, could take advantage of this. Using movement, jabs, and fast combinations to wear Zhang down would be the smartest route. But AJ’s recent performances show a growing tendency to get caught in brawls, especially when frustrated. If he stands and trades, the fight becomes a 50/50 slugfest.

Zhang’s Path to Victory: Power and Patience

Zhang knows that he doesn’t need to win a decision—he just needs one clean shot. His left hand remains one of the most underrated weapons in the heavyweight division. If he can back Joshua to the ropes or time his rhythm, the knockout could come early.

He also benefits from being an awkward southpaw—something that has historically troubled Joshua. If Zhang uses smart pressure, cuts the ring, and lets his hands go in bursts, he can turn this fight into a nightmare for AJ.

Will the Fight Happen in 2025?

At this point, the stars may finally be aligning. Both fighters are available, interested, and in need of a big-name opponent. Zhang’s statement of “anywhere, anytime” leaves the door open for fast negotiations.

While official confirmation hasn’t yet been made, multiple insiders believe summer or fall of 2025 could see the clash finally materialize. With both men out of the current title picture, a fight between them makes perfect sense as a title eliminator or even a pay-per-view main event.

Final Thoughts: A Defining Moment Awaits

Anthony Joshua vs. Zhilei Zhang isn’t just another heavyweight fight—it’s a career-defining moment for two powerful, proud warriors on the edge of redemption or retirement. It’s a crossroads bout. A legacy fight. One that could shift the global balance of heavyweight boxing.

For Zhilei Zhang, it’s a final march toward a lifelong dream.

For Anthony Joshua, it’s a proving ground—and possibly a last stand.

Either way, if this long-awaited clash finally happens, fans can expect a war between giants.