Oleksandr Usyk could possibly be ordered to face Zhilei Zhang who’s aiming to safe a WBC title battle subsequent 12 months | Boxing Information

Zhilei Zhang is the world’s second greatest heavyweight behind Oleksandr Usyk and will earn a battle with the Ukrainian in 2025, says co-manager Terry Lane.

The Chinese language contender will battle Agit Kabayel for the WBC interim title, with the winner lining up a shot on the full WBC world belt, which is at the moment held by unified champion Usyk.

Usyk retained his WBC, WBO and WBA belts after a unanimous determination win over Tyson Fury of their rematch this month and is but to disclose plans for his subsequent battle.

“Zhilei has a tough fight ahead of him in Agit Kabayel on February 22,” Zhang’s co-manager Lane advised Sky Sports activities.

“If he beats Kabayel, he will have, again, beat another top-10 heavyweight, and will cement himself as the second-best heavyweight on the planet behind Usyk. There is no question that should earn him a world title shot.”

Zhang propelled himself again into title competition with a shocking knockout victory over Deontay Wilder, the previous WBC champion, in June.

The Germany-based Kabayel stands in the way in which of Zhang’s plans after extending his unbeaten file with spectacular stoppage wins over Arslanbek Makhmudov and Frank Sanchez.

However Lane stated: “Being World Champion has been Zhilei’s aim from day one. We will work to make that happen in 2025.”

If the Zhang-Kabayel winner is made to attend for a world title battle, Britain’s Anthony Joshua might even be a part of their future plans.

Joshua is ranked at No 6 by the WBC and could be eligible to battle for the WBC interim title.

“Absolutely,” WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman not too long ago advised Sky Sports activities.

“That’s an opening of possibilities for more fights to continue to take place.”