Zhilei Zhang, the Chinese heavyweight star ranked No. 4 by Ring Magazine, has expressed interest in a potential fight with Jake Paul. Despite being a top contender in the heavyweight division, Zhang is open to a bout with Paul if the opportunity arises.
“I would try it, why not? If the opportunity presents itself, then I will,” Zhang told Razed when asked about the possibility of boxing Paul. He acknowledged Paul’s dedication to the sport, noting, “I believe that he came out of the influencer background as a boxer, but since he started boxing, he has become dedicated and trains with all the blood, sweat, and tears. He’s on the promotional side as well, so I think Jake Paul is attracting a lot of people to the sport which is not bad at all.”
Jake Paul, who has compiled a 10-1 professional boxing record since transitioning from YouTube stardom in 2018, has mostly fought aging MMA fighters but insists his main goal is to become a world champion. WBA president Gilberto Mendoza recently expressed openness to sanctioning a title fight between Paul and former world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.
However, Zhang believes Paul has more to prove before reaching even the national level in boxing. “He needs more fights to prove himself if he wants to be at a national (domestic) level and I believe that he is on the way there,” Zhang said. “But he definitely needs more fights, and they need to be credible opponents to prove he is at that level.”
Zhang, who defeated Joe Joyce in April 2023 to claim the WBO ‘interim’ strap, found himself one fight away from a world title shot. After knocking out Joyce in their rematch, Zhang lost the belt to Joseph Parker in March. He bounced back with a stoppage victory over Deontay Wilder last month.
At 41 years old, Zhang’s window for winning heavyweight gold is narrowing, making a fight against ‘The Problem Child’ seem ill-advised. Paul, who has mostly competed at cruiserweight, is bulking up to heavyweight for his next bout against Mike Tyson on November 15. The fight, initially scheduled for July 20, was postponed due to Tyson’s medical issues.
Despite concerns from the boxing community about Tyson’s health, the clash between Paul and Tyson remains a highly anticipated event. As for Zhang, his focus remains on securing credible fights to cement his legacy in the heavyweight division.
