Zhilei Zhang

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In this Chinese name, the family name is Zhang.
Zhilei Zhang
Zhang in 2021
Born
张志磊

(1983-05-02) May 2, 1983 (age 41)
Qianzhangying village, Shicaoji Township, Shenqiu County, Henan Province[2]
Other namesBig Bang
Statistics
Weight(s)Heavyweight
Height1.98 m (6 ft 6 in)[1]
Reach203 cm (80 in)
StanceSouthpaw
Boxing record
Total fights30
Wins27
Wins by KO22
Losses2
Draws1
Medal record
Men’s amateur boxing
Representing  China
Olympic Games
Silver medal – second place 2008 Beijing Super-heavyweight
World Championships
Bronze medal – third place 2007 Chicago Super-heavyweight
Bronze medal – third place 2009 Milan Super-heavyweight
World Combat Games
Gold medal – first place 2010 Beijing Super-heavyweight
University Championships
Silver medal – second place 2004 Antalya Super-heavyweight
Asian Games
Gold medal – first place 2010 Guangzhou Super Heavyweight
Asian Championships
Gold medal – first place 2009 Zhuhai Super-heavyweight
Silver medal – second place 2007 Ulan Bator Super-heavyweight
Bronze medal – third place 2004 Puerto Princesa Super-heavyweight
Bronze medal – third place 2011 Incheon Super-heavyweight

Zhilei Zhang (Chinese: 张志磊; pinyin: Zhāng Zhìlěi; born May 2, 1983) is a Chinese professional boxer. He held the World Boxing Organization (WBO) interim heavyweight title between April 2023 and March 2024 (aged 39-40). As an amateur, he won bronze medals at the 2007 and 2009 World Championships, and a silver medal at the 2008 Olympics, all in the super-heavyweight division. As of June 2024, Zhang is ranked as the world's fifth-best active heavyweight by The Ring magazine.[3]

Early life[edit]

Zhang was born on May 2, 1983,in Qianzhangying village, Shicaoji Township, Shenqiu County, Henan Province, China.[2] At age seven, he and his father moved to downtown Shenqiu County to give him better schooling opportunities.[2] His father enrolled him in canoe sprinting lessons so he could lose weight.[2] In 1995, he was called up to the Shenqiu County canoe sprinting team by coach Li Guofeng (李国峰).[4] In 1998, he was called up to the Henan provincial boxing team by coach Gu Ganqing (谷锦清).[2] Zhang speaks the Henan variety of Central Plains Mandarin in most of his post-match interviews and on his social media Douyin and Weibo,[5][6][7] which became a signature characteristic of his,[5] since those born before the mid-1980s are the last generation to speak Central Plains Mandarin fluently, the younger generation language shifting to Beijing Mandarin.[8][9][10]

Zhang is the tallest member of his family. By 15 years of age, he was 1.95 meters tall and weighed 120 kg.[2] His father, Zhang Tan (张坦; 1948-), is 1.76 meters tall[11] while his mother, Deng Yuying (邓玉英), stood just a shade over 1.6 meters tall.[11] His elder brother and elder sister are of a more normal height.[11]

Amateur career[edit]

After winning third place in the unlimited weight class in boxing in the 2001 National Games of China, he was called in as a sparring partner for the China national boxing team in 2002.[2] He won third place in the 2007 AIBA World Boxing Championships in Chicago, thus qualifying for boxing at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, for which he won a silver medal.[2] He is the first Chinese to win an Olympic medal in the unlimited weight class. In 2009, he graduated from Zhengzhou University, majoring in sports training.

He considered turning professional after 2008, but decided to fight for a gold medal at the 2012 Olympics.[2] At the 2012 Olympics, he was defeated on points in the quarterfinal by Anthony Joshua,[2] the future unified heavyweight world champion.[12]

Professional career[edit]

Turning professional at 31[edit]

On March 8, 2014, Zhang moved to the United States.[2] Two days later, in New York City, the 31-year-old Zhang held a media conference and signed a promotional agreement with Dynasty Boxing, newly founded by Dino Duva.[13] Dynasty Boxing aimed at the Chinese market, and Zhang was the first signing of this new promotional company.[14]

As of 2014, Zhang is a typical product of a Chinese state-centric sports development policy known as juguo tizhi (举国体制), with all his coaching, therapists, insurance, housing, and meals arrarnged and paid by the Sport Administration of China. In the United States, he had to organize all that by himself.[2] Among them, daily cooking was the most unfamiliar aspect of his early professional career.[2] In the first few months, most of his research was not on boxing but on cooking instructions, e.g. for how long should noodles be rinsed with cold water, whether to cover the lid of a boiling pot, etc.[2]

Zhang trained in Nutley, New Jersey.[2] In his first training on Nutley, he embarrassed himself by introducing himself as the 2008 Olympic silver medalist, which was met with silence and not appreciated.[2]

Under Dynasty Boxing[edit]

Zhang compiled a perfect record of 21–0 under his first promoter, Dynasty Boxing (2014-2020). Unsatisfied by the quality of matches, he demanded better-known, tougher opponents with bigger payouts, but was repeatedly rejected by Dynasty Boxing's president, Dino Duva.[2] Sometime between 2017 and 2019, their relationship fell apart. Dynasty Boxing stopped organizing matches for him and threatened to drag him into legal battles, which Zhang, in his late 30s, could not afford.[2] After hiring brothers Tommy Lane and Terry Lane, sons of boxing referee Mills Lane, as his advisers, Zhang was able to call the bluff at the negotiating table and get match time again.[2] He had no matches for 10 months between September 2017 and July 2018, and again for 14 months between September 2018 and November 2019.

In his pro debut, Zhang knocked out Curtis Tate in the opening 17 seconds of round one in Fallon, Nevada, on August 8, 2014.[15] He was paid a little more than $7,000 in his first match.[2] In his last match under Dynasty Boxing, on 30 November 2019, he fought Andriy Rudenko in Monaco. He dominated the Ukrainian and secured a unanimous decision win (99–91, 98–92 and 97–93).[16]

Under Matchroom Sport[edit]

Zhang's first match under his new promoter Matchroom Sport was on November 7, 2020.[2] He fought Devin Vargas on the undercard of the WBC lightweight title fight between Devin Haney and Yuriorkis Gamboa. In his debut as a Matchroom Boxing fighter. Zhang dropped and stopped his opponent in the fourth round.[17]

He returned to the ring on 27 February 2021, to fight journeyman Jerry Forrest on the undercard of the super-middleweight title fight between Canelo Álvarez and Avni Yıldırım. Although Zhang started strongly, scoring three knockdowns in the opening three rounds of the bout, Forrest was able to battle his way back to earn a majority draw. The final scorecards read 95–93 Forrest, 93–93, and 93–93, with the irregular scores owing to a point deduction against Zhang for excessive holding.[18] Zhang was hospitalised and the next day his manager stated "he is suffering from anemia, high enzyme levels, and low-level renal failure that may have been caused by severe dehydration".[19][20] Later he revealed he was diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia, electrolyte disorder and liver dysfunction.[2] His doctor concluded his excessive consumption of Chinese tea during training was to be blamed.[2] Since then, Zhang stayed away from tea during training and before boxing matches.[2]

On 27 November 2021, Zhang faced Craig Lewis on the undercard of Teófimo López vs. George Kambosos Jr. Zhang started the fight off slowly, but dropped Lewis twice in round two, leading Lewis' corner to throw in the towel, giving Zhang a TKO win.[21]

Zhang was scheduled to fight Filip Hrgović in an IBF title eliminator on 7 May 2022.[22] However, Hrgović pulled out of the fight on 2 May, stating that he had not been able to focus during his training camp due to the death of his father.[23] Scott Alexander was chosen as the replacement fight on the Canelo Álvarez vs. Dmitry Bivol undercard, with the fight being dropped from the co-main to the undercard.[24] Zhang won the bout via first-round knockout.[25] His fight against Hrgović was rescheduled for 20 August 2022, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on the undercard of Oleksandr Usyk vs Anthony Joshua II.[26] On that night, Zhang knocked down Hrgović in the first round with a right hand shot. After a close-fought battle over twelve rounds, the judges awarded the fight to Hrgović with two scores of 115–112 and one of 114–113, in what was described as a "generous" decision by broadcaster Sky Sports after a "bizarre" performance by Hrgović.[27][28]

WBO interim heavyweight champion[edit]

Zhang vs. Joyce[edit]

Main article: Joe Joyce vs Zhilei Zhang

On 2 February 2023, it was officially announced that Zhang would be returning to the ring at the Copper Box Arena in London, England on 15 April, against undefeated WBO interim champion Joe Joyce.[29]

On 15 April 2023, Zhang defeated Joe Joyce by sixth-round technical knockout and secured the WBO interim heavyweight title.[30]

Zhang vs. Joyce II[edit]

Main article: Zhilei Zhang vs Joe Joyce II

On 23 September 2023, Zhang beat Joyce by third-round knockout in a rematch.[31]

Zhang vs. Parker[edit]

Main article: Zhilei Zhang vs. Joseph Parker

On 15 January 2024, it was announced that Zhang would be facing former WBO champion Joseph Parker, with the fight scheduled to occur on 8 March 2024 as the co-main event of the Knockout Chaos event, at Riyadh's Kingdom Arena.[32] Zhang was defeated by Parker in a majority points decision, with one judge had it even at 113–113, while the other two judges had it 114–112 and 115–111, both to Parker.[33]

Post-title career[edit]

Zhang vs. Wilder[edit]

Zhang faced former WBC champion Deontay Wilder on 1 June 2024.[34][35] He won in the fifth round by knockout.[36]

Personal life[edit]

Zhang is an excessive drinker of Chinese tea especially during training. On February 27, 2021, after the game with Jerry Forrest, he was hospitalised and diagnozed with iron-deficiency anemia, high enzyme levels, low-level renal failure, electrolyte disorder and liver dysfunction.[2][37] To distract himself from Chinese tea culture, he developed an interest in handcrafting, especially in building cameras, barbecue grills and car washing equipments.[2] He also plays skeet shooting as a distraction.[2]

Match records[edit]

Professional (2014–)[edit]

30 fights 27 wins 2 losses
By knockout 22 0
By decision 5 2
Draws 1
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
30 Win 27–2–1 Deontay Wilder TKO 5 (12), 1:51 Jun 1, 2024 Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
29 Loss 26–2–1 Joseph Parker MD 12 Mar 8, 2024 Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Lost WBO interim heavyweight title
28 Win 26–1–1 Joe Joyce KO 3 (12), 3:07 Sep 23, 2023 Wembley Arena, London, England Retained WBO interim heavyweight title
27 Win 25–1–1 Joe Joyce TKO 6 (12), 1:23 Apr 15, 2023 Copper Box Arena, London, England Won WBO interim heavyweight title
26 Loss 24–1–1 Filip Hrgović UD 12 Aug 20, 2022 King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
25 Win 24–0–1 Scott Alexander KO 1 (10), 1:51 May 7, 2022 T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
24 Win 23–0–1 Craig Lewis TKO 2 (8), 2:10 Nov 27, 2021 Hulu Theater, New York City, New York, U.S.
23 Draw 22–0–1 Jerry Forrest MD 10 Feb 27, 2021 Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida, U.S.
22 Win 22–0 Devin Vargas KO 4 (10), 1:49 Nov 7, 2020 Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood, Florida, U.S.
21 Win 21–0 Andriy Rudenko UD 10 Nov 30, 2019 Casino de Salle Medicin, Monte Carlo, Monaco Retained WBO Oriental heavyweight title
20 Win 20–0 Don Haynesworth TKO 3 (10), 1:48 Sep 28, 2018 Social Work College Gymnasium, Changsha, China Retained WBO Oriental heavyweight title
19 Win 19–0 Eugen Buchmueller KO 1 (10), 1:03 Jul 20, 2018 WinnaVegas Casino Resort, Sloan, Iowa, U.S.
18 Win 18–0 Byron Polley TKO 1 (10), 2:30 Sep 23, 2017 Hartman Arena, Park City, Kansas, U.S.
17 Win 17–0 Nick Guivas TKO 1 (10), 2:43 Aug 5, 2017 Claridge Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
16 Win 16–0 Curtis Harper TKO 1 (8), 2:34 May 26, 2017 Hotel & Club, Boca Raton, Florida, U.S.
15 Win 15–0 Mark Brown KO 1 (8), 2:03 Apr 29, 2017 CenterStage@NoDa, Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S.
14 Win 14–0 Peter Graham KO 1 (10), 2:58 Jan 21, 2017 Hebei Sports Venue, Shijiazhuang, China Won vacant WBO Oriental heavyweight title
13 Win 13–0 Galen Brown TKO 2 (6), 1:50 Dec 10, 2016 Marina Bay SportsPlex, Quincy, Massachusetts, U.S.
12 Win 12–0 Gogita Gorgiladze TKO 1 (8), 1:17 Sep 30, 2016 Wenzhou Gymnasium, Wenzhou, China
11 Win 11–0 Rodney Hernandez UD 6 Jul 22, 2016 Claridge Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
10 Win 10–0 Jamal Woods TKO 2 (6), 0:41 Jun 11, 2016 Marina Bay SportsPlex, Quincy, Massachusetts, U.S.
9 Win 9–0 John Orr TKO 1 (6), 2:27 May 13, 2016 D.C. Armory, Washington, D.C., U.S.
8 Win 8–0 Tyree Ortiz TKO 3 (4), 2:14 Mar 26, 2016 Oracle Arena, Oakland, California U.S.
7 Win 7–0 David Koswara TKO 1 (6), 0:37 Feb 20, 2016 Lanzhou, China
6 Win 6–0 Juan Goode UD 4 Nov 21, 2015 Mandalay Bay Events Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
5 Win 5–0 Dennis Benson TKO 6 (6), 0:56 Aug 15, 2015 The Playground, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
4 Win 4–0 Glenn Thomas UD 4 Jun 6, 2015 Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
3 Win 3–0 Eric George UD 4 Mar 14, 2015 Jersey City Armory, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
2 Win 2–0 Perry Filkins TKO 1 (4), 1:10 Jan 17, 2015 Mohegan Sun Casino, Uncasville, Connecticut, U.S.
1 Win 1–0 Curtis Lee Tate TKO 1 (4), 0:17 Aug 8, 2014 Churchill County Fairgrounds, Fallon, Nevada, U.S.

Amateur (1998–2014)[edit]

Olympic Games
2008 Olympics (as a Super heavyweight)
2012 Olympics (as a Super heavyweight)
World Championships
2003 World Amateur Boxing Championships (as a Super heavyweight)
2005 World Amateur Boxing Championships (as a Super heavyweight)
2007 World Amateur Boxing Championships (as a Super heavyweight)
2009 World Amateur Boxing Championships (as a Super heavyweight)
Others
2004 World University Boxing Championships

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "BoxRec: Zhilei Zhang". boxrec.com. Retrieved 17 April 2023.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa 李佳浚 (2024-05-31). "张志磊：重剑锋利" [Interview with Zhang, the sharp, heavy sword]. Eco体育产业生态圈.
  3. ^ "Ratings". The Ring. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  4. ^ "张志磊被推荐为全省先进典型人物". 沈丘县融媒体中心. 2018-10-23 – via 沈丘县人民政府.
  5. ^ a b 沈诚 (2023-04-17). "改写职业拳击百年史！这位40岁的河南汉子，值得一次霸屏与热搜". Eco体育产业生态圈.
  6. ^ "zhangzhilei6". Douyin. Retrieved 2024-05-31.
  7. ^ "张志磊boxing". Weibo. Retrieved 2024-05-31.
  8. ^ 徐曼 (2014). "河南方言生存现状及面临的危机". 焦作大学学报 (01): 25.
  9. ^ 陈娟; 罗敏球 (2020). "河南方言使用现状调查及展望". 중국학연구. 94: 49-80. doi:10.36493/JCS.94.3.
  10. ^ 刘羽 (2014-11-21). "河南生河南长 娃娃们不会说河南话". 东方今报 – via 印象河南网.
  11. ^ a b c 路红; 任磊; 王玮皓 (2008-08-19). "张志磊拳击进四强创历史 张爸爸：志磊拿奖牌了". 大河报.
  12. ^ "BoxRec: Anthony Joshua". boxrec.com. Retrieved 2021-03-30.
  13. ^ Rafael, Dan (March 10, 2014). "Amateur Zhang Zhilei goes pro". ESPN. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  14. ^ Fischer, Doug (2014-03-10). "Dino Duva Joins Chinese Boxing Market With Heavyweight Zhang Zhilei". Ring.tv.
  15. ^ Ellis, Jordan. "Zhilei Zhang scored 'softest KO of all time' when opponent dramatically fell to the floor from a shoulder punch". talkSPORT. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  16. ^ "Duva: Zhang Zhilei Proved That He Belongs in Heavyweight Mix". BoxingScene.com. 2 December 2019. Retrieved 2021-02-18.
  17. ^ "Heavyweights Filip Hrgovic, Zhang Zhilei score knockouts on Haney-Gamboa undercard". The Ring. 2020-11-07. Retrieved 2021-02-18.
  18. ^ "Zhilei Zhang Fails to Beat Jerry Forrest – Anthony Joshua Fight Hopes in Tatters". EssentiallySports. 2021-02-28. Retrieved 2021-03-30.
  19. ^ Lane, Terry (Feb 28, 2021). "Terry Lane statement". Twitter. Retrieved 2021-03-30.
  20. ^ Stumberg, Patrick L. (2021-03-01). "Zhang Zhilei hospitalized after draw with Jerry Forrest". Bad Left Hook. Retrieved 2021-03-30.
  21. ^ "Zhilei Zhang blasts out Craig Lewis in 2 rounds on Lopez-Kambosos card". 28 November 2021.
  22. ^ "Filip Hrgovic set to clash with Zhilei Zhang in IBF heavyweight final eliminator to face Oleksandr Usyk".
  23. ^ "Filip Hrgovic Withdraws from IBF Eliminator with Zhang Zhilei on Canelo-Bivol Undercard". 2 May 2022.
  24. ^ "Scott Alexander Replaces Filip Hrgovic as Zhang Zhilei's Opponent on Canelo-Bivol Undercard". 4 May 2022.
  25. ^ Photos, Boxing (8 May 2022). "Photos: Zhang Zhilei Blasts Out Scott Alexander With One-Punch Knockout". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 2022-08-19.
  26. ^ "Zhilei Zhang backed to become world's No 1 heavyweight as he faces Filip Hrgovic in IBF eliminator". Sky Sports. Retrieved 2022-08-19.
  27. ^ "Filip Hrgovic gets peculiar win and earns shot at Oleksandr Usyk vs Anthony Joshua winner". talkSPORT. 2022-08-20. Retrieved 2023-02-02.
  28. ^ "Usyk vs AJ 2: Filip Hrgovic claims unanimous decision win over Zhilei Zhang in thrilling IBF heavyweight eliminator". Sky Sports. Retrieved 2023-02-02.
  29. ^ "Joe Joyce to fight Zhilei Zhang as Briton takes next step towards world title". The Independent. 2023-02-02. Retrieved 2023-02-02.
  30. ^ Media, P. A. (2023-04-15). "Britain's Joe Joyce loses for first time after being stunned by Zhilei Zhang". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2023-04-16.
  31. ^ "Zhang pummels Joyce again to close on title shot". ESPN.com. 2023-09-23. Retrieved 2023-09-24.
  32. ^ "Sources: Joseph Parker-Zhilei Zhang to be March 8 co-feature". espn. January 15, 2024.
  33. ^ Iskenderov, Parviz (9 March 2024). "Joseph Parker overcomes two knockdowns, bests Zhilei Zhang by decision". FIGHTMAG.
  34. ^ "Deontay Wilder returns to fight Zhilei Zhang on Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol bill". skysports.com. Sky Sports. 15 April 2024. Retrieved 15 April 2024.
  35. ^ "Wilder vs. Zhang: Winner Moves On, Loser Goes Home". philboxing.com. Retrieved 2024-06-01.
  36. ^ Al-Shatti, Shaun (2024-06-01). "Deontay Wilder vs. Zhilei Zhang: Live round-by-round updates". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2024-06-02.
  37. ^ Lane, Terry (Feb 28, 2021). "Terry Lane statement". Twitter. Retrieved 2021-03-30.
  38. ^ "China makes feat, traditional powers wane in Olympic stage". Xinhua News Agency. August 24, 2008. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  39. ^ "12.World Championships - Bangkok, Thailand - July 6-12 2003". Amateur Boxing Results. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  40. ^ a b "13. World Championships - Mianyang, China - November 13-20 2005". Amateur Boxing Results. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  41. ^ a b c d "World Champs 2007". Amateur Boxing Results. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  42. ^ a b "World Men's Boxing Championships Amateur Boxing 2009 - Results Men". www.the-sports.org. Retrieved 2024-03-12.
  43. ^ "2004_WUC_Boxing_results.pdf" (PDF). Federation Internationale de Sport Universitaire. FISU. Retrieved June 2, 2024.

External links[edit]

Sporting positions
Regional boxing titles
Vacant
Title last held by
Joseph Parker 		WBO Oriental
heavyweight champion
21 January 2017 – 2020
Vacated 		Vacant
Title next held by
Joseph Parker
World boxing titles
Preceded by WBO heavyweight champion
Interim title
15 April 2023 – 8 March 2024 		Succeeded by
Joseph Parker
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