:Zhilei Zhang

Zhang was born on May 2, 1983, in Qianzhangying village, Shicaoji Township, Shenqiu County, Zhoukou, Henan Province, China.{{cite news|title=张志磊：重剑锋利|last=李佳浚|url=https://new.qq.com/rain/a/20240531A09OEY00|work=Eco体育产业生态圈|date=2024-05-31}} Zhang is the tallest member of his family. By 15 years of age, he was 1.95 meters tall and weighed 120 kg. His father, Zhang Tan (1948–2020), was 1.76 meters tall while his mother, Deng Yuying stood slightly over 1.6 meters tall. His elder brother and elder sister are also of close to average height.{{cite news|title=张志磊拳击进四强创历史 张爸爸：志磊拿奖牌了|date=2008-08-19|last1=路红 |last2=任磊|last3= 王玮皓|work=大河报|url=http://2008.sohu.com/20080819/n258996294.shtml}}

In 2020, while Zhang made a rare visit back home the day after Chinese New Year, his father died of a sudden cardiac arrest at home during COVID-19 lockdown in China. Zhang mistakenly believed his father to be choking and attempted the Heimlich maneuver to no avail.{{cite AV media|title=张志磊梦想巅峰极限拳王路《纽约会客室》|last=谭琳畅(host)|date=2023-01-06|orig-date=2022-12-14|publisher=SinoVision|via= YouTube| url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CaPfDA1vl7Q|minutes=19-22}}

At age seven, Zhang and his father moved to downtown Shenqiu County for educational reasons. Zhang later attended Shenqiu's Huaidian Hui Town No.3 Middle School.{{Cite news|title=表哥王付威:我一直默默为他祝福|last=彭慧|work=周口晚报|page=3|date=2008-08-26|url=http://www.zhld.com/papers/zkwbpdf/zkwb2008/2008年8月/wb20080826/03.pdf}} His father enrolled him in canoe sprinting lessons in order for him to lose weight. The Zhoukou region was a hotbed of watersports in the 1990s, with Olympic rower Mu Suli, born the same year as Zhang, growing up in a different part of Zhoukou during the 1990s.{{Cite news|title=张志磊初出茅芦引起关注 自己称还没想职业拳手|date=2008-08-23|work=大河报|last=任磊|url=https://2008.sohu.com/20080823/n259140107.shtml}}

In 1995, Zhang was called up to the Shenqiu County canoe sprinting team by coach Li Guofeng.{{Cite news|title=张志磊被推荐为全省先进典型人物|date=2018-10-23|work=沈丘县融媒体中心|via=沈丘县人民政府|url=http://www.shenqiu.gov.cn/newslast_20337.html}} When Zhang injured his leg during a tryout for the provincial canoe sprinting team, he was referred to the provincial boxing coach Gu Ganqing. In 1998, Gu signed him to the Combat and Weightlifting Center in the Henan Provincial Department of Sports, headed by center chief Li Yan in Shangjie. From 1998 until he was released from his sporting obligations, he was coached by Gu. This was the first time Zhang had lived away from his family.{{cite AV media|people=任思玄 (Director) |title=大爆炸:张志磊的成名之路|date=2023-09-21|type=Documentary|minutes=3-7|publisher=Weibo@张志磊boxing|url=https://weibo.com/tv/show/1034:4948529588928526}} For English subtitles, see {{Cite AV media|title=Zhilei Zhang - Becoming a Boxing Champion, Full episode|people=Ren, Sylvia (Director) |date=2023-09-21|type=Documentary|minutes=3-7|publisher=YouTube@toprank|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=We3r_x1dETw}}

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 Chinese national boxing team in 2002. In 2003, he lost 22:8 in the first round of the 2003 World Amateur Boxing Championships to Grzegorz Kiełsa.{{cite web |title=12. World Championships - Bangkok, Thailand - July 6-12, 2003 |url=http://amateur-boxing.strefa.pl/Championships/WorldChamps2003.html |website=Amateur Boxing Results |access-date=June 6, 2024}} At the 2004 World University Boxing Championships, he lost in the final to Rustam Saidov.{{cite web |title=2004_WUC_Boxing_results.pdf |url=https://www.fisu.net/app/uploads/2023/10/2004_WUC_Boxing_results.pdf |website= Universitaire |publisher=FISU |access-date=June 2, 2024}} Zhang enrolled at Zhengzhou University in 2005{{Cite news |title= 郑州大学体育学院崔新东，奥运赛场被封神|url=http://www.shuren100.com/jyxc/202108/09/752.html |work=郑州大学体育学院党委宣传部|editor=程鹏|date=2021-08-09|via=河南高教}} and graduated in 2009{{Cite news |title= 亚洲唯一！校友张志磊成功卫冕|url= https://www.peczzu.edu.cn/info/1018/6392.htm|work=郑州大学体育学院新闻中心|last=程鹏|date=2023-09-23}} majoring in sports training.{{Cite news |title=我校学生张志磊为河南省夺得十运会首金|url=http://news.zzu.edu.cn/info/1002/25231.htm |work=郑州大学新闻网|last=杨红光|date=2005-09-22}} At the 2005 World Amateur Boxing Championships in China, he beat Vugar Alekperov 20:11 before losing to eventual champion Odlanier Solis (17:7).{{cite web |title=13. World Championships - Mianyang, China - November 13-20 2005 |url=http://amateur-boxing.strefa.pl/Championships/WorldChamps2005.html |website=Amateur Boxing Results |access-date=June 2, 2024}}

He took third place at the 2007 World Amateur Boxing Championships in Chicago, thus qualifying for boxing at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where he won a silver medal. His fight was the last event of the 2008 Olympics. His coaches were disappointed he missed the publicity that would have accompanied the final gold medal for China. Despite that, he attracted a lot of attention by being the first Asian to win an Olympic medal in the unlimited weight class.{{cite court |litigants=Csi Entm't, Inc. v. Dynasty Boxing, LLC |vol= |reporter= |opinion=31554 |court=New York Supreme Court

|date=2017 |url=https://casetext.com/case/csi-entmt-inc-v-dynasty-boxing-llc| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240605075944/https://casetext.com/case/csi-entmt-inc-v-dynasty-boxing-llc|archive-date=2024-06-05 }} At the 2012 Olympics, he was defeated on points in the quarterfinal by Anthony Joshua, the future unified heavyweight world champion.

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

:Olympic Games

:2008 Olympics (as a Super heavyweight)

:*Defeated Mohamed Amanissi (Morocco) 15-0

:*Defeated Ruslan Myrsatayev (Kazakhstan) 12-2

:*Defeated Vyacheslav Glazkov (Ukraine) walk-over

:*Lost to Roberto Cammarelle (Italy) RSCO.{{cite news |date=August 24, 2008 |title=China makes feat, traditional powers wane in Olympic stage |url=http://www.china.org.cn/olympic/2008-08/24/content_16321848.htm |access-date=June 2, 2024 |agency=Xinhua News Agency}}

:2012 Olympics (as a Super heavyweight)

:*Defeated Johan Linde (Australia) RSCO

:*Lost to Anthony Joshua (Great Britain) 11-15

;World Championships

:2003 World Amateur Boxing Championships (as a Super heavyweight)

:*Lost to Grzegorz Kiełsa (Poland) 8-22.{{cite web |title=12.World Championships - Bangkok, Thailand - July 6-12 2003 |url=http://www.amateur-boxing.strefa.pl/Championships/WorldChamps2003.html |access-date=June 2, 2024 |work=Amateur Boxing Results}}

:2005 World Amateur Boxing Championships (as a Super heavyweight)

:*Defeated Vugar Alekperov (Azerbaijan) 20-11.{{cite web |title=13. World Championships - Mianyang, China - November 13-20 2005 |url=http://amateur-boxing.strefa.pl/Championships/WorldChamps2005.html |access-date=June 2, 2024 |website=Amateur Boxing Results}}

:*Lost to Odlanier Solis (Cuba) 7-17.

:2007 World Amateur Boxing Championships (as a Super heavyweight)

:*Defeated Nurpais Torobekov (Kyrgyzstan) RSCO.{{cite web |title=World Champs 2007 |url=http://amateur-boxing.strefa.pl/Championships/WorldChamps2007.html |access-date=June 2, 2024 |website=Amateur Boxing Results}}

:*Defeated Rustam Rygebayev (Kazakhstan) 20-10.

:*Defeated Daniel Beahan (Australia) KO 2.

:*Lost to Vyacheslav Glazkov (Ukraine) 11-21.

:2009 World Amateur Boxing Championships (as a Super heavyweight)

:*Defeated Primislav Dimovski (North Macedonia) 6-2.{{Cite web |title=World Men's Boxing Championships Amateur Boxing 2009 - Results Men |url=https://www.the-sports.org/amateur-boxing-world-men-s-boxing-championships-results-2009-men-epm12615.html |access-date=2024-03-12 |website=www.the-sports.org}}

:*Lost to Roman Kapitanenko (Ukraine) 2-5.

{{col-end}}

Zhang was highly regarded by American promoters by 2009 but his career stalled between 2009 and 2019 owing to a combination of his duties to Chinese national boxing obligations, mismanagement and accompanying legal issues, and his visa problems. Until Zhang signed with Matchroom Sport USA in 2020 at 37 years of age, he was excluded from boxing's top ranks.

Zhang considered turning professional at 25 years of age after the 2008 Olympics, but could not until 2014. Dino Duva and Don King were the first promoters to approach Zhang.{{cite news|title=Hall of Fame trainer Duva to work with China's Zhang|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE57K0WH/|work=Reuters|date=2009-08-21}} In August 2009,{{cite news|title=张志磊在美集训收获大 教练：强调技术合理简洁|work=中国体育在线|last=谷锦华|date=2010-03-10|url=https://sports.sohu.com/20100310/n270720336.shtml}} Duva and King arranged for Zhang to train at the Poconos. In September 2010, Duva arranged for Zhang to train in the Poconos to prepare him for the 2010 Asian Games.{{cite news|title=张志磊下月赴美"留学" 霍利菲尔德加盟教练组|work=华奥星空|last1=杨莉 |last2=吴莹|url=https://sports.sohu.com/20100830/n274583694.shtml|date=2010-08-30}}{{Cite news|title=师从霍利菲尔德 铁拳王子张志磊为亚运再次留美|work=华奥星空|last=杨莉|url=https://gz2010.sohu.com/20101019/n275986112.shtml|date=2010-10-19}}{{Cite news|title=Empires Collide: China and United States Amateur Boxing at {{as written|i|t's [sic]}} Best|date=2010-10-05|first=Cesar|last=Diaz|work=Bleacher Report|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/481970-empires-collide-china-and-united-states-amatuer-boxing-at-its-best}} The highlight of that training were 11 bouts between the Chinese and American national boxing teams in Manhattan promoted as "Empires Collide", which Zhang defeated Danny Kelly Jr 16:8 in the main fight.{{Cite news|title=United States vs China Amateur Boxing Card Will Hit NY - Boxing News|date=2010-08-31|work=Cirillo World|via=Boxing Scene|url=https://www.boxingscene.com/united-states-vs-china-amateur-boxing-card-hit-ny--30514}}{{Cite web|title=Homepage|website=EmpiresCollide.com|url=http://empirescollide.com/|archive-date=2011-01-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110128161449/http://empirescollide.com/|publisher=Global Sports and Entertainment Group}}{{Cite web|title=Team USA To Face Off With China Tonight On Empire's Collide In Eleven Bouts Of International Action|date=2010-10-01|first=Julie|last=Goldsticker|website=boxing247.com|access-date=2024-06-05|url=https://www.boxing247.com/weblog/archives/129916}}{{Cite web|title=Empires Collide Olympic Boxing China vs USA|date=|first=Ben|last=Li|website=Asia Finest|access-date=2024-06-05|url=https://www.asiafinest.com/review/empires-collide-boxing.htm}} Zhang dominated in all domestic amateur heavyweight competitions from 2005 until 2013. He was finally released by the Henan Provincial Combat and Weightlifting Center after he competed in the 2012 Olympics and won the gold medal for 2013 National Games of China.{{cite news|title=张志磊妻子：他一直都想进军职业拳坛 终圆自己的梦|last=王小娟|date=2014-03-13 |work= 大河报|url=https://sports.sina.com.cn/o/2014-03-13/12217064914.shtml}}

Before 2014, Zhang was a typical product of the Chinese state-centric sports development policy known as juguo tizhi (举国体制), with all his training schedule, coaching, insurance, housing, and meals arranged and paid for by the Henan Provincial Combat and Weightlifting Center. Hence, few Chinese boxers turn pro.{{cite magazine|title=Zhilei Zhang Is China's Big Hope for Boxing Greatness|date=2024-02-14|magazine=Sports Illustrated|first=Chris|last=Mannix|url=https://www.si.com/boxing/2024/02/14/zhilei-zhang-is-chinas-big-hope}} The Henan Provincial Department of Sports secured public institution positions for athletes like Zhang should they retire in China.{{cite AV media|people=任思玄 (Director) |title=大爆炸:张志磊的成名之路|date=2023-09-21|type=Documentary|minutes=1-3|publisher=Weibo@张志磊boxing|url=https://weibo.com/tv/show/1034:4948529588928526}} For English subtitles, see {{Cite AV media|title=Zhilei Zhang - Becoming a Boxing Champion, Full episode|people=Ren, Sylvia (Director) |date=2023-09-21|type=Documentary|minutes=1-3|publisher=YouTube@toprank|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=We3r_x1dETw}}

When he moved to the United States on March 8, 2014, he had to manage and self-finance aspects of his life which had previously been handled by the Henan Provincial Combat and Weightlifting Center. Cooking for himself was the biggest challenge of his early days in the US. In his first few months as a professional, he spent more time learning how to properly cook noodles than he did working in the ring.{{cite AV media|people=任思玄 (Director) |title=大爆炸:张志磊的成名之路|date=2023-09-21|type=Documentary|publisher=Weibo@张志磊boxing|url=https://weibo.com/tv/show/1034:4948529588928526|minutes=14–17}} For English subtitles, see {{Cite AV media|title=Zhilei Zhang - Becoming a Boxing Champion, Full episode|people=Ren, Sylvia (Director) |date=2023-09-21|type=Documentary|publisher=YouTube@toprank|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=We3r_x1dETw|minutes=14–17}}

Zhang was housemates with middleweight Meng Fanlong and lightweight Wang Zhimin in New Jersey when he first came to the US.{{cite news|title=Zhang Zhilei: 2017 will be the biggest turning point in my life|last=Wan|first=Xin|work=ESPN China|date=2016-12-12|url=https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/18238687/chinese-heavyweight-zhang-zhilei-galen-brown-heavyweight-dreams-boxing}} Along with Zou Shiming, these four were the first wave of boxers ever released by the Chinese authorities to turn professional.

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

Zhang's slow rise to prominence was also contributed to the debacle that saw his first and second promotional companies go out of business in 2014 and 2020 respectively and the legal chaos that followed.

After the 2008 Olympics, Dino Duva built relationships with the National Boxing and Taekwondo Center of the Department of Sports of China and obtained exclusive rights to market all Chinese boxers.{{Cite news|title=Boxing on the rise in China while US team rebuilds|agency=Associated Press|first=Dave |last=Skretta|date=2010-10-01 |via=San Diego Union-Tribune|url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-boxing-on-the-rise-in-china-while-us-team-rebuilds-2010oct01-story.html}} As a result, Chinese boxers had little freedom to choose an alternative promoter. On March 10, 2014,{{cite news |last1=Rafael |first1=Dan |title=Amateur Zhang Zhilei goes pro |url=https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/10584459/zhang-zhilei-goes-pro-signs-dino-duva-led-dynasty-boxing |access-date=June 2, 2024 |publisher=ESPN |date=March 10, 2014}} the 31-year-old Zhang signed a four-year contract with Dynasty Boxing, a company 50% owned by Duva. Zhang was Dynasty's first signing{{cite news|title=Dino Duva Joins Chinese Boxing Market With Heavyweight Zhang Zhilei|url=https://www.ringtv.com/324459-dino-duva-joins-chinese-boxing-market-with-heavyweight-zhang-zhilei/|first=Doug|last=Fischer|work=Ring.tv|date=2014-03-10}} and Zhang had only one fight under Dynasty Boxing. Dynasty went bankrupt and closed down in December 2014.

In 2015, Zhang was signed to Roc Nation Sports, which Dino Duva also joined as an employee and boxing executive. Roc Nation, a music promoter, entered the boxing market in August 2014 with money but no plan. David Itskowitch, Roc Nation's founding chief operating officer of boxing, abruptly resigned in July 2016 and Duva's influence grew after.{{cite news|title=David Itskowitch resigns as COO of Roc Nation Sports' boxing division|first=Dan |last=Rafael|work=ESPN|url=https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/16875583/david-itskowitch-resigns-coo-roc-nation-sports-boxing-division}} Roc Nation's boxing division was in quick decline from 2018, all but ceased working in 2019 and closed down in 2020.{{cite news|title=Jay Z and Roc Nation Leave the Boxing Promotional Business|url=https://www.ringtv.com/613107-jay-z-and-roc-nation-leave-the-boxing-promotional-business/|date=2020|work=Ring.tv|first=Michael|last=Woods|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240606171038/https://www.ringtv.com/613107-jay-z-and-roc-nation-leave-the-boxing-promotional-business/|archive-date=2024-06-06}}

Zhang's commercialization was also hampered when CSI Entertainment, the broadcaster that signed an agreement in 2014 with Dynasty Boxing before the latter went bankrupt, disputed Roc Nation's broadcasting rights in Asia. Roc Nation was temporarily restrained from broadcasting in Asia from June 2015. The New York Supreme Court only called off the temporary restraining order two years later in June 2017. The court also denied Duva's motion to dismiss CSI Entertainment's complaint.

In 2019, a year before the official closure of Roc Nation's boxing division, the Lane brothers negotiated Zhang's release with Matchroom Boxing USA, which Duva, again, had cut a deal with. In 2024, Zhang's co-manager recalled his promoter tried to stop him leaving by intimidation, dragging him into legal battles and refusing to line him up in fights.{{cite AV media|people=任思玄 (Director) |title=大爆炸:张志磊的成名之路|date=2023-09-21|type=Documentary|publisher=Weibo@张志磊boxing|url=https://weibo.com/tv/show/1034:4948529588928526|minutes=17–22}} For English subtitles, see {{Cite AV media|title=Zhilei Zhang - Becoming a Boxing Champion, Full episode|people=Ren, Sylvia (Director) |date=2023-09-21|type=Documentary|publisher=YouTube@toprank|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=We3r_x1dETw|minutes=17–22}} Brothers Tommy and Terry Lane, sons of boxing referee Mills Lane, joined Zhang as advisers and helped guide him out of trouble. It was not clear whether this incident was referring to Zhang's termination of contract in November 2014 or in 2019.

Zhang could not access high-profile matches to make himself known under Roc Nation until they parted ways in 2019. Zhang won 19 back-to-back low-profile fights under the Roc Nation banner. Zhang wanted better-known, tougher opponents with bigger payouts, but Dino Duva didn't do it. Zhang was particularly upset once when his promoter organized a match{{which|date=June 2024}} at a high school basketball court with a portable dressing room which spectators could see into. Zhang felt he was not taken seriously by his promoter. He was paid around $7,000 for his pro debut, and some of his earlier pro fights were paid $2000 and $5000.{{Cite news|title=对话39岁重量级过渡拳王张志磊：十年磨一剑，我该出鞘了|date=2023-04-24|work=紫牛新闻|last=陈燃|url=https://www.yzwb.net/zncontent/2894806.html}} When Shawn George became Zhang's head coach in 2017, George was upset by how the promoters saw Zhang as a novelty act along the lines of Nikolai Valuev. Dynasty Boxing's minority owners, brothers Tommy and Terry Lane, believed Zhang would become "the Yao Ming of boxing" and clashed with Duva over his lackluster promotion of Zhang.

In his pro debut on August 8, 2014, the original opponent dropped out out a week before the bout. Zhang knocked out his replacement, Curtis Tate, in the opening 17 seconds of round one.{{cite web |last1=Ellis |first1=Jordan |title=Zhilei Zhang scored 'softest KO of all time' when opponent dramatically fell to the floor from a shoulder punch |url=https://talksport.com/sport/1569623/zeili-zhang-soft-ko-ever-shoulder-punch-debut/ |website=talkSPORT |date=18 September 2023 |access-date=June 2, 2024}} Roc Nation's boxing division was so quiet in 2019 that Zhang's last match under Roc Nation on November 30 that year with Andriy Rudenko was in fact promoted by Matchroom Sport USA, which went on to sign Zhang the next year. The fight had originally been scheduled for November 2018 by Matchroom Sport but Zhang missed out because of visa problems.{{Cite news|title=张志磊击败乌克兰悍将重回世界拳王挑战台 |work=海外网|date=2019-12-02|last=张斌|url=https://m.haiwainet.cn/middle/3543599/2019/1202/content_31674480_1.html}}{{Cite web|title=Duva: Zhang Zhilei Proved That He Belongs in Heavyweight Mix|url=https://www.boxingscene.com/duva-zhang-zhilei-proved-he-belongs-heavyweight-mix--144766 |access-date=2021-02-18|website=BoxingScene.com|date=2 December 2019 |first=Random|last=Hits}}

Apart from the belated release from the Chinese boxing authorities and the promotional companies' fiasco, Zhang's peak years were also squandered because of visa troubles as a Chinese citizen which led to the cancellation of several bouts. While he stuck outside the U.S., his form dropped as he could not train as he usually did.

After moving to the United States in 2014, Zhang rarely visited China to see his parents, wife and son (born 2010) because he had to reapply for single-entry working visa every time.{{Cite news|title=张志磊因签证丧失绝佳机会蒙特卡洛砍大纛计划失败|date=2018-11-16|work=Sina News|last=周超|url=https://sports.sina.cn/others/wushu/2018-11-16/detail-ihnvukff5528273.d.html}} After a fight in China, he failed to get a visa and was stuck there for ten months between October 2018 and July 2019, missing a fight with Andriy Rudenko scheduled for November 2018 in Monaco. He was stuck for too long and asked his manager to terminate his housing lease and sell his car in New Jersey. He missed another fight scheduled in March 2020 in the United States after attending his father's funeral. His flight scheduled for February 3, 2020, was two days after the United States implemented a COVID-19 travel ban on Chinese citizens.{{Cite news|title=Heavyweight Zhilei Can't Leave China; Career Stalled By Coronavirus Travel Ban |work= Boxing Scene|first=Keith |last=Idec|date=2020-03-10|url=https://www.boxingscene.com/heavyweight-zhilei-t-leave-china-career-stalled-by-coronavirus-travel-ban--147501|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240607092437/https://www.boxingscene.com/heavyweight-zhilei-t-leave-china-career-stalled-by-coronavirus-travel-ban--147501|archive-date=2024-06-07}} The 37-year-old Zhang had to wait another eight months for his next bout on November 7, 2020, with Devin Vargas on the undercard of the WBC lightweight title fight between Devin Haney and Yuriorkis Gamboa.{{Cite web|date=2020-11-07|title=Heavyweights Filip Hrgovic, Zhang Zhilei score knockouts on Haney-Gamboa undercard|url=https://www.ringtv.com/613026-heavyweights-filip-hrgovic-zhang-zhilei-score-knockouts-on-haney-gamboa-undercard/|access-date=2021-02-18|website=The Ring}}

{{see also|Visa requirements for Chinese citizens}}

Zhang's majority draw with journeyman Jerry Forrest on February 27, 2021, was a landmark moment in his career not because it was the first fight he did not win (22–0–1), but because it finally highlighted how poor his nutrition was. After the fight he was hospitalized. When he woke up in the ambulance, he had no recollections from the sixth round onwards and his first words were asking whether he won or lost the fight. He was diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia, high enzyme levels, low-level renal failure, electrolyte disorder, liver dysfunction and severe dehydration.{{Cite web|last=Lane|first=Terry|date=Feb 28, 2021|title=Terry Lane statement|url=https://twitter.com/terry_lane/status/1366111773145911307|access-date=2021-03-30|website=Twitter|quote=he is suffering from anemia, high enzyme levels, and low-level renal failure that may have been caused by severe dehydration}}{{Cite web|last=Stumberg|first=Patrick L.|date=2021-03-01|title=Zhang Zhilei hospitalized after draw with Jerry Forrest|url=https://www.badlefthook.com/2021/3/1/22307270/canelo-vs-yildirim-zhang-zhilei-hospitalized-after-draw-jerry-forrest-dazn-boxing-news-2021|access-date=2021-03-30|website=Bad Left Hook|language=en}}

Zhang later found out various errors in his preparations. During his one-week COVID-19 quarantine in Miami before the bout, the hotel provided him only two meals a day. Unfamiliar with Miami's high humidity, Zhang's water intake during his stay at hotel was insufficient and he suffered from severe dehydration. Compounded by a drop in fitness from staying in the hotel during quarantine, he lost 9 pounds. Zhang had been unconcerned with his weight loss since it was not an issue in the unlimited weight class. His doctor also concluded that his excessive consumption of Chinese tea during training was partially responsible for his iron-deficiency anemia. When Zhang was discharged from hospital, his first words to his managers were the Chinese idiom, fang hu gui shan, lit. "a tiger let go would come back at the village hard", referring himself as the tiger.{{cite AV media|people=任思玄 (Director) |title=大爆炸:张志磊的成名之路|date=2023-09-21|type=Documentary|publisher=Weibo@张志磊boxing|url=https://weibo.com/tv/show/1034:4948529588928526|minutes=23–29}} For English subtitles, see {{Cite AV media|title=Zhilei Zhang - Becoming a Boxing Champion, Full episode|people=Ren, Sylvia (Director) |date=2023-09-21|type=Documentary|publisher=YouTube@toprank|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=We3r_x1dETw|minutes=23–29}} Since then, Zhang hired a nutritionist, quit smoking and has stayed away from tea during training and in the immediate run-up to boxing matches.

Zhang's fight with Jerry Forrest was 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, Zhang completely gassed out from the fourth round and 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.{{Cite web|date=2021-02-28|title=Zhilei Zhang Fails to Beat Jerry Forrest – Anthony Joshua Fight Hopes in Tatters|url=https://www.essentiallysports.com/boxing-news-zhilei-zhang-fails-to-beat-jerry-forrest-anthony-joshua-fight-hopes-in-tatters/|access-date=2021-03-30|website=EssentiallySports|language=en-US}} Many fans thought Zhang vs. Forrest was a better fight than the main bout.

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 win by TKO.{{cite web | url=https://www.ringtv.com/631218-zhilei-zhang-blasts-out-craig-lewis-in-2-rounds-on-lopez-kambosos-card/ | title=Zhilei Zhang blasts out Craig Lewis in 2 rounds on Lopez-Kambosos card | date=28 November 2021 }}

Zhang was scheduled to fight Filip Hrgović in an IBF title eliminator on 7 May 2022.{{cite web | url=https://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/12536135/filip-hrgovic-set-to-clash-with-zhilei-zhang-in-ibf-heavyweight-final-eliminator-to-face-oleksandr-usyk | title=Filip Hrgovic set to clash with Zhilei Zhang in IBF heavyweight final eliminator to face Oleksandr Usyk }} However, Hrgović pulled out of the fight on 2 May, after his father died and his training suffered.{{cite web | url=https://www.boxingscene.com/filip-hrgovic-withdraws-from-ibf-eliminator-with-zhang-zhilei-on-canelo-bivol-undercard--165941 | title=Filip Hrgovic Withdraws from IBF Eliminator with Zhang Zhilei on Canelo-Bivol Undercard | date=2 May 2022 }} Scott Alexander was chosen as the replacement on the Canelo Álvarez vs. Dmitry Bivol undercard, with the fight being dropped from the co-main to the undercard.{{cite web | url=https://www.boxingscene.com/scott-alexander-replaces-filip-hrgovic-zhang-zhileis-opponent-on-canelo-bivol-undercard--165978 | title=Scott Alexander Replaces Filip Hrgovic as Zhang Zhilei's Opponent on Canelo-Bivol Undercard | date=4 May 2022 }} Zhang won the bout via first-round knockout.{{Cite web |last=Photos |first=Boxing |title=Photos: Zhang Zhilei Blasts Out Scott Alexander With One-Punch Knockout |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/photos-zhang-zhilei-blasts-out-scott-alexander-with-one-punch-knockout--166064 |access-date=2022-08-19 |website=BoxingScene.com |date=8 May 2022 |language=en-us}} His fight against Hrgović was rescheduled for 20 August 2022, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on the undercard of Oleksandr Usyk vs Anthony Joshua II.{{Cite web |title=Zhilei Zhang backed to become world's No 1 heavyweight as he faces Filip Hrgovic in IBF eliminator |url=https://uk-sport-web.prod.oceanusorigin.com/boxing/news/12183/12675806/zhilei-zhang-backed-to-become-worlds-no-1-heavyweight-as-he-faces-filip-hrgovic-in-ibf-eliminator |access-date=2022-08-19 |website=Sky Sports |language=en}} On that night, Zhang knocked Hrgović down in the first round with a big right. 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.{{Cite web |date=2022-08-20 |title=Filip Hrgovic gets peculiar win and earns shot at Oleksandr Usyk vs Anthony Joshua winner |url=https://talksport.com/sport/boxing/1175839/filip-hrgovic-zhilei-zhang-oleksandr-usyk-vs-anthony-joshua-rematch/ |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=talkSPORT |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Usyk vs AJ 2: Filip Hrgovic claims unanimous decision win over Zhilei Zhang in thrilling IBF heavyweight eliminator |url=https://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/12677971/usyk-vs-aj-2-filip-hrgovic-claims-unanimous-decision-win-over-zhilei-zhang-in-thrilling-ibf-heavyweight-eliminator |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=Sky Sports |language=en}}

{{Main|Joe Joyce vs Zhilei Zhang}}

It was reported on 20 January 2023, 39 year old Chinese contender Zhang was to challenge Joe Joyce (15-0, 14 KOs) for the interim WBO heavyweight title at on 15 April in London. No details had been finalised at this stage. Joyce won the WBO Interim title in a September 2022 bout against Joseph Parker.{{Cite web |title=Joe Joyce, Zhang Zhilei To Fight April 15 In London For Joyce’s WBO Interim Heavyweight Title |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/joe-joyce-zhang-zhilei-fight-april-15-london-joyces-wbo-interim-heavyweight-title--171936 |access-date=2024-12-17 |website=www.boxingscene.com |language=en}} On 2 February, Queensberry Promotions announced Joyce would defend his WBO Interim heavyweight title at the Copper Box Arena in London against Zhang on 15 April. The fight would take place on regular BT Sport. Frank Warren explained, whilst they wanted to keep Joyce busy before an inevitable world title fight, he would still take on tough challenges. One of the reasons for fighting Zhang was due to him being southpaw, which would help prepare for a future showdown with Usyk.{{Cite web |title=Joe Joyce vs. Zhilei Zhang - Official For April 15 at Copper Box Arena |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/joe-joyce-vs-zhilei-zhang-official-april-15-copper-box-arena--172211 |access-date=2024-12-17 |website=www.boxingscene.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2023-02-02 |title=Joe Joyce vs Zhilei Zhang confirmed for WBO Interim title - Seconds Out |url=https://www.secondsout.com/news/joe-joyce-vs-zhilei-zhang-confirmed-for-wbo-interim-title/ |access-date=2024-12-17 |website=www.secondsout.com |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |last=Stumberg |first=Patrick |date=2023-02-02 |title=Joe Joyce vs Zhilei Zhang official for April 15th in London |url=https://www.badlefthook.com/2023/2/2/23583059/joe-joyce-vs-zhilei-zhang-official-april-15-london-boxing-news-20232 |access-date=2024-12-17 |website=Bad Left Hook |language=en}} There was a lot of positive response for the fight and many saw it as a 50-50. Many also believed Zhang should have got the decision against Hrgović. Joyce spoke about his frustration at how Dubois got himself into a mandatory position and a world title fight before him. He also mentioned Hrgović being in a better position than him, but stated it was out of his control and all he could do was continue and win fights.{{Cite web |title=Frank Warren: Joe Joyce Will Have Proper Test in Zhang, Fury Could Be Next |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/frank-warren-joe-joyce-proper-test-zhang-fury-next--172344 |access-date=2024-12-17 |website=www.boxingscene.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Joe Joyce: It's Annoying That Dubois, Hrgovic Ahead of Me in World Title Queue |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/joe-joyce-its-annoying-dubois-hrgovic-ahead-me-world-title-queue--173785 |access-date=2024-12-17 |website=www.boxingscene.com |language=en}}

Prior to the fight taking place, Zhang warned, “Joe Joyce has good punch resistance but he has never felt Chinese power.” This was in reference to Joyce seemingly walking through previous opponents punches. Zhang's trainer Shaun George said they were going into the fight to avoid 'old-fashioned boxing politics', and look for a stoppage. For the fight, two American judges, Mike Fitzgerald and Efrain Lebron, and one English judge, Phil Edwards were chosen by the BBBofC. British referee Howard Foster was chosen as the third man in the ring. George also voiced concern about the referee decision, as Foster had often been criticized for stopping fights early.{{Cite web |title=Zhang Zhilei Looks Forward To Testing The Chin of Joe Joyce |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/zhang-zhilei-looks-forward-testing-chin-joe-joyce--172807 |access-date=2024-12-17 |website=www.boxingscene.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Zhang Zhilei's Trainer: We Have To Knock Joyce Out To Win; We Don’t Trust The Politics |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/zhang-zhileis-trainer-we-knock-joyce-out-win-we-dont-trust-politics--173861 |access-date=2024-12-17 |website=www.boxingscene.com |language=en}} Joyce stepped on the scales at 256 pounds, his lowest in four years. Zhang was a pound heavier than his previous fight, weighing in at 278 pounds.{{Cite web |date=2023-04-15 |title=Video: Joe Joyce weighs a trim 256 pounds, Zhang a hefty 278 for Saturday’s fight |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/video-joe-joyce-weighs-trim-212407455.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvLnVrLw&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAF1lXbYnvQk8gmXaDLQj20qnGHAnf-mbIIIZu_BUobUgMgPja_qHCIXEFqFo-hT8yHKOYUnfhF2vJyT4vHJXO8JvhF5Dc28AR6opfLa3IZMWfkNKWYkDpAu_LYxDY1atq1n7DQcwrdErUrwAi18lHgbCd-09nIc9tCgiouwy9XKz |access-date=2024-12-17 |website=Yahoo Sports |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Joe Joyce Comes In 15-Plus Pounds Lighter For Zhang Zhilei Fight Than For Previous Bout |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/joe-joyce-comes-15-plus-pounds-lighter-zhang-zhilei-fight-previous-bout--173867 |access-date=2024-12-17 |website=www.boxingscene.com |language=en}}

In a surprise upset, Joyce lost the fight via TKO in round six, marking the first loss of his professional career. The repeated heavy shots from Zhang caused swelling above Joyce's right eye, causing the referee to wave off the fight. The time of stoppage was 1:34 of the round. In round 1, Zhang took a close round. In the next round, the action picked up. Zhang managed to catch Joyce a few times and ended up drawing blood from his nose. Joyce did his best to fight back towards the end of the round. Round 3 and 4 saw more of the same. Joyce did well to earn round 3 for himself. Zhang came out and landed his power shots to Joyce's chin. Joyce’s right eye began to close rapidly through round 5. Joyce was still able to land his jab clean. The ring doctor checked Joyce's right eye after the round. The fight continued on and in round 6, Zhang piled on the power shots landing a 5-punch combination to Joyce's head. Referee Howard Foster stopped the action to bring in the doctor, who rightly stopped the fight. At the end of the fight, the right eye of Joyce was completely closed. Joyce said it was difficult fighting a southpaw after a long time and he had trouble trying to avoid Zhang's left hand. Joyce was disappointed with his performance but credited Zhang on his win.{{Cite web |title=Zhilei Zhang Shocks Joe Joyce, Pounds Him For TKO in Sixth Round |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/zhilei-zhang-shocks-joe-joyce-pounds-him-tko-sixth-round--173897 |access-date=2024-12-17 |website=www.boxingscene.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Joe Joyce: I'm Disappointed With My Performance, I Couldn't Get Away From Left Hand |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/joe-joyce-im-disappointed-with-my-performance-i-get-away-from-left-hand--173899 |access-date=2024-12-17 |website=www.boxingscene.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Hogwood |first=Cameron |date=16 April 2023 |title=Joe Joyce suffers stunning defeat to Zhilei Zhang in huge blow to world title hopes |url=https://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/12857333/joe-joyce-suffers-stunning-defeat-to-zhilei-zhang-in-huge-blow-to-world-title-hopes |access-date=17 December 2024 |website=Sky Sports}}{{Cite news |last=Pattle |first=Alex |date=2023-09-23 |title=Joyce vs Zhang 2 LIVE: Fight result after devastating knockout tonight |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/boxing/joyce-zhang-live-updates-tonight-b2416574.html |access-date=2024-12-17 |work=The Independent |language=en}}

According to Compubox, although Zhang threw 284 few punches than Joyce, he was much more accurate. Joyce landed 85 of 464 punches thrown (18.3%) and Zhang landed 82 of 180 punches thrown (45.6%). Zhang connected with 78 power shots.{{Cite web |title=Zhilei Zhang vs. Joe Joyce - CompuBox Punch Stats |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/zhilei-zhang-vs-joe-joyce-compubox-punch-stats--173898 |access-date=2024-12-17 |website=www.boxingscene.com |language=en}} According to the broadcast team, one judge had Joyce ahead by one round at the time of stoppage. This was called out by fans on social media.{{Cite web |last=April 2023 |first=Kerr Ferguson on 16th |date=2023-04-16 |title=Joyce-Zhang Scorecard At Time Of Stoppage Branded 'Disgraceful' |url=https://boxing-social.com/news/joyce-zhang-scorecard-disgraceful/ |access-date=2024-12-17 |website=boxing-social.com |language=en-US}}

{{Main|Zhilei Zhang vs Joe Joyce II}}

A week after the loss, with a rematch clause in place, Joyce advised that he may take another fight in the interim before having a rematch with Zhang. A decision was to be made by team Joyce, dependant on how well the recovery of Joyce's eye injury came along. Joyce stated although the eye was badly bruised, it did not impair his vision and he could still see.{{Cite web |title=Joe Joyce Reveals He May Take Interim-Fight Before Zhilei Zhang Rematch |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/joe-joyce-reveals-he-take-interim-fight-zhilei-zhang-rematch--173912 |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=www.boxingscene.com |language=en}} Speaking to IFL tv, Zhang said he respected Joyce more after sharing the ring with him. He praised Joyce's toughness and constant pressure in the ring and welcomed a rematch. Had Joyce not activated the immediate rematch clause, Zhang would have options. Part of the deal for the first bout with Zhang winning, would see him promoted under the Queensberry Promotions banner for the foreseeable. Zhang's co-manager Terry Lane confirmed this.{{Cite web |title=Zhilei Zhang: I Respect Joe Joyce More After The Fight; If He Wants A Rematch, I’m Here |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/zhilei-zhang-i-respect-joe-joyce-more-fight-if-he-wants-rematch-im-here--173930 |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=www.boxingscene.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Zhang Co-Manager: I Think We’ll See The Joyce Rematch; Doesn’t Have To Happen Next |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/zhang-co-manager-i-think-well-see-joyce-rematch-doesnt-happen-next--173977 |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=www.boxingscene.com |language=en}}

On 12 June 2023, Zhang confirmed he would defend his interim WBO heavyweight title in a rematch against Joyce, after Joyce activated the rematch clause. The rematch was scheduled to take place at the OVO Arena Wembley in London on 2 September on BT Sport in the UK and ESPN+ in the United States. On 29 June, a press release confirmed all the details of the fight, with the card taking place on the newly rebranded TNT Sport, following the joint venture between BT Group and Warner Bros. Discovery EMEA. Joyce said he had learned from his previous mistakes. Zhang said he would approach this fight as if he had never fought Joyce before and make history again. Due to the heavyweight mandatory rotation system, the WBO were yet to call. Current unified champion Oleksandr Usyk was scheduled to defend his titles against Daniel Dubois in August 2023. A win for Joyce meant he would become next in line to challenge the winner.{{Cite web |title=Zhilei Zhang, Joe Joyce Ready For Rematch War on September 23, OVO Wembley |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/zhilei-zhang-joe-joyce-ready-rematch-war-on-september-23-ovo-wembley--175758 |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=www.boxingscene.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Joe Joyce: All I've Got To Do is Beat Zhang and I'm Back in Line For Mandatory Shot |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/joe-joyce-all-ive-got-beat-zhang-im-back-line-mandatory-shot--175790 |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=www.boxingscene.com |language=en}}

Joyce previously stated he overlooked Zhang in their first meeting. Trainer Ismail Salas admitted even he overlooked Zhang, but promised the rematch would be different.{{Cite web |title=Ismael Salas: 'Not Only Joe Joyce, Even … I Overlooked Zhang' |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/ismael-salas-not-only-joe-joyce-even-i-overlooked-zhang--177510 |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=www.boxingscene.com |language=en}} A week before the fight, Zhang downplayed Joyce's power, saying it was not as he had imagined. Zhang said he enjoyed being in the ring with Joyce, as Joyce did not move his head much and switch his angles, thus making him an easy target. One of the reasons he kept landing his left hand.{{Cite web |title=Zhang: Joe Joyce Doesn't Move His Head, Doesn't Change Angles - Makes My Job Easier |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/zhang-joe-joyce-move-his-head-change-angles-makes-my-job-easier--177820 |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=www.boxingscene.com |language=en}} For the rematch, the three judges were from South Africa, China, and England. Steve Gray was chosen to referee the bout. Despite the mixture of judges, Zhang's trainer Shaun George still did not believe they should leave it to the judges and planned to get a consecutive stoppage win. This was because Zhang was only ahead by one round on two judges scorecards and one judge had Joyce ahead by one round in their first fight.{{Cite web |title=Zhang-Joyce Rematch: British, Chinese, South African Judges Assigned To Fight Saturday Night |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/zhang-joyce-rematch-british-chinese-south-african-judges-assigned-fight-saturday-night--177862 |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=www.boxingscene.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=September 2023 |first=Kerr Ferguson on 21st |date=2023-09-21 |title="I Don't Trust Them": Team Zhang Cast Doubt On Judges For Joyce Rematch |url=https://boxing-social.com/news/team-zhang-on-judges-for-joyce-rematch/ |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=boxing-social.com |language=en-US}} Joyce was a 9-1 favourite going into the first fight. For the rematch, Zhang was the favourite, only slightly. Despite this, George expected the same result as the first fight.{{Cite web |title=Zhilei Zhang's Trainer Feels ‘It’s Gonna Be More Of The Same’ In Rematch With Joe Joyce |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/zhilei-zhangs-trainer-feels-its-gonna-more-same-rematch-with-joe-joyce--177927 |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=www.boxingscene.com |language=en}} At the weigh in, Joyce weighed a career-high 281.2 pounds. He was 25.2 pounds heavier than the previous fight. Zhang also weighed a career-high 287 pounds, 9 pounds heavier than previously. Despite the extra weight, Joyce assured it would not affect his speed.{{Cite news |date=2023-09-22 |title=Zhilei Zhang v Joe Joyce II: Briton at career heaviest 20st 1lb for heavyweight rematch |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/66883290 |access-date=2024-12-18 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}}

In front of a stunned crowd, Zhang stopped Joyce in third round, in what was described as a highlight reel right hook knockout. Zhang was more dominant in the rematch than the first fight. By the end of round 2, Joyce had swelling under both his eyes, again caused by hard shots, which Joyce was unable to avoid. The end came in round 3 when Joyce attempted to throw a right hand. Zhang, seeing this coming, landed a sharp right hook of his own, landing clean and dropped Joyce face first onto the canvas. Joyce stayed on the canvas for a few moments before trying to get up. However, the fight was stopped as Joyce got to his feet. The time of the stoppage was at 3:07 of round three.{{Cite web |title=Zhilei Zhang Crushes Joe Joyce in Three Rounds With Brutal One-Punch KO |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/zhilei-zhang-crushes-joe-joyce-three-rounds-with-brutal-one-punch-ko--177950 |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=www.boxingscene.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=24 September 2023 |title=Joe Joyce knocked out by China's Zhilei Zhang in third round as he loses heavyweight rematch |url=https://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/12968633/joe-joyce-knocked-out-by-chinas-zhilei-zhang-in-third-round-as-he-loses-heavyweight-rematch |access-date=18 December 2024 |website=Sky Sports}}{{Cite web |title=TNT Sports is not available in your region |url=https://www.tntsports.co.uk/geoblocking.shtml |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=www.tntsports.co.uk}}{{Cite news |last=Media |first=P. A. |date=2023-09-23 |title=Joe Joyce beaten in brutal third-round Wembley knockout by Zhilei Zhang |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/sep/23/joe-joyce-beaten-in-brutal-third-round-wembley-knockout-by-zhilei-zhang |access-date=2024-12-18 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}} After the fight, Warren said Joyce would need to consider retirement following back-to-back defeats as it would be a hard journey back to mandatory status.{{Cite web |title=Frank Warren on Joe Joyce: He Seriously Needs to Consider [Retirement]; Not Going to Be an Easy Journey Back |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/frank-warren-on-joe-joyce-he-seriously-needs-consider-retirement-not-going-an-easy-journey-back--177959 |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=www.boxingscene.com |language=en}} Joyce said he would come again and retirement was not an option. He took on the challenges he believes he did not need to take, considering the position he was in. Joyce stated he was open to a possible rematch with Daniel Dubois, who in August, was stopped in his attempt to capture the world titles from Usyk.{{Cite web |title=Joyce: This Is Not It For Me; I’ve Got Plenty More In The Tank; Open To Rematch With Dubois |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/joyce-this-not-it-me-ive-got-plenty-more-tank-open-rematch-with-dubois--177961 |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=www.boxingscene.com |language=en}} Zhang landed 39 of his 104 punches thrown (36.5%), 29 of them being power shots. Joyce landed only 16 of his 133 thrown (12%) with 10 of them being jabs.{{Cite web |title=Zhilei Zhang vs. Joe Joyce Rematch - CompuBox Punch Stats |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/zhilei-zhang-vs-joe-joyce-rematch-compubox-punch-stats--177968 |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=www.boxingscene.com |language=en}}

{{Main|Zhilei Zhang vs. Joseph Parker}}

On 15 January 2024, only weeks after defeating Deontay Wilder, it was announced that Joseph Parker (34-3, 23 KOs) would challenge Zhang for the WBO interim title, with the fight scheduled to occur on 8 March, as the co-main event of the Knockout Chaos event headlined by Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou, at Riyadh's Kingdom Arena. A formal press conference would later confirm the event. Parker was on a four-fight win streak in 2023, following his stoppage loss to Joyce in September 2022.{{cite web |date=15 January 2024 |title=Sources: Joseph Parker-Zhilei Zhang to be March 8 co-feature |url=https://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/story/_/id/39314208/sources-joseph-parker-zhilei-zhang-march-8-co-feature |work=espn}}{{Cite web |title=Zhilei Zhang-Joseph Parker To Land on March 8 Joshua-Ngannou Show In Riyadh |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/zhilei-zhang-joseph-parker-land-on-march-8-joshua-ngannou-show-riyadh--180728 |access-date=2025-01-02 |website=www.boxingscene.com |language=en}} Speaking of Parker, Zhang didn't believe he would agree to a fight with him so quickly. He called Parker a warrior who doesn't back down from any challenge. Despite Wilder being a favourite, Zhang correctly predicted that Parker would beat Wilder by decision in their meeting. Zhang expected to wear down Parker over the rounds, just as Joyce before him also did. Joyce came forward with constant pressure, which broke Parker mentally down the stretch, causing the stoppage. Zhang predicted he would stop Parker in their fight.{{Cite web |title=Zhilei Zhang: I Will Put Mental, Physical Pressure On Parker, But Better Than Joe Joyce Did |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/zhilei-zhang-i-put-mental-physical-pressure-on-parker-better-joe-joyce--180819 |access-date=2025-01-02 |website=www.boxingscene.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Zhilei Zhang on Joseph Parker: I Think I Will Win By Knockout For Sure |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/zhilei-zhang-on-joseph-parker-i-think-i-win-by-knockout-sure--181130 |access-date=2025-01-02 |website=www.boxingscene.com |language=en}} A rematch clause was included in the contract for Zhang, meaning had he lost, he would be able to activate an immediate rematch with Parker. This was due to his status with the WBO, being interim champion.{{Cite web |title=Parker Admits Zhang Has Rematch Option Ahead of Their March 8 Heavyweight Clash |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/parker-admits-zhang-rematch-option-ahead-their-march-8-heavyweight-clash--181654 |access-date=2025-01-02 |website=www.boxingscene.com |language=en}} There was a 44 pounds weight difference between the two. Zhang weighed 291.6 pounds and Parker came in at 247.6 pounds. Many felt the build up to the fight went below the radar due to the headline.{{Cite web |title=Haye: Zhang Has Huge Weight Advantage Over Parker and Is the Heavyweight to Avoid |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/haye-zhang-huge-weight-advantage-over-parker-heavyweight-avoid--181964 |access-date=2025-01-02 |website=www.boxingscene.com |language=en}}

Parker got knocked down twice, but won the fight by majority decision. One judge had the fight even at 113–113, while the other two judges had it 114–112 and 115–111 to Parker. Zhang knocked Parker down in rounds three and eight, but was out-boxed in most of the other 10 rounds. Zhang looked tired most of the fight, some observers put this down to his weight, coming in heavy, made him slower and not attack as much as he did in both his fights against Joyce. Parker won majority of the second half by being a bit busier than Zhang, who was being patient, but looked like he wanted to land the knockout blow. The first knockdown occurred in round three, when Zhang landed a straight left to Parker's head. He was not able to capitalise on this. The second knockdown in round eight, was a right hook to the top of Parker's head. Following the fight, Parker spoke about the rematch clause, being open to it as he was contractually obliged to, and stated they would do it again.{{cite news |last1=Iskenderov |first1=Parviz |date=9 March 2024 |title=Joseph Parker overcomes two knockdowns, bests Zhilei Zhang by decision |url=https://www.fightmag.com/joseph-parker-overcomes-two-knockdowns-bests-zhilei-zhang-by-decision/ |work=FIGHTMAG}}{{Cite web |title=Renaissance Man Parker Recovers From Knockdowns To Beat Zhang |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/renaissance-man-parker-recovers-from-knockdowns-beat-zhang--182001 |access-date=2025-01-02 |website=www.boxingscene.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Joseph Parker Ready for Rematch With Zhilei Zhang |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/joseph-parker-ready-rematch-with-zhilei-zhang--182002 |access-date=2025-01-02 |website=www.boxingscene.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2024-03-09 |title=Parker floored twice, tops Zhang in slim decision |url=https://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/story/_/id/39687835/joseph-parker-stays-title-picture-win-zhilei-zhang |access-date=2025-01-02 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} According to CompuBox, Parker landed 79 power shots and Zhang only connected with 40 power shots.{{Cite web |last=Athletic |first=The |date=2024-03-09 |title=CompuBox Stats: Joseph Parker MD(12) Zhilei Zhang |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/live-blogs/anthony-joshua-francis-ngannou-live-updates-fight-card-ring-walks-time/WFgfDvqG12JS/dGTNK35SVtCR/ |access-date=2025-01-02 |website=The Athletic |language=en-US}}

Zhang faced former WBC champion Deontay Wilder on 1 June 2024.{{cite web |title=Deontay Wilder returns to fight Zhilei Zhang on Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol bill |url=https://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/13115889/deontay-wilder-returns-to-fight-zhilei-zhang-on-artur-beterbiev-vs-dmitry-bivol-bill#:~:text=Deontay%20Wilder%20will%20fight%20Zhilei,light%2Dheavyweight%20world%20title%20fight. |website=skysports.com |publisher=Sky Sports |access-date=15 April 2024 |date=15 April 2024}}{{Cite web |title=Wilder vs. Zhang: Winner Moves On, Loser Goes Home |url=https://philboxing.com/news/story-170721.html |access-date=2024-06-01 |website=philboxing.com}} He secured victory in the fifth round after landing a counter right hook that left Wilder reeling. With Wilder defenseless, Zhang rushed in and delivered the knockout.{{Cite web |last=Al-Shatti |first=Shaun |date=2024-06-01 |title=Deontay Wilder vs. Zhilei Zhang: Live round-by-round updates |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2024/6/1/24168980/deontay-wilder-vs-zhilei-zhang-live-round-by-round-updates-boxing-5v5 |access-date=2024-06-02 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2024-06-02 |title=Zhang finishes Wilder in brutal fifth-round TKO |url=https://www.espn.com.au/boxing/story/_/id/40259110/zhilei-zhang-finishes-deontay-wilder-brutal-5th-round-tko |access-date=2024-06-06 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}

On 26 July, despite not taking an immediate rematch with Parker, Zhang confirmed the clause was still active and he fully intended to take the rematch to avenge his loss.{{Cite web |title=Zhilei Zhang expects imminent rematch with Joseph Parker |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/zhilei-zhang-expects-imminent-rematch-with-joseph-parker--185023 |access-date=2025-01-02 |website=www.boxingscene.com |language=en}}

Zhang faced German heavyweight contender Agit Kabayel on February 22nd, 2025 on the undercard of Beterbiev-Bivol 2 from Riyadh, Saudia Arabia. Despite getting knocked down in round five, Kabayel was able to knock out Zhang in round six to earn the vacant WBC interim heavyweight title.{{Cite web |title=MSN |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/boxing/agit-kabayel-gets-off-canvas-knocks-out-zhilei-zhang-in-six/ar-AA1zAf8n |access-date=2025-02-25 |website=www.msn.com}}

Zhang speaks the Henan variety of Central Plains Mandarin in most of his post-match interviews and on his social media Douyin and Weibo,{{cite web|title=zhangzhilei6|website=Douyin|url=https://www.douyin.com/user/MS4wLjABAAAAkvOPB9zjEOyym4nmFCsAP2jTtK3XG71g-G13DJN07lY|access-date=2024-05-31}}{{Cite web|title=张志磊boxing|url=https://weibo.com/1290227323|website=Weibo|access-date=2024-05-31}} which has become a signature characteristic of his,{{cite news|title=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|last=沈诚|date=2023-04-17|url=https://new.qq.com/rain/a/20230417A09OCP00|work=Eco体育产业生态圈}} as those born before the mid-1980s are the last generation to speak Central Plains Mandarin fluently. It and other languages of China have been gradually replaced by Beijing Mandarin in the younger generation in Henan and provinces all over China.{{cite journal|last=徐曼|title=河南方言生存现状及面临的危机|journal=焦作大学学报|date= 2014|issue=1|page=25}}{{cite journal|title=河南方言使用现状调查及展望|journal=중국학연구|date=2020|last1=陈娟|last2=罗敏球|volume=94|pages=49–80|doi=10.36493/JCS.94.3}}{{cite news|title=河南生河南长 娃娃们不会说河南话|date=2014-11-21 |last=刘羽|work=东方今报|via=印象河南网|url=http://yxhenan.com/info/zz/xwzx_12840_6432.html}}

Zhang first met Kurt Li (李茂沛), his English translator (2012–) and his co-manager (2021–) when Li was a staff member handling application forms at the Department of Sports in the 2000s. Zhang asked Li for an application form and Li, a Sichuan Mandarin speaker, did not understand him.{{cite AV media|people=任思玄 (Director) |title=大爆炸:张志磊的成名之路|date=2023-09-21|type=Documentary|minutes=10-12|publisher=Weibo@张志磊boxing|url=https://weibo.com/tv/show/1034:4948529588928526}} For English subtitles, see {{Cite AV media|title=Zhilei Zhang - Becoming a Boxing Champion, Full episode|people=Ren, Sylvia (Director) |date=2023-09-21|type=Documentary|minutes=10-12|publisher=YouTube@toprank|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=We3r_x1dETw}}{{cite news|title=张志磊饥饿的拳王|work=南方人物周刊|date=2024-04-12|last=徐梅|url=https://new.qq.com/rain/a/20240413A009WE00}}

Zhang drinks a lot of Longjing tea,{{cite news|title=Inside Chinese boxer Zhang Zhilei's journey to make it as a heavyweight|last=Wan|first=Xin|work=ESPN China|date=2016-09-30|url=https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/17675528/chinese-heavyweight-zhang-zhilei-challenges-professional-boxing}} especially while training. This came to public awareness on February 27, 2021, after the fight with Jerry Forrest, when he was hospitalized and diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia, high enzyme levels, low-level renal failure, electrolyte disorder, liver dysfunction and severe dehydration, with his heavy intake of tea being attributed as one of the factors, along with his poor management of nutrition and fitness at hotel during COVID-19 quarantine in Miami. To distract himself from Chinese tea culture, he developed other hobbies, such as constructing cameras, barbecue grills and car washing equipment. He also skeet shoots in New Jersey.

Zhang's wife, Jiang Huanhuan (蒋欢欢), is a retired starting pitcher for the Henan provincial softball team. They met in 1998, started dating in 2000, and married in December 2006.{{Cite news|title=妻子蒋欢欢:胜利果实甜蜜分享|last=朱保彰|work=周口晚报|page=3|date=2008-08-26|url=http://www.zhld.com/papers/zkwbpdf/zkwb2008/2008年8月/wb20080826/03.pdf}} They have a son, born 2010. Zhang rarely visits his wife and son in China due to problems re-entering the United States.

{{BoxingRecordSummary

|draws=1

|nc=

|ko-wins=22

|ko-losses=1

|dec-wins=5

|dec-losses=2

|dq-wins=

|dq-losses=

}}

• List of southpaw stance boxers

{{reflist}}

;Statistics

• {{boxrec|id=692149}}
• [https://box.live/boxers/zhilei-zhang/ Zhilei Zhang - Profile, News Archive & Current Rankings] at [https://Box.Live Box.Live]
• {{Olympedia}}
• [http://amateur-boxing.strefa.pl/ Results (amateur-boxing.strefa.pl)]

;Documentary

• {{cite AV media|people=任思玄 (Director) |title=大爆炸:张志磊的成名之路|date=2023-09-21|type=Documentary|publisher=Weibo@张志磊boxing|url=https://weibo.com/tv/show/1034:4948529588928526}} For English subtitles, see {{Cite AV media|title=Zhilei Zhang - Becoming a Boxing Champion, Full episode|people=Ren, Sylvia (Director) |date=2023-09-21|type=Documentary|publisher=YouTube@toprank|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=We3r_x1dETw}}

{{s-start}}

{{s-sports}}

{{s-text|style=background:#C1D8FF; font-weight: bold;|text=Regional boxing titles}}

{{s-break}}

{{s-vac|last=Joseph Parker}}

{{s-ttl|title=WBO Oriental
heavyweight champion

|years=21 January 2017 – 2020
Vacated}}

{{s-vac|next=Joseph Parker}}

{{s-text|style=background:#C1D8FF; font-weight: bold;|text=World boxing titles}}

{{s-bef|before=Joe Joyce}}

{{s-ttl|title=WBO heavyweight champion
Interim title

|years=15 April 2023 – 8 March 2024}}

{{s-aft|after=Joseph Parker}}

{{s-end}}

{{Asian Games Champions Boxing Super Heavyweight}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Zhang, Zhilei}}

Category:1983 births

Category:Living people

Category:Chinese male boxers

Category:People from Zhoukou

Category:Sportspeople from Henan

Category:Boxers at the 2008 Summer Olympics

Category:Boxers at the 2012 Summer Olympics

Category:Olympic boxers for China

Category:Olympic silver medalists for China

Category:Olympic medalists in boxing

Category:Medalists at the 2008 Summer Olympics

Category:AIBA World Boxing Championships medalists

Category:Southpaw boxers

Category:Heavyweight boxers

Category:Super-heavyweight boxers

Category:Asian Games medalists in boxing

Category:Medalists at the 2010 Asian Games

Category:Boxers at the 2010 Asian Games

Category:Asian Games gold medalists for China