‘Agit Kabayel is the toughest opponent I will ever face’

Zhilei Zhang believes that Agit Kabayel will be the toughest opponent that he will ever face.

The pair square off in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on February 22 for the WBC interim heavyweight title. Zhang, 27-2-1 (22 KOs), is coming into the contest on the back of a devastating fifth round finish over former WBC belt holder Deontay Wilder last June. Prior to that, Zhang was defeated by Joseph Parker despite dropping the Kiwi twice.

Kabayel, 25-0 (17 KOs), has been viewed as one of the most underrated heavyweights around but is finally starting to get the credit for his work after defeating both Arslanbek Makhmudov and Frank Sanchez recently. Zhang understands that a serious challenge awaits him on February 22.

“Of course he’s a threat,” Zhang told BoxingScene. “He had two tremendous wins against Makhmudov and Frank Sanchez. Of course he’s a threat to me and he is my whole focus right now. He’s the toughest opponent I will ever face.”

Zhang is known for his immense power punching and it was on display in his second stoppage victory over the typically iron chinned Joe Joyce. Zhang promises to display his knockout power again in Riyadh.

“It’s not only power but Chinese power,” he said. “Everyone will see.”

The WBC interim title that the pair will battle it out for will earn the winner a shot at champion Oleksandr Usyk. Zhang is not looking past the tough challenge that Kabayel presents but is eying up a fight with Usyk down the line.

“I do things one step at a time,” he said. “I can’t really talk about the future without beating Kabayel. So we’ll see what happens on February 22nd.

“Usyk is at the top of the pyramid, so if that is the case I’ll definitely stand up against him. I look forward to that day.”