THE reign of Oleksandr Usyk as the world’s best heavyweight has a new threat from the Far East.
Having defeated Tyson Fury, 34-2-1 (24 KOs) for a second time in 2024 Usyk’s immediate future is one of rest and recuperation after the two biggest fights of his career. In 2025, however, IBF champion Daniel Dubois, 22-2 (21 KOs), has already signalled his intentions for a rematch against the WBC, WBO and WBA champion. While elsewhere Zhilei Zhang, 27-2-1 (22 KOs), could be a future opponent for Usyk, 23-0 (14 KOs).
As of December 28 Zhang is the new WBO number one contender following Fury’s defeat. The news sees Zhang move up one place from number two and in a strong position to fight for the world title. Fury drops down to three.
First up, though, the 41-year-old Zhang must get past unbeaten German Agit Kabayel, 25-0 (17 KOs), on February 22 in Riyadh. Their bout for the vacant WBC Interim heavyweight belt forms part of a huge seven-fight card headed by the undisputed light heavyweight title rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol.
Should Zhang win in just under eight weeks he could become the WBC number one contender as well. Tyson Fury currently holds the top spot with Kabayel at two but the Chinese southpaw would likely overtake them which would strengthen his position as a leading contender for Usyk’s three titles.
