by Jamie Leadbitter
ZHILEI ZHANG believes that stamina won’t be an issue and he can go the full 12 rounds with undefeated Agit Kabayel when the two heavyweights collide on Saturday.
The former Olympic silver medalist Zhang, 27-2 (22 KOs), returns to action this weekend after a stunning knockout of Deontay Wilder last June. The only two blemishes on the record of ‘Big Bang’ Zhang have come in closely contested affairs with Joseph Parker and Filip Hrgovic, both which he lost on the judges’ scorecards.
The winner of Saturday’s bout will receive the WBC interim heavyweight title, taking one step closer to world championship glory, with Zhang also one step closer to his dream of bringing big-time boxing to his home country of China.
At 41 years old the Chinese southpaw, while carrying thunderous power has been known to gas out in the second half of fights and against an accurate and relentless body puncher like Kabayel, his fitness could play a major factor in the fight.
However, speaking to Boxing News, Zhang is confident he can go the full 12 rounds.
“Stamina was never and will never be an issue for me. Of course, in the heavyweight division you want to finish the fight as early as possible. However, if he wants to go 12 rounds, I’ll beat him on points.
“I believe if it goes 12 rounds, I will somehow find the opportunity inside the 12 rounds to knock him out. I know he has a plan for me; however, everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth. We will see what happens.”
“I don’t feel pressure ahead of Saturday,” he added. “The training camp is done and now we just have to enjoy the fight. I have a lot of respect for Kabayel, he’s beaten two good fighters in Frank Sanchez and Arslanbek Makhmudov. He’s a well-oiled machine but he’s running into a bomb.”
