Oleksandr Usyk could be ordered to face Zhilei Zhang, who aims to secure a WBC title fight next year | Boxing news

Zhilei Zhang is the second best heavyweight in the world behind Oleksandr Usyk and should win a fight with the Ukrainian in 2025, says co-manager Terry Lane.

The Chinese contender will fight Agit Kabayel for the interim WBC title, with the winner lining up a shot at the full WBC world belt, currently held by unified champion Usyk.

Usyk retained his WBC, WBO and WBA belts after a unanimous decision victory over Tyson Fury in their rematch this month and has yet to reveal plans for his next fight.

“Zhilei has a tough fight ahead of him at Agit Kabayel on February 22,” said Zhang’s co-manager Lane. Sky Sports.

“If he beats Kabayel, he will once again win another top 10 heavyweight, and cement himself as the second best heavyweight on the planet behind Usyk. There is no doubt that he should win a world title for him.”

Zhang propelled himself back into title contention with an impressive knockout victory over Deontay Wilder, the former WBC champion, in June.

Germany-based Kabayel opposes Zhang’s plans after extending his unbeaten record with impressive stoppage wins over Arslanbek Makhmudov and Frank Sanchez.

But Lane said: “Being world champion has been Zhilei’s goal since day one. We will work to make that happen in 2025.”

If the winner of Zhang-Kabayel has to wait for a world title fight, Britain’s Anthony Joshua could even be part of his future plans.

Joshua is ranked #6 by the WBC and would be eligible to fight for the interim WBC title.

“Absolutely,” WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman told Sky Sports recently.

“This opens up possibilities for more fights to continue to happen.”