Heavyweight contender Zhilei Zhang has called out Moses Itauma for a blockbuster heavyweight clash in the New Year.
Zhang previously knocked out long-reigning world champion Deontay Wilder, and now has his sights firmly set on derailing the Itauma hype-train.
Zhilei Zhang CALLS OUT Moses Itauma
Deontay Wilder conqueror Zhilei Zhang has called out undefeated British heavyweight contender Moses Itauma for a blockbuster clash in the New Year.
The Chinese heavyweight hasn’t fought since losing to Agit Kabayel in six rounds back in February, but has his sights set on a return to the ring early next year.
At 42-years-old, Zhang is one of the oldest heavyweights at world level, but is still an elite fighter. He remains one of the biggest punchers in the heavyweight division, which Wilder and Joe Joyce can testify to.
Now, Zhang has called for a fight with Itauma next year. In the same interview with BoxNation, Zhang also called for a clash with Derek Chisora, who is set to return in December.
Itauma is being fast-tracked to the top of the heavyweight division, with the 20-year-old now boasting a record of 13-0 with 11 big wins coming via knockout.
He is undoubtedly the future of the heavyweight division, and could even go on to dominate the boxing pound-for-pound rankings too in years to come. However, he needs tested, which Zhang will definitely provide if the pair fought next:
“Moses Itauma is a great fighter. I watched a couple of his fights and he knocked out Dillian Whyte in one round. Fantastic,” Zhang revealed to BoxNation.
“But for the time being, right now, we haven’t received anything from Itauma in terms of fighting him. Anyone who wants to fight me, I want to see that contract, I will sign it,” the 42-year-old heavyweight concluded.
When Is Moses Itauma’s Next Fight?
Queensberry Promotions kingpin Frank Warren previously stated that Moses Itauma’s next fight would be on December 13.
However, with no opponent confirmed for Itauma and no official show pencilled in for that date, the chances of Itauma actually fighting before the end of the year keep getting slimmer.
That being said, Itauma remains in the gym at all times and is just waiting on the call to fight anyone at all in the heavyweight division.
The likes of Michael Hunter and David Adeleye had been mentioned as potential opponents for Itauma’s next fight, but nothing concrete has been confirmed since.
Given that Itauma is only 20-years-old, there is seemingly no rush with him. However, he is evidently an elite talent and looks destined for the very top of the heavyweight division.
Perhaps Zhilei Zhang’s call out of Itauma will get the ball rolling, and Zhang vs Itauma maybe even happens next in the New Year. If not, there is still a slim chance it could take place in December.
Will Zhang vs Itauma Happen Next?
Moses Itauma is well on his way to becoming one of the most followed boxers in the world, given his popularity outside of the ring and world class ability inside it.
For now though, he still needs some acid tests. Zhilei Zhang is a man who would undoubtedly provide a much-needed test for Itauma.
With no opponent confirmed for Itauma’s December 13 opponent, perhaps Zhang could step in and take the fight on two months notice.
However, this seems unlikely. Instead, Zhang may well fight Derek Chisora instead, who is set to have his 50th fight on the same night as Itauma’s next outing.
Whether or not Zhang vs Itauma happens next remains to be seen. It seems the fight is unlikely to happen next, but don’t rule it out for later in 2026.
Zhang faces a big decision over his next fight, given the manner of his defeat to Agit Kabayel back in February.
Another knockout defeat for the Chinese heavyweight would surely spell the end. At 42-years-old, Zhang can’t have too many fights left in the tank.
That being said, Zhilei Zhang vs Moses Itauma is a fight that makes sense, and one that both parties will feel is winnable.
