Zhilei “Big Bang” Zhang’s co-manager, Terry Lane, has declared that his fighter is “the second-best heavyweight on the planet behind Oleksandr Usyk.” Zhang looks to bolster that claim when he faces Agit Kabayel on February 22 in Saudi Arabia. If he wins, Lane insists Zhang will be knocking hard on Usyk’s door for a shot at the WBC, WBA, and WBO belts.
Usyk, fresh off back-to-back triumphs over Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, is contemplating his future - either retiring, moving down to cruiserweight, or taking on new challengers. Lane believes if Zhang prevails, “there is no question” he’s earned a world title opportunity in 2025. That would likely set up another clash of big men for Usyk, who’s shown he can handle giants but has yet to face a southpaw of Zhang’s size.
Still, Zhang first has to get past Kabayel, an undefeated, younger German heavyweight at age 32. While Zhang is 41, he’s proved recently he can handle top contenders. A win over Kabayel would position him for the kind of high-stakes showdown that could even bring Usyk to China - if the Ukrainian star decides to keep collecting big scalps in different locales.
So, can “Big Bang” Zhang punch his ticket to a massive showdown with Usyk, or will Kabayel wreck those plans?
Image Credit: Sky Sports