Zhilei Zhang wrapped up training camp on Tuesday in Paterson, N.J., ahead of his February 22 heavyweight showdown against Agit Kabayel. The two big men will collide for the WBC interim heavyweight title on the undercard of the Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol rematch at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Zhang fine-tuned his strategy alongside trainer Shaun George at the True Warriors Boxing Club. George wears Ray-Ban glasses outfitted with a camera during mitt work and drills, providing instant replays from the opponent’s vantage point. The attention to detail aims to eliminate any subtle mistakes before fight night.
Zhang enters the bout riding high from a fifth-round stoppage of former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder. Another victory - this time over the unbeaten 32-year-old German Kabayel - would position Zhang for a shot at a full world title.
Team Zhang departs for Saudi Arabia on Thursday, February 13, giving him over a week to adjust to the local climate and time zone. With heavyweight boxing on display and the undisputed light heavyweight championship also at stake, the eyes of the fight world will be on Riyadh for a star-studded night of action.
Get to know more about the upcoming event.
Image Credit: Sky Sports