The upcoming fight between Zhilei Zhang and Joseph Parker in Saudi Arabia is more than a contest; it's a potential ticket for Zhang to headline in China. A win against Parker could set the stage for Zhang to fight in his home country later this year, with plans for a match in Macao against a top-10 heavyweight.
Bob Arum of Top Rank confirmed these plans, emphasizing the significance of the bout for Zhang’s career. Both Zhang and Parker are highly ranked in the heavyweight division, making this fight a crucial moment for both athletes.
The fight is part of a bigger event featuring Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou in Riyadh. It represents a pivotal opportunity for Zhang, not only in terms of career advancement but also for the possibility of bringing a major boxing event to China.
Arum, despite his extensive involvement in boxing, will not attend this fight due to other commitments. However, the fight's outcome could have lasting implications for the sport, potentially opening doors for more global events, including in China.
Image Credit: Sky Sports