Zhang Zhilei has signed a promotional deal with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing.
Unbeaten Chinese Heavyweight, Zhilei (21-0, 16 KOs) featured on Matchroom’s Monte Carlo bill last November, claiming a unanimous decision victory over Andriy Rudenko.
The 37-year-old, who was beaten by Anthony Joshua in the 2012 Olympics, believes the deal will enable him to catapult his career up the division and prove his worth as one of the top Heavyweights in the world.
“I’m very happy to enter into an agreement with Matchroom,” said Zhang.
“They are one of the best promoters in the world. I’m the best Heavyweight coming out of China.
“I just need an opportunity to become the best in the world which I strongly believe that Matchroom is able to provide.
“With each of us focused on our part, I wish a happy and successful future together.”
Zhang, who is ranked in the top 15 by both the WBO and IBF joins a number of Heavyweights in the Matchroom roster, including unified world champion, Joshua, Dillian Whyte, former world champion, Joseph Parker and Oleksandr Usyk amongst others.
‘Big Bang’ is preparing for his November return in New Jersey and his new promoter, Eddie Hearn has backed him to stake his claim for a world title shot.
“The Heavyweight scene couldn’t be any hotter right now, so this is the perfect time for Zhilei to get back into action and throw his name into the mix,” said promoter Eddie Hearn.
“Zhilei is ready to take on all-comers and as he aims for his 22nd win in November, the next step for ‘Big Bang’ then will be to face his fellow top-class contenders and get in position for a World title shot.”
“We are extremely excited about the partnership with Matchroom,” said Zhang’s advisor Terry Lane, from Lane Brothers Boxing.
“Zhilei is a world-class Heavyweight and Matchroom is one of the world’s premier boxing promoters.
“It’s a natural fit, and this puts Zhilei in the mix amongst boxing’s top big-men.”
