Most boxers have a nickname that best explains their personality and skills in the ring. There is a plethora of nicknames/monikers or whatever you may want to call them that boxers have, but ‘Big Bang’ which belongs to China’s Zhilei Zhang stands out quite a lot. The 41-year-old is slated to lock horns with Agit Kabayel on February 22nd. 

The bout will unfold on the undercard of the much-anticipated Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol rematch. Regardless, with Zhang returning to action, many have been wondering about the meaning/story behind his nickname. Here’s everything you need to know about Zhilei Zhang’s nickname. 

Why is Zhilei Zhang called ‘Big Bang’?

Chinese heavyweight boxer Zhilei Zhang is known as the ‘Big Bang,’ a nickname that reflects his ambition to make a massive impact on the sport, much like the Big Bang shaped the universe. Zhang, a powerful southpaw with a towering physique, combines exceptional strength and technique, making him a formidable force in the ring.

Zhang first gained international attention as an amateur when he won a silver medal in the super-heavyweight division at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. He turned professional in 2014 and steadily climbed the ranks with a series of dominant performances. His breakthrough moment came when he won the WBO interim heavyweight title by defeating Joe Joyce, the hometown favorite, in London. This victory cemented his status as a serious contender in the heavyweight division.

Beyond his power, Zhang’s nickname symbolizes his journey of relentless hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance. Coming from China, where professional boxing was not widely popular, he has helped put the country on the global boxing map. His success continues to inspire future generations of Chinese fighters, proving that with dedication and resilience, they too can make a ‘Big Bang’ in the world of boxing.

Zhilei Zhang’s background and early life

Zhilei Zhang grew up in Shenqiu, a rural county in eastern China, where his towering size set him apart from a young age. Unlike many future athletes, Zhang didn’t find himself with a natural inclination toward sports. Concerned about his weight, his father encouraged him to try different activities. Initially, Zhang attempted kayaking, but his enormous frame made it impractical. A coach then suggested boxing, a sport Zhang knew little about. However, from the moment he put on gloves, he felt an immediate connection.

Zhang quickly proved to be a natural. Just two weeks into training, he dominated a provincial champion in sparring. Recognizing his talent, Chinese boxing officials brought him to Zhengzhou, where he honed his skills at a national training center. His rise was rapid—he won a silver medal at the 2004 university championships, followed by a bronze at the 2007 world championships. The pinnacle of his amateur career came in 2008 when he claimed silver at the Beijing Olympics.

Despite the security of being a national athlete in China, Zhang wanted more. In 2014, he took a risk, leaving his home country—and his family—to pursue a professional career in the U.S., determined to prove that “Chinese power” belonged on boxing’s biggest stage.

That said, Zhilei Zhang—nicknamed the ‘Big Bang’—is ready to continue his climb among the boxing elites. Whether he can shock the world with his big bang performance later this month remains to be seen. What do you think about the meaning behind his nickname?