“Want to Get In to Show Him What Really Professional Boxing Looks Like”: Day After Francis Ngannou’s Debut Loss, Zhilei Zhang Contemplates Potential Fight Against Ex-UFC Champ

The crossover fight between Francis Ngannou and Tyson Fury was an eagerly anticipated bout that took place at the Boulevard Hall in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Even though going into the fight Tyson Fury was the clear favorite among boxing enthusiasts, because Ngannou had no past experience as a boxer. However, Ngannou proved that with enough determination and effort, one can achieve anything.

When the two finally came face-to-face, Ngannou showed that he came prepared for the heavyweight champion. He even sent Fury down to the canvas in the third round of the match-up. It seems that Mike Tyson’s training definitely helped him overcome the huge difference in experience. His performance has definitely attracted the attention of other big names as well. One such is the WBO interim heavyweight champion Zhilei Zhang, who even contemplated the idea of a potential fight between him and Ngannou.

Zhilei Zhang on a potential bout against Francis Ngannou

Previously, Zhilei Zhang was well on his way to face Tyson Fury himself. However, as the talks were still going on Joe Joyce activated the rematch clause and the fight fell off. Zhang shared his resentment about the event in an interview, stating, “But we deal with what we have in front of us. After beating Joe Joyce again, the roller coaster is still going up. We can still get there.”

In the same interview, he had claimed that “Ngannou doesn’t even have a puncher’s chance” against Fury. However, in a recent interview with Boxing News, the interviewer asked him about the people asking Zhang to face Ngannou next.

The interviewer asked, “Are you interested? Would you step between the ropes if that fight was proposed to you? And if you did what would happen between the pair of you?” To this, Zhang stated, “Yeah, I think if that opportunity comes, I’ll definitely take it and I’ll grab it.”

He called ‘The Predator’ a “novice boxer.” Moreover, he added, “No matter how you look at the performance last night. He’s a novice. And I want to get in there to show him what really a professional boxing boss looks like.”

Zhang is disappointed in Tyson Fury for his lackluster performance

Zhilei Zhang, the Chinese heavyweight contender, expressed his disappointment with Tyson Fury’s performance against Francis Ngannou. The fight, which went the distance of ten rounds, left many unimpressed. Fury, the favorite, was knocked down in the third round and narrowly won a split decision. This marked the first time an MMA fighter had success at boxing’s highest level, a fact that frustrated both boxing and MMA fans.

Read More: “So Is Your Network Guy”: Tyson Fury Taking a Nap Moments Before Francis Ngannou Fight Draws Scathing Response from Fans

Zhang, in a conversation with BoxingNews.com via Zoom, shared his perspective on the fight, stating, “To be honest with you, [I thought] Francis Ngannou [won]. If you count that knockdown it is a ten-eight round. Then throughout the whole fight, he was landing more power shots, and he was being more aggressive. Fury didn’t throw a lot of punches for some reason. He was holding himself back and controlling the distance with his jab.”

The shocking knockdown of Fury in the third round shaped public opinion. Even if Fury outpointed Ngannou, the fact that he was floored by an underdog left a lasting impression. Zhang believed that this was a night of disgrace for boxing, potentially resulting from Fury underestimating his opponent and not training adequately. What do you think about the crossover bout? Are you also disappointed in Fury’s performance? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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