Zhilei Zhang Makes Final Decision On Retirement After Devastating KO Loss At 41 Years Old

Zhilei Zhang met his match against Agit Kabayel last month in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, succumbing to body shots in the sixth round.

‘Big Bang’ was looking to build on a stellar knockout win over Deontay Wilder, scored last June, to mount a world title shot in his forties after a late start in the pro game.

Zhang’s power was well known in the heavyweight division, arriving at the top table following back-to-back stoppages over the previously uncrackable Joe Joyce. A loss to Joseph Parker on points derailed his plans slightly, but the Wilder win reminded fans he was a top contender.

Questions have always been asked about the Chinese southpaw’s gas tank and that was the main narrative going into the Kabayel fight, which was contested for the WBC Interim Heavyweight Title.

Kabayel survived a flash knockdown in the fifth to continue to pummel Zhang’s body until the 41-year-old couldn’t take any more, taking a knee and being counted out.

The defeat is a major set back for Zhang, who is not high on the list of many rivals due to the risk he carries. Questions were asked as to whether or not he would call it day, but he took to Instagram post fight to announce he will be sticking around.

“Not my night. Came up short in the ring but fought to my last bit of energy. Congratulations to Agit Kabayel, great performance. Thank you Turki Alalshikh for this unique experience. Thank you Queensberry Promotions and DAZN for the hard work. Thank you to my team. I’m not done yet. Big bang will be back!”

Where the Olympic Silver Medalist goes next is as yet unknown. There is little doubt he can be in entertaining bouts, but with a rankings drop from the Kabayel loss he faces being stuck in the ‘who needs him’ club.

Kabayel forges on in his undefeated campaign, number one in line for a shot at Usyk but likely fighting another contender before his title shot materialises.