Zhilei Zhang is one of the heavyweight division’s best knockout artists and has caused some serious trouble in the weight class.
Proving to be much more than a gatekeeper, the Chinese fighter has dispatched top-quality opposition, including Deontay Wilder.
With great experience in the ring, Zhang has faced some of the elite fighters in his lengthy career. This includes a meeting with Anthony Joshua in the Olympic qualifiers, where the Englishman would win.
Zhang even teased fighting Joshua, in what would be a professional rematch. However, Zhang is already scheduled for a title bout.
Here are all the important details about power puncher Zhang that boxing fans need to know.
How old is Zhilei Zhang?
Zhang was born in Qianzhanging, Zhoukou, China, on the 2nd of May 1983. He grew up in the rural countryside of Shenqui County, before moving to Zhengzhou at the age of 15. Here is where he started his boxing journey.
As of February 2025, Zhang is 41 years old.
Zhilei Zhang’s height and weight
Zhang is 6 foot 6 inches tall, or 198cm, and has a reach of 80 inches, or 203cm.
For his last bout against Wilder in June of 2024, the Chinese fighter weighed in at a whopping 282.75 lbs, or 128kg.
Zhang’s size makes him one of the larger h
Zhilei Zhang’s X and Instagram accounts
Boasting over 100k Instagram followers, you can follow Zhang at @zhileibigbangzhang, where he is quite active.
Zhang has no known active public X account.
Zhilei Zhang net worth
It has been reported by Marca that Zhang’s net worth is estimated at around $3 to $4 million. However, this figure could be likely to increase when he faces Agit Kabayel on February 22nd.
Is Zhilei Zhang married?
Although Zhang’s wife and kids’ identity is unknown, he told ESPN in a 2016 interview he didn’t bring his wife and kids to the U.S. for a training camp, implying he is married with children.
However, his current marital status is unknown.
- READ MORE: Zhilei Zhang sends alarming warning to Daniel Dubois following his win over Anthony Joshua
Zhilei Zhang record and stats
As of February 2025, Zhang’s professional boxing record is 27-2, with 22 of those wins coming by way of knockout.
Zhang also had a 10-year amateur career, from 2003 to 2013. During this time he had a professional record of 36-17.
The boxer also competed at both the Beijing 2008 Olympics Games, and the London 2012 Olympic Games, winning a silver medal in his home country.
Zhilei Zhang next fight
Zhang will face Agit Kabayel in his next fight as the heavyweights clash on February 22nd. Meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the two will compete for the WBC Interim World Heavyweight belt.
Kabayel is a German fighter with a professional record of 25-0 and 17 knockouts. Among his notable wins includes handing Derek Chisora the loss that changed his life.
Zhilei Zhang vs Deontay Wilder
In June of 2024, Zhang would face one of the hardest punchers of all time in Wilder.
The American was looking to regain form after losses to Tyson Fury and Joseph Parker, however, it was the Chinese fighter who prevailed.
Zhang started causing problems for Wilder from the second round onwards, never giving the ‘Bronze Bomber’ a chance to get going. Then, in round five, a right hand from Zhang would spell the end of the fight.
Spun around by the heavy shot, as Wilder began to turn Zhang caught him with a lethal follow-up punch, ending the bout.
Zhilei Zhang vs Joseph Parker
Zhang would taste defeat for just the second time in his career when he faced Joseph Parker in March 2024. Aiming to defend his WBO Interim Heavyweight title in Saudi Arabia, Zhang would lose via majority decision.
Despite sending the New Zealander to the canvas in rounds three and eight, one judge would score the bout a draw, while the other two had Parker as the winner.
Zhilei Zhang vs Joe Joyce
Zhang would meet Joyce for the first time when the pair met in London in April 2023. The Englishman went into his hometown bout as a huge favorite, however, Zhang spoiled the party.
Although Joyce slowly grew into the bout, the Olympic silver medalist would get a stoppage in round six.
Zhang was able to administer significant damage to Joyce’s right eye, eventually leading it to swell and close. The referee would call the doctor to check on the eye, with Joyce being deemed unable to continue.
The two would rematch five months later, however, it would be an even more convincing win by Zhang. A stunning right hand would send Joyce flying to the canvas in the closing seconds of round three, ending the fight.