Zhilei Comments on Chisora's Joke and Ready for a Fight

Chinese heavyweight (over 90.7 kg) Zhang Zhilei (27-2-1, 22 KOs) shared his thoughts on Derek Chisora’s (35-13, 23 KOs) weigh-in prank involving Joe Joyce (16-3, 15 KOs), where Derek wore a Zhilei mask to taunt his opponent. The 41-year-old boxer also hinted at a potential fight against Chisora.

"The mask? I found it funny, had a good laugh. I got a lot of messages on Friday morning because of it.

Derek Chisora still shows interest in a bout with me in China. Now, after his stunning victory, it might become a reality. My main goal is to ensure I fight by the end of the year.

Chisora vs. Joyce? I think it was a tough and exciting fight, a great match for London boxing fans. I’m not sure what’s next for Joe Joyce. He and his team need to strategize their next steps. I don't think anyone has the right to decide when a fighter should retire. That’s up to them and their families," Zhilei told Razed.

Recall that on July 27, Derek Chisora defeated Joe Joyce by unanimous decision.

In June, Zhang Zhilei secured a technical knockout victory in the 5th round against Deontay Wilder (43-4-1, 42 KOs). In 2023, Zhang fought Joyce twice and won both bouts early.

Recently, American prospect Jared Anderson (17-0, 15 KOs) claimed that Zhilei declined a fight with him. The Chinese boxer explained his decision by stating that he is aiming for title fights.