James Dielhenn
Senior boxing journalist @ JamesDielhenn
China’s Zhilei Zhang beat Devin Vargas for four dominant rounds; The Olympic silver medalist is now an undefeated 22-fight contender. In 2012 he lost to Anthony Joshua in London, but is aiming for a rematch in China. This was Zhang’s first match exclusively sponsored by Matchroom
Last updated: 08/11/20 7:18 am
Zhilei Zhang dominated Devin Vargas
Zhilei Zhang defeated Devin Vargas in four one-sided rounds to make a heavyweight statement in Florida on Saturday.
The Chinese contender, beaten by Anthony Joshua in the 2012 Olympics and dreaming of a rematch in China, improved his record to 22-0.
‘Big Bang’ Zhang landed a left hand in the middle of his south paw stance, which did damage to Vargas in the fourth round.
Zhilei Zhang is now unbeaten in 22
The 37-year-old had controlled the entire fight by that point – it was his debut, promoted solely by Eddie Hearns Matchroom.
“Hundreds of millions of people in China are waiting for a fight for the world heavyweight championship to take place,” Zhang said exclusively Sky Sports before the fight.
“I hope when the Chinese talk about boxing, they are talking about this fight. It will break the record if the fight can go ahead.”
His advisor Terry Lane said Sky Sports: “Professional boxing in China is still in its infancy, it is still emerging. But there are signs that it is growing even though it is not as big as NBA, tennis or golf.
“In order for it to explode, we want a big heavyweight fight that involves Zhilei in China.
“He’s a very talented top heavyweight who’s in the mix. We want to use this to build the boxing industry in China.”
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