ANTHONY JOSHUA “wants no part” of giant 18 stone Zhilei Zhang – and “it’s the worst kept secret in boxing.”
Zhang, 41, has put himself into heavyweight title contention following victories over the likes of Joe Joyce and Deontay Wilder.
And he has long called out AJ, who in 2012 beat the Chinese star on the way to Olympic gold in London.
Zhang’s manager Terry Lane claimed Joshua has rejected the chance to fight his old amateur rival and everyone in the boxing business knows it.
Lane told Sky Sports: “I think it’s the worst kept secret in boxing that AJ wants no part of Zhilei. There’s been opportunities for them to fight.
“It’s just very clear that there’s no interest on AJ’s end, he just wants to avoid the fight, which is unfortunate.”
Zhang twice stopped Joyce before losing to Joseph Parker and then bouncing back with victory over Wilder.
Joshua, 34, meanwhile challenges for 26-year-old Daniel Dubois’ IBF title on September 21 at Wembley.
Oleksandr Usyk, 37, rematches Tyson Fury, 35, on December 21 following his undisputed title victory in May.
And Zhang has his eyes on the top names and belts in the division.
Champion: Oleksandr Usyk
1. Tyson Fury
2. Anthony Joshua
3. Joseph Parker
4. Zhilei Zhang
5. Agit Kabayel
6. Daniel Dubois
7. Martin Bakole
8. Filip Hrgovic
9. Efe Ajagba
10. Justis Huni
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Lane added: “A world title shot is the aim. AJ and Fury are the main desires for Zhang – those are two guys he wants to fight.
“I don’t know if Usyk is serious about moving back down to cruiserweight, but I think Zhilei has more than earned a shot against Fury and AJ.
“The problem with Zhilei is he’s feared. He’s a risky fight for anybody, a big-punching southpaw.
“He ruined the plans for Joyce to fight Fury and he ruined the plans for Deontay Wilder to fight AJ, so he’s known as a risky party pooper, spoiler, so getting these guys in the ring is proving to be tough.”
