“He Doesn’t Have What It Takes” Top Heavyweight Rival Says Anthony Joshua Will Never Fight Him

Anthony Joshua remains a popular target for anyone in the heavyweight division.

Anthony Joshua was a star of the sport almost as soon as he turned pro given that he won an Olympic Gold Medal at his home games in 2012. His career began with a string of early knockouts that led to him quickly becoming the IBF world champion.

Wins over Joseph Parker and Wladimir Klitschko saw him unify the WBO and WBA belts and, even after losses to Andy Ruiz – which he reversed in the rematch – and Oleksandr Usyk, he remains the most rewarding fight for many of his peers.

For that reason, many rivals continue to chase ‘AJ’, who faces fellow Brit Daniel Dubois next time out at Wembley Stadium as he attempts to regain his old IBF belt and become a three-time world champion.

Speaking to The MMA Hour, heavyweight contender Zhilei Zhang has expressed his view that he will never get Joshua in the ring with him again having lost to him during the Olympics.

“Mark my words he’s not going to fight me ever. After the 2012 Olympic Games, that was when we initially collided, after that it’s been so many years. I was with Matchroom and I know what happened.

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My managers flew to London and I got word. Look at his opponents – Francis Ngannou from UFC. Robert Helenius. I don’t think he has what it takes to stand up against me. The way he picks his opponents says a lot about him … Neither does Eddie [Hearn], they don’t want it. He’s a cash cow for Eddie.”

Although he took a points loss to Joseph Parker last year, Zhang is coming off his best win having stopped Deontay Wilder in five rounds. He has sights set on the Parker rematch whilst the belts are tied up.