Oleksandr Usyk, the former undisputed cruiserweight champion, has been called out by unbeaten heavyweight contender, Zhang Zhilei, who has challenged him to a fight in China.

Usyk, who moved up to heavyweight in 2019, has been on a roll, winning his last four fights, including a unanimous decision victory over Derek Chisora in October 2020.

The 34-year-old Ukrainian is now eyeing a showdown with reigning champion Anthony Joshua, but Zhang believes he should be the one stepping up to face Usyk next.

Zhang, who boasts an impressive record of 24 wins and 0 losses, with 19 knockouts, has been vocal about wanting to fight Usyk in his home country of China.

The 33-year-old has offered to put up a significant purse to make the fight happen, reportedly worth around $5 million.

“I’m not afraid of Usyk,” Zhang said in a recent interview. “I’ve been watching his fights, and I believe I can beat him.

I’m offering him a fight in China, and I’m willing to pay him a big purse. Let’s make it happen.

” Usyk, who has been training hard in the gym, responded to Zhang’s call-out on social media, saying: “I’m always ready for a fight, and I’m not afraid of anyone.

If Zhang wants to fight, I’m here. But he needs to bring his best game, because I’m not going to take it easy on him.

” The winner of a potential Usyk-Zhang fight could set themselves up for a massive showdown with Joshua, who is currently the WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight champion.

Joshua, who is promotional boss Eddie Hearn’s biggest star, has been vocal about wanting to unify the heavyweight division, and a fight with Usyk would be a major step towards achieving that goal.

However, Hearn has been trying to secure a rematch with Deontay Wilder, who Joshua defeated in their first fight, before moving forward with Usyk.

Wilder has a contractual rematch clause, and Hearn believes it’s only right to give him the opportunity to exercise it.

Zhang, who hails from Henan, China, has been on a tear in the heavyweight division, winning his last 10 fights, with 8 knockouts.

The towering 6’5″ Chinese fighter has been dubbed the “Shaolin Giant” and has been compared to former heavyweight champion, Mike Tyson.

Despite being a significant underdog, Zhang believes he has the skills and power to upset Usyk, who is known for his technical prowess and footwork.

“Usyk is a great fighter, but I’m not intimidated by him,” Zhang said. “I’ve been training hard, and I’m confident I can take him down.

” It’s unclear at this stage whether Usyk and Zhang will come to terms on a fight, but one thing is for sure – the heavyweight division is heating up, and fans are in for a treat.

With Joshua, Usyk, and Wilder all vying for supremacy, it’s shaping up to be an exciting year for the big men.

As the situation develops, we’ll keep you updated on any new developments. For now, it’s time to sit back and enjoy the drama unfolding in the heavyweight division.