Oleksandr Usyk could be asked to face Zhilei Zhang as he aims to secure a WBC title bout next year | Boxing news

Co-manager Terry Lynn says Zili Zhang is the second-best heavyweight in the world behind Oleksandr Usyk and should earn a fight with the Ukrainian in 2025.

The Chinese contender will battle it out with Ajit Kapil for the interim WBC title, with the winner earning a shot at the full WBC world belt, which is currently held by unified champion Usyk.

Usyk retained his WBC, WBO and WBA belts with a unanimous decision win over Tyson Fury in their rematch this month and has yet to reveal plans for his next fight.

“Zhilei has a tough fight ahead of her at Agit Kabayel on February 22,” Zhang’s co-manager Lin said. Sky Sports.

“If he beats Kabael, he will have once again beaten another top 10 heavyweight, and will cement himself as the second best heavyweight on the planet behind Usyk. There is no doubt that it will give him a world title shot.”

Zhang put himself back in title contention with a stunning knockout win over former WBC champion Deontay Wilder in June.

Germany-based Kabayil stands in the way of Zhang's plans after he extended his unbeaten record with impressive victories over Arslanbek Mahmudov and Frank Sanchez.

But Lin said: “Zhilei's goal has been to be world champion since day one. We will work towards achieving that in 2025.”

If the winner of Zhang-Kabayel is forced to wait for a world title fight, Britain's Anthony Joshua could be part of their future plans.

Joshua is ranked number six by the WBC and will be eligible to fight for the interim WBC title.

“Absolutely,” World Boxing Council president Mauricio Sulaiman told Sky Sports recently.

“This opens the door to the possibility that more fights will continue to occur.”