After the biggest win of his career last time out, Zhilei Zhang is looking on eagerly at the Anthony Joshua versus Daniel Dubois fight.

The big-punching heavyweight is enjoying a late renaissance at 41 years of age after a slow start to his pro career.

Last year he managed back-to-back wins against Joe Joyce which few saw coming as the Brit had been rather immovable up to that point. However, ‘Big Bang’ showed his ‘Chinese power’ and twice stopped his opponent in impressive style. After that, he took on Joseph Parker and, despite having him down twice, ran out an eventual loser on points.

Then, on his return to the ring in March, it was Deontay Wilder who Zhang managed to fell in the fifth round with more of his power shots.

He is in a good position for a world title shot before hanging up the gloves, so will be watching closely as newly elevated IBF Champion Dubois puts the belt on the line against Joshua this month. Zhang has long called for a fight with Joshua, motivated by avenging a second round loss at the 2012 Olympics where ‘AJ’ dropped him on the way to a points victory. Since turning pro, Zhang has said Joshua is and always will be avoiding him.

Speaking to BoxNation, he gave his prediction.

“I personally favour Daniel Dubois to pull this off because he’s on a surge. He’s young, he’s hungry, he has the fire in him. He had a beautiful knockout victory over Fillip Hrgovic last time so I really have my faith in the underdog and I believe he can win. I believe he will shock the world.”

He was then asked whether the fight would end inside the distance.

“Maybe. It may end with a knockout, Joshua’s chin is always suspect in my opinion.”

Zhang has said he would like to rematch Parker as something of a priority but would no doubt love a shot at the winner of this particular fight.