Chinese heavyweight contender Zhilei Zhang has advised Anthony Joshua to retire from boxing, stating that the British fighter is “finished” following his surprising defeat to Daniel Dubois in September.
Joshua’s attempt to become a three-time world champion ended in disappointment when he was knocked down four times before suffering a fifth-round knockout against IBF champion Dubois at Wembley Stadium, with 98,000 fans in attendance.
“My personal humble opinion is that he is finished, and he should look into investment,” Zhang said in an interview with DAZN via AceOdds. “He should look into retirement and get himself involved in the business side of things. Whatever he wants to do, just go ahead and choose that route.”
Despite his assessment of Joshua’s career, Zhang, who recently knocked out Deontay Wilder in June, expressed a desire to fight Joshua. However, he doubted that Joshua would be interested in facing him. “With everything being said, of course, I do want to fight him, but I don’t think he wants to fight me. I don’t think Eddie Hearn will put him anywhere near me,” Zhang added.
Zhang’s comments follow advice from former undisputed heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis, who suggested Joshua take a break from boxing after the loss. “No, I don’t think he should take the rematch. I think he should take a rest for a minute and then come back,” Lewis told Box Nation. The British legend believes Joshua’s prime came during his 2017 victory over Wladimir Klitschko.
