Zhilei Zhang is a Chinese professional boxer who has held the WBO interim heavyweight title since April 2023.
He was born on May 2, 1983, in Zhoukou, Henan, China.
As an amateur, Zhang won bronze medals at the 2007 and 2009 World Championships, and a silver medal at the 2008 Olympics, all in the super-heavyweight division.
At the time of publishing this article, he is ranked as the world’s fourth-best active heavyweight by The Ring.
Zhang has a record of 26 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw, with 21 of his wins coming by knockout.
In September 2023, he knocked out Joe Joyce in the third round of their rematch, retaining his WBO interim heavyweight title and moving closer to a shot at the world heavyweight title.
What is Zhilei Zhang’s net worth?
According to multiple sources, Zhang’s net worth is estimated to be around $3 to $5 million in 2023.
He has been a professional boxer since 2014 and has a record of 25 wins, 1 loss and 1 draw.
Zhang has earned a base salary of $350K for his last fight against Joe Joyce, along with a 35% PPV share and other sponsorships.
However, he is said to have made close to $1 million for his technical knockout win against Joyce.
For his upcoming rematch against Joyce, Zhang is supposed to earn an increased base salary of $600K.
Zhang has also secured several lucrative endorsements, including deals with prominent sports brands, adding to his substantial income.
How did Zhilei Zhang get into boxing?
Zhang began his boxing career as an amateur. He competed in various competitions and tournaments, including the 2008 Olympics, where he won a silver medal in the super-heavyweight division.
Zhang also won bronze medals at the 2007 and 2009 World Championships.
In 2009, he won a gold medal at the Asian Championships, where he defeated Ivan Dychko, Seyed Akbar Hosseini and Sardor Abdullayev.
After the Olympics, Zhang remained an amateur and continued to compete in various tournaments. In 2013, he won a tournament at the National Games of the People’s Republic of China.
In early 2014, Zhang signed a professional contract with Dynasty Boxing Promotions.
He made his professional debut in the heavyweight division later that year.
Since then, Zhang has had a successful career as a professional boxer, winning 25 fights, losing 1 and drawing 1.
He has also secured several lucrative endorsements, including deals with prominent sports brands, adding to his substantial income.
