Usyk could be ordered to face Zhang who is aiming to secure a WBC title fight this year

Chinese heavyweight boxer Zhilei Zhang could be Oleksandr Usyk’s next challenger for the WBC world heavyweight title.

According to SkySports, the Chinese contender will fight Agit Kabayel for the WBC interim title, with the winner lining up a shot at the full WBC world belt, which is currently held by Usyk.

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

Zhang’s co-manager, Terry Lane, says the 41-year-old fighter is the world's second-best heavyweight behind Usyk and should earn a fight with the Ukrainian this year.

Zhang propelled himself back into title contention with a stunning knockout victory over Deontay Wilder, the former WBC champion, in June.

The Germany-based Kabayel stands in the way of Zhang's plans after extending his unbeaten record with impressive stoppage wins over Arslanbek Makhmudov and Frank Sanchez.

Lane says being World Champion has been Zhang's aim from day one, and they will work to make that happen this year.

Source: SkySports