Zhilei Zhang has Anthony Joshua in his sights after refuting retirement claims

Chinese man-mountain Zhilei Zhang has reiterated his heavyweight world championship ambitions by calling out Anthony Joshua amidst reports the 42-year-old was set to announce his retirement from professional boxing.

The former WBO 'interim' title-holder has long backed himself to secure a coveted full blue-riband division belt, but has, as of yet, come up just short in his quest.

A devastating knockout loss to the hard-hitting German Agit Kabayel in February was expected to signal the end of Zhang's career, with the beat down coming on the back of other recent defeats at the hands of Joseph Parker and Filip Hrgovic.

However, whilst the expectation was that the Chinese star would draw the curtain upon his boxing career, he has since told his official YouTube channel that he remains intent on fulfilling his dream of becoming China's first ever heavyweight world champion.

"42 years old is not the end, it is the beginning of a new chapter - I still have not lowered my fists," he said this week.

"All of my last five or six fights have been at the top level against top opponents... I never pick and choose who I fight.

"Others would normally do interim fights after a tough fight to adjust. All of them were [against fighters that are] younger than me, but I still pose a significant threat to them.

I know that I have got what it takes to perform at the highest level, and my body is doing well - I have never thought about retirement.

- Zhilei Zhang

"I was 31 when I turned professional, and that is a typical age to consider retirement for most Chinese boxers. I am in my 40s now, but age is still just a number to me.

"However, that said, if there comes a day where my body does not function properly, then it would be my time to hang the gloves up."

Zhang has recently undergone surgery to help fix a long-standing elbow injury, and whilst rehabilitation is likely to keep him out of the ring until at least the end of the year, the Asian powerhouse is already plotting his next move... with two-time champion of the world Anthony Joshua firmly in his sights.

"I hope to fight by the end of this year,” he added. “If [Anthony Joshua] is interested, I am in - wherever it is! This fight has been talked about for many years, but it never materialised.

"It would be great if we can make it happen this time around.

"My dream is unachieved as of yet. I am still chasing, I am still on route to being the best, to being a world champion. I am still one step away from that goal, but it takes a lot to get there."

Mark Mothershaw

• Anthony Joshua
• Queensberry
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