China's heavyweight boxing star Zhang Zhilei just delivered a knockout punch to global sports headlines! The 40-year-old fighter stunned fans by defeating former WBC champion Deontay Wilder in Riyadh on June 1, ending their clash in the fifth round with a thunderous TKO. 🌍💥
In an exclusive chat with CGTN Sports Scene post-victory, Zhang reflected on his role as a trailblazer: 'When I step into that ring, I carry China with me.' The Olympic veteran emphasized breaking barriers in a sport where Chinese athletes rarely compete at heavyweight levels.
📣 'Before turning pro, fighting for national honor at the Olympics was our pinnacle,' said Zhang, whose win sparks fresh excitement about Asia's growing influence in global boxing. 'Now I’m showing the world what Chinese power looks like.'
This victory isn’t just about belts – it’s a cultural flex. Zhang’s rise mirrors China’s expanding footprint in sports traditionally dominated by Western athletes, offering young fans a new hero to rally behind. 🚀
