Boxing
'Absolutely wants it!' - Former heavyweight interim champion chasing Daniel Dubois comeback fight
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Daniel Dubois could be set to face Zhilei Zhang as he plots his return to the ring, with the latter's co-manager Terry Lane stating his star wants to face the Briton.
The ex-IBF world champion has not fought since Oleksandr Usyk stopped him inside five rounds at Wembley Stadium last July to end his reign atop the division.
Dubois had been adamant he would avenge his prior career loss to the Ukrainian in their rematch, but was comprehensively outgunned on a tough London night.
Since then, the heavyweight has swapped trainers, teaming up with Tony Sims in an attempt to rebuild his reputation, with hopes he can recapture his finest form.
Several opponents have been floated for the star's comeback, including WBO champion Fabio Wardley, but Zhang remains an intriguing option for Dubois to face.
Queensberry Promotions boss Frank Warren previously expressed his interest in a clash with the Chinese star, and now Lane has suggested his man is keen too.
"Zhang absolutely wants the Dubois fight," he told Sky Sports News on the prospect. "It's been on his wishlist for some time now. We've made Queensberry aware
"Let's hope we can get it done. Zhang versus Dubois would be an absolute banger. Both are still top guys despite coming off of losses. It makes sense to make."
Is Zhang brilliant choice or banana-skin foe?
DAZN News correspondent Andrew Steel
It's been half-a-year since Daniel Dubois last stepped into the ring, and the heavyweight division seems no closer to locking down the former champion's next move.
Oleksandr Usyk's second tenure as undisputed champion has already come to a close, freeing up one option to pusue in Fabio Wardley if the star wants a belt shot.
But in Zhilei Zhang, the Briton would have an opponent determined to rebuild his own place in the pecking order after a loss against Agit Kabayel dropped his rank.
Formerly the WBO interim champion, the Chinese prizefighter has won three and lost three in his last six bouts, and at 42, is running out of road to get back on top.
For Dubois, victory over an arguable prime contender would be just the tonic - but a banana-skin defeat may well end his aspirations to be a top title holder again.
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