“There’s been talks to try to make Zhilei Zhang against Daniel Dubois, which Frank Warren has highlighted, so we’re actively attempting to make that occur,” Jones told BoxingScene. “We’re actively now, with Frank Warren, attempting to get Daniel back into the ring pretty soon.”
Jones stressed that readiness shouldn’t be the difficulty. “He’s ready, he’s back within the gym, and he’s raring to go,” he said. “He’s able to fight now.”
Why Zhang has stayed in the image
Zhang has been pushing for this fight for years. The southpaw has called for Dubois publicly and privately, seeing the matchup as one that matches his style and timing. That interest has not faded.
“Zhang absolutely wants the Dubois fight,” co-manager Terry Lane told Sky Sports earlier this month. “It’s been on his wishlist for a while now.” He added, “We’ve made Queensberry aware, and let’s hope we will get it done.”
Lane also addressed the state of each fighters without gloss. “Each are still top guys despite coming off of losses,” he said. “It is sensible to make.”
The appeal is clear. Each remain punchers. Each have taken damage. Each need a fight that settles where they stand.
London because the natural stage
An April date in London is under discussion, a location that lines up with each fighter’s strongest performances. Dubois stopped Anthony Joshua inside five rounds at Wembley in his penultimate fight. Zhang halted Joe Joyce twice in 2023, first on the Copper Box, however at Wembley Arena.
Stylistically, it’s a clean clash. Zhang is an enormous southpaw who applies regular pressure and relies on timing and weight behind shots. Dubois is only when he can plant his feet and work through combos to move and body.
Nothing has been signed. Talks remain ongoing. What is evident is intent. Dubois’ camp wants him lively. Zhang has been waiting.