Zhilei Zhang has claimed Anthony Joshua will never give him a rematch in the professional ranks.
Zhang and Joshua met for the first time at the London Olympics in 2012, where the Briton won by decision after dropping the Chinese star to the canvas with a crunching shot.
The pair have not yet met as professionals, with AJ currently focusing on his mission to become a three-time heavyweight world champion.
And ‘Big Bang’ believes it will never happen due to Joshua’s recent selection of opponents.
Zhang told the MMA Hour: “Mark my words, he’s not fighting me. He’s not going to fight me, ever.
“Because after the 2012 Olympic Games, that was when we initially collided.
“After that, it’s been so many years. I was with Matchroom [Boxing] and I know what happened. I don’t think he’s ever going to fight me.
“My managers flew to London and I got words. So I don’t think he’s going to fight me.
“Look at his previous opponents – Francis Ngannou from the UFC, Robert Helenius, I don’t think he has what it takes to stand up to me.
“The way he picks his opponents says a lot about him. Neither does Eddie [Hearn] want it. He’s [AJ] a cash cow for Eddie.
“My managers got an invitation, flew to London to talk to them, and got a no.
“I don’t know why. I don’t have a reason. That’s his problem. But if he ever wants to fight, I’m in.”
A showdown has always been teased between the pair with Joshua having explored the option of facing Zhang on multiple occasions.
This includes for his upcoming fight, after the Chinese star dispatched of Deontay Wilder in June.
But Joshua has now received a title shot for the IBF belt against Daniel Dubois on September 21.
Zhang has yet to pencil in his next outing, but is coming to the end of his career at the age of 41.
He will be hoping for a final hoorah for a title, when the option comes up with Usyk and Daniel Dubois currently holding the belts.
