Rival Zhilei Zhao calls Tyson Fury a "disgrace" to boxing

Heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury has been hit with scathing criticism from his rival Zhilei Zhang, who has labeled him a "disgrace to boxing". The 40-year-old Zhang expressed his disappointment in Fury's refusal to face off against other top fighters in the division following his trilogy with Deontay Wilder last year.

Controversial Fight Selection

Fury, who currently holds the WBC heavyweight title, has had high-profile fights against Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk fall through. Instead, he recently fought Dillian Whyte and controversially agreed to take on MMA star Francis Ngannou, who is relatively new to the world of boxing at 36 years old.

Zhang, not holding back in his assessment of Fury, stated, "When you look at Tyson Fury – he avoided Joshua, he avoided Usyk. He chose to fight somebody who has never been in the ring before. So Tyson Fury, I think, is a disgrace to the sport of boxing. Shame on him."

Zhang's Pursuit of Fury Fight

Zhang, the WBO interim heavyweight champion, recently defeated Joe Joyce in April to claim the title. After the fight, Zhang revealed that his team had been in talks with Fury's camp for a potential showdown, but the rematch clause with Joyce was ultimately activated.

Zhang remains hopeful that a fight with Fury will eventually happen, saying, "I believe that fight is going to happen, one way or another."

Upcoming Matches

Before a potential bout with Fury, Zhang is scheduled to have a rematch with Joyce on September 23. As for Fury, he is set to face Ngannou in a fight on October 28, although his WBC belt will not be on the line.