Chinese power

In 2014, at over 30 years old, he finally entered professional boxing.

"I would have been filled with regret if, after over a decade in amateur boxing, I hadn't tried professional boxing," he said.

Olympic boxing and professional boxing differ significantly, posing new challenges when he first transitioned.

He recalled introducing himself abroad as an Olympic silver medalist, but many foreign boxers paid little heed to his title, showing their respect by simply saying, "let's see how you perform in the ring".

"In those days, I didn't have many chances to prove myself. Facing a new life, language, financial issues, training and competitive pressures, my love for boxing and my dream to succeed professionally kept me going.

"I left home at 15 to join the Henan provincial boxing team with nothing. Over the next decade, I achieved a lot. Moving to the US for professional boxing, I remembered my 15-year-old self. If I could do it then, I knew I could start over in America," Zhang said.

With this belief, he spent the next decade plying his trade professionally.

Initially, Zhang faced financial hardships, bearing the cost of living, training and competition alone. Early fights offered low pay — with his first bout earning him just $7,500 — leaving him nearly broke at times. He even removed his own stitches after being cut in a match to save $200 in medical costs.

Facing mostly lower-level opponents, Zhang's first US fight in August 2014 ended in 17 seconds with a knockout win. Despite winning over twenty matches, he struggled to get fights against top boxers or advance his skills.

Reflecting on that time, Zhang emphasized his disciplined routine: "I focused on sleeping, eating well, and boxing hard every day." He trained rigorously from Monday to Saturday and relaxed on Sundays at the shooting range, which he found beneficial for honing his hand-eye coordination, an essential attribute in the ring.

Zhang has adopted "Big Bang" as his ring name, but not for the reason many might expect. While he does have a fearsome punch, he said he was aiming to spark a revolution in the world of professional boxing. "Just as the Big Bang marks the beginning of the universe, I wanted to make a similar impact in the boxing world," Zhang explained.

In 2023, Zhang recorded an important victory over British boxer Joe Joyce, securing the WBO interim heavyweight title. However, he faced a setback earlier this year, losing to former world champion, New Zealander Joseph Parker.

After the stunning win over Wilder, though, Zhang is now preparing for his next bout, and confirmed that his team is in talks with three potential opponents. It will be either a rematch with Parker, a chance for revenge against Joshua or a meeting with Germany's Agit Kabayel.

"I hope the fight happens by the end of this year, ideally in China," Zhang said. At 41 years old, Zhang sees no limit to his career trajectory.

"For me, boxing is a mission. I want to showcase Chinese boxing worldwide," Zhang declared. "My boxing journey continues.

"As I always say in the ring: 'I am Big Bang, representing Chinese power!'"

Tracking Success delivers the inside story for global sports fans, exploring what makes elite performers tick, and providing insight into their biggest and most intriguing moments on and off the field of play.

liyingxue@chinadaily.com.cn