Zhang Zhilei is the only Chinese heavyweight in the world professional boxing. He won a silver medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

No Chinese fighter, or even Asian, has won world title honors in heavyweight boxing. After the fight, he said that winning the WBO Transitional Championship Belt is not the ultimate goal, and he has already aimed for the World Champion belt. "Age is a matter of numbers for me, as long as I can maintain a high level of fitness through systematic training and self-discipline."