[Explanation] On November 27, local time, Chinese heavyweight boxer Zhang Zhilei defeated Craig Lewis from the United States twice in 2 rounds in a professional American boxing match.

As the only Chinese heavyweight fighter currently developing in professional boxing in the United States, Zhang Zhilei ranked 9th in the heavyweight division of the World Boxing Organization in November 2021.

　　He has won the silver medal in the Beijing Olympics and won many championships and runners-up in international competitions. He has practiced boxing since 1998.

How can Chinese boxers make a fortune in American professional boxing?

Recently, professional boxer Zhang Zhilei accepted an exclusive interview with China News Agency "Question about East and West".

　　[Concurrent] Heavyweight professional boxer Zhang Zhilei

　　When I first started practicing boxing, I was just playing. I thought that after two years of training, it would be OK if I didn’t get bullied by others. I didn’t think about getting results or anything in the first place.

After two years of training, I felt that I was able to practice well. After two years of training, I could win the national championship. From then on, I slowly thought about practicing.

I am quite satisfied with my entire amateur career.

　　[Explanation] Although Zhang Zhilei has been "successful" in the amateur boxing world, he has "it would be a pity if I have not played professional boxing". In 2014, Zhang Zhilei went to the other side of the ocean from China and officially entered the professional boxing world in the United States. A new chapter for professional fighters.

Faced with the impact of professional boxing, Zhang Zhilei can only "start from scratch."

　　[Concurrent] Heavyweight professional boxer Zhang Zhilei

　　When I first came, I was second in the Olympics and my amateur (boxing) results were very good.

Coaches of these professions in the United States, including the players, do not recognize this thing.

If you can do it, go on stage to fight, and you’ll know when you’re on stage.

In the beginning, everyone (saying) played the Olympics, OK, come on stage to play.

After hitting him a few times, he was convinced, and he said, okay, that's it.

They respect the strong, if you defeat him, they respect you; if he defeats you, they disdain you.　　

　　[Explanation] In the seven years of hard work in the United States, Zhang Zhilei has experienced the deaths of his mother and father, the annual separation from his wife and children, and the impact of the new crown epidemic. He still adheres to the cycle of professional life.

The road to dream is not smooth. Zhang Zhilei admitted that these difficulties have not changed the 38-year-old's determination to continue to challenge the world champion.

　　[Concurrent] Heavyweight professional boxer Zhang Zhilei

　　Think, of course, the purpose of coming here is for this (world boxing champion), my boxing, no matter who it is, as long as I hit it, there is absolutely no problem, the heavyweight charm is here.

Maybe sometimes a game, maybe my advantage in the first ten rounds is not particularly obvious.

But I took a chance, maybe that combination punch, that punch, it was Game Over.

That's it, that's it for the heavyweight.

When the bell does not ring at the end of the game, everything may happen.

So I am not afraid to compete with anyone, because my level and their level are on the same level.

Just to say, is there this opportunity.

　　[Explanation] Zhang Zhilei, who has two professional boxing careers as an amateur and fusion of Eastern and Western boxing culture, hopes to build a training base in the United States after he retires in the future to help domestic players and enthusiasts learn more about the profession with the help of excellent resources. The technique, training and philosophy of boxing.

　　[Concurrent] Heavyweight professional boxer Zhang Zhilei

　　It is to vigorously promote and promote, and then let more people know about boxing.

Now in China, the public's understanding of boxing is violence and brutality.

But they never thought that boxing can bring people a kind of spirituality. The biggest thing I feel is the spirit of not giving up.

It should be felt through competition and training, and you have to experience these things yourself.

　　Madlin, Liao Pan, Sui Zhiyuan, Gao Yuhui reports

Editor in charge: [Liu Xian]