Between Zhilei Zhang and Agit Kabayel, who’s your pick for the win on Saturday night? Kabayel? Before you form an opinion, check out Zhang’s latest training video. Ahead of the critical showdown against the unbeaten German-Kurd heavyweight, the 6’6″ tall behemoth is putting his heart and soul in the camp.

The hard-fought loss to Joseph Parker in May last year called for a course correction. It manifested with the fifth-round rout of the much-feared Deontay Wilder. Zhilei Zhang declared that he was far from over in the game. But that doesn’t mean he can let his guard down. With Tyson Fury on retirement and Oleksandr Usyk walking towards one, the heavyweight championship may soon open up for grabs. Given that he will turn 42 this May, time is not a friend the Beijing Olympic silver medalist can count on. He will have to play his cards carefully. For that, the foundations have to be strong. Let’s explore a few details about the Chinese heavyweight’s training team and camp.

Who trains Zhilei Zhang?

It’s a common grouse. Time and again skeptics have questioned the credentials of trainers who had barely had a run in the ring! Regardless of the contention – good or bad – Zhilei Zhang can hold up his head with confidence. His trainer, Shaun George, belongs to the old school – train and fight and then teach. He is not a ‘McDojo’ trainer.

In fact, the Brooklyn-born trainer, who holds a degree in paralegal studies, comes with a rather distinguished record, which includes multiple wins at the amateur level. Later, as a professional, he secured the IBC and WBA NABA cruiserweight titles. Perhaps the achievement that remains the crowning glory of his short career remains the knockout win over former two-time heavyweight champion Chris Byrd.

Fiercely defensive of his charge, George attracted considerable attention when he slammed Martin Bakole, who mocked Zhang for ducking him. At their training camp in True Warriors Boxing Club, the former fighter incorporates technology to hone Zhang’s skills. To catch the heavyweight’s slightest of slips or oversights, George reportedly wears special Ray-Ban glasses with a built-in camera.

These glasses record the training from an opponent’s point of view. The team can immediately watch and analyze the footage to make adjustments. It’s a high-tech way to fine-tune Zhang’s skills and strategy!

Zhilei Zhang reveals details about his training camp.

Ring magazine shared a short video that featured Zhilei Zhang discussing the final leg of his training camp. For the fight week, in between the media workouts and the press conferences, he revealed plans to focus only on ‘training, eating, and sleeping.’

“My whole plan is to eat, rest, and train, “said Zhang, who later shared that his training routine is pretty regular—3 hours a day. Another critical part of his regimen remains sleep. The ‘Big Bang’ acknowledged, “I’m good at sleeping…when I’m not eating and I’m not training….I’m sleeping,” said the former interim title holder who often trains with rapper LL Cool J.

Lest the opponent’s physical advantage pose a serious challenge, Zhilei Zhang trains with famed physical conditioning trainer Dave ‘Scooter’ Honig. Their training program involves both mental and physical preparedness. Often needed to perform at the topmost level of the sport, Zhang needs to have that ‘championship mindset.’ Among other things, Zhang often goes for a swim and runs to improve his endurance, agility, and recovery.

There’s a short video that shows Zhilei Zhang shooting a punch at Shaun George while working on the mitts. It must have been accidental. But, Agit Kabayel better watch out.

Do you think Zhilei Zhang will sail through Agit Kabayel’s challenge?