Zhilei Zhang calls Mike Tyson “the god of war”

Zhilei Zhang, the Chinese heavyweight who dismantled Deontay Wilder, isn’t one to shy away from sharing his admiration for boxing legends. And no figure looms larger in his eyes than Mike Tyson, a man he affectionately calls “the god of war.” For Zhang, Tyson is more than just a former champion; he’s a symbol of relentless tenacity, even as he takes on new challenges well into his 50s and 60s.

In a recent interview, Zhang reflected on Tyson’s upcoming bout against social media sensation and occasional boxer Jake Paul. The fight, controversial in its very nature, pits one of boxing’s most fearsome figures against a man better known for viral stunts than ring craft. Tyson, now in his late 50s, is pushing boundaries by stepping back into the ring. “At the age of 50 or 60 years old, he’s still out there, training hard and trying to bang the younger fighters. I feel like it’s a great motivation,” Zhang says. His tone is one of genuine respect, a boxer honoring a man whose influence has transcended decades.

For Zhang, Tyson’s decision to lace up his gloves again is a source of inspiration. The older fighter’s ability to withstand time and the wear of countless battles makes him a figure of mythic proportions in Zhang’s eyes. “I watched Mike Tyson’s fights growing up, and he’s like the god of war in my mind,” Zhang states with reverence. There’s a measure of awe in how Zhang sees Tyson taking on a man several decades younger - a feat that speaks to the Iron Mike mystique that captivated millions in the ’80s and ’90s.

When asked if he’d consider taking on Jake Paul himself should the YouTuber prevail, Zhang doesn’t flinch at the idea. He laughs it off, noting, “Who doesn’t want to make some money? It’s a money grab if that happens.” Yet, even amid the playful banter, his respect for Tyson remains unwavering. He hopes Tyson will emerge victorious, underscoring his respect for the former champion’s enduring spirit. “I just hope he wins this fight and comes out victorious,” Zhang says, adding that if the public demands another Tyson spectacle, the man himself will probably be game. “I think Mike is his own man. He makes his own decisions... if the fans call for a fight, Mike will listen.”

Tyson’s return to boxing, like many of his past endeavors, attracts mixed reactions. Media workouts ahead of the fight have highlighted Tyson’s intense training regimen, while Paul’s antics leaned more toward showmanship, creating a stark contrast between the two. But for all the sideshow atmosphere, there’s something undeniably captivating about a heavyweight great stepping back into the ring - something that stirs the collective memory of boxing fans.

Zhilei Zhang gets it. He understands why people are drawn to Tyson’s comeback efforts, even if they raise eyebrows. Boxing is as much about spectacle as skill, and no one understood that better than Tyson. At the AT&T Stadium in Texas, where the bout unfolds, there may be more questions than answers about what the night means for boxing’s legacy. But for Zhang, seeing Tyson take on this challenge, even against a polarizing figure like Paul, reaffirms his belief that true warriors never really hang up their gloves.

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