The popular Doncaster heavyweight returned to winning ways last month when he registered an impressive first round stoppage against Karim Berredjem. 

Allen needed that morale boosting victory as he was beaten by Arslanbek Makhmudov at the backend of 2025. A result that derailed his pursuit of bigger fights . 

Despite that loss, Allen's popularity has not faded, and he is still in contention for huge showdowns with his name linked to several high profile operators.  

One of those is Zhang and the heavy-handed contender who has 22 stoppages from 27 wins could be next for Allen. 

The Chinese star has not fought since being stopped by Agit Kabayel in February 2025, but it looks like plans are underway for him to be the next opponent of Allen. 

"Eddie mentioned one of the best heavyweights in the world, and he said, 'Look, I think we can make this fight.’ I think it’s going to be Zhilei Zhang,” said Allen when speaking to First Round TV . 

“I think it’s going to happen. We’ve already spoken about it. "They mentioned Zhilei Zhang to me, and I’ve never backed down from anyone in my life, and I’m not going to start with him. 

"I'm hopeful I can have a couple of fights before, but I'm here to have a go. All I want to do is entertain everyone, and if I box Zhilei Zhang, one of two things will happen. 

"Either I'll get flattened for the first time, or he'll be knackered after three rounds, and I'll beat him on points.”

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