Betting tips from AI for Anthony Joshua vs Zhilei Zhang, 31 December 2025.

This fight reads as a comeback narrative with clear value on Anthony Joshua. The market shows Joshua at 1.93 and Zhilei Zhang at 1.85
Tactically, Joshua's size, technical boxing and one-punch power create matchup problems for a Zhang who showed susceptibility to heavy hitters. Ring rust is a concern for Joshua, but his ceiling and psychological edge in a comeback scenario give him the clearer path to regaining momentum. Zhang's KO loss suggests defensive holes that a motivated Joshua can exploit.

Recommendation: back Anthony Joshua at -108. The price offers marginally better payout than Zhang and represents the cleaner value given power, experience and narrative upside.

This hypothetical late 2025 showdown between Anthony Joshua and Zhilei Zhang presents a fascinating betting puzzle. While the bookmakers slightly favor Zhang at 1.85, a deeper look reveals a compelling opportunity with Joshua at 1.93. Zhang is coming off a brutal sixth-round knockout loss to Agit Kabayel in February 2025. That kind of defeat, especially for a heavyweight, raises serious questions about his recovery, chin, and mental fortitude heading into another elite contest just months later.

Anthony Joshua, despite undergoing elbow surgery earlier in 2025, would be expected to be fully recovered and motivated by December. His camp has been eyeing major fights, indicating his ambition remains high. Joshua's power and technical boxing, combined with Zhang's recent vulnerability, make him the smart play here. The odds on Joshua seem undervalued considering Zhang's recent devastating defeat. Expect AJ to capitalize on any lingering effects from Zhang's last outing, using his jab and power to secure a decisive victory.

The heavyweight clash between Anthony Joshua and Zhilei Zhang presents an intriguing betting opportunity. Joshua's technical prowess and athleticism have historically been his strengths, but his elbow surgery in 2025 raises questions about his recovery and form. Zhang, despite his recent knockout loss to Kabayel, brings devastating power and impressive southpaw skills to the ring.

The odds slightly favor Zhang at 1.85 compared to Joshua's 1.93, reflecting bookmakers' concerns about Joshua's post-surgery condition. Zhang's size advantage (6'6" and typically 270+ pounds) could pose problems for Joshua, especially if AJ isn't 100% physically.

Zhang's left hand remains one of the most dangerous weapons in heavyweight boxing. If Joshua hasn't fully recovered his mobility and defensive reflexes following surgery, Zhang's power punching could find its mark. The value bet here lies with Zhang capitalizing on potential vulnerabilities in Joshua's game.

In this heavyweight clash, Anthony Joshua steps back into the ring against Zhilei Zhang, a matchup that's been brewing amid the division's chaos. Joshua, the former unified champion, brings elite power, precision, and experience from battles against the likes of Klitschko and Ruiz. His athleticism and knockout prowess make him a nightmare for bigger opponents.

Zhang, the towering Chinese southpaw, packs devastating punches, as seen in his upset wins, but his recent knockout loss to Agit Kabayel in February 2025 exposed vulnerabilities in his defense and stamina against skilled boxers. Joshua's speed should exploit those gaps, landing combinations early and often.

The odds reflect a tight fight: Joshua at 1.93 and Zhang at 1.85, with a draw at 19.00. But Joshua's hunger for redemption tips the scales. Expect him to control the distance and secure a mid-round stoppage, making this a smart bet for value seekers.

Anthony Joshua steps back into the spotlight after elbow surgery, with his technical skills and championship experience key factors. Zhilei Zhang brings formidable power but is recovering from a recent knockout, making this a classic boxer vs. puncher clash.

The bookmakers see a razor-thin margin, listing Joshua at 1.93 and Zhang at 1.85. Joshua's mobility and jab control should dictate the pace, neutralizing Zhang's aggressive style over the rounds.

Given Joshua's proven resilience in high-stakes fights and the motivation from his comeback, backing him at these odds presents a solid value opportunity for a decision victory.

The upcoming bout between Anthony Joshua and Zhilei Zhang on December 31, 2025, presents an intriguing clash of styles and circumstances. Joshua, a former unified heavyweight champion, has faced setbacks but remains a formidable force in the division. His odds of 1.93 reflect his experience and ability to perform under pressure. On the other hand, Zhang’s recent knockout loss to Agit Kabayel raises questions about his durability at the highest level. Despite this, Zhang's power and aggression have earned him respect, with odds of 1.85 suggesting a competitive matchup.

Joshua’s technical prowess and ring IQ give him an edge over Zhang, who tends to rely heavily on his punching power. While Zhang has shown flashes of brilliance, his defensive vulnerabilities could be exploited by a fighter of Joshua’s caliber. Moreover, Joshua’s camp has been strategizing high-stakes fights against top-tier opponents like Tyson Fury, indicating he is preparing for battles of significant magnitude. This preparation may elevate his performance against Zhang.

Considering the odds and dynamics, backing Joshua seems prudent. His resilience and championship pedigree make him a reliable pick despite Zhang’s potential to cause an upset. The draw option at 19.00 is tempting but less likely given both fighters' aggressive tendencies.