BY TOM IVERS
May 8, 2024
Source: Boxing Scene
Photo Source: Boxing Scene
Zhilei Zhang and Deontay Wilder meet in a must-win heavyweight clash as part of the Matchroom-Queensbury 5v5 card on June 1 in Saudi Arabia. Both men are coming off losses to former world titleholder Joseph Parker, and defeat in June could spell the end for either one.
Zhang came into his clash against Parker as a big favorite after earning two stoppage victories over Joe Joyce, securing a devastating knockout over the seemingly iron-chinned Joyce in their second encounter. Zhang has admitted that he overlooked Parker but has made changes to ensure the same does not happen against Wilder.
“I made a big mistake underestimating Parker,” Zhang told the Queensberry Promotions YouTube channel. “I had to admit it happened. At the same time, I learned a lot from that fight, we came back, we analyzed every little detail, and we corrected our mistakes. I believe the next fight, it’s gonna be a new me. We did make a few adjustments; we have nutritionist Chris Algieri, who’s helping us remotely … as you can see my face is trimming down already. I feel a lot better, but the power is still there.”
Zhang looked like he was set to secure himself another stoppage victory when he dropped Parker in Round 3 of their fight in March. But instead of finishing the job, he took his foot off the gas and, even after dropping Parker again in Round 8, allowed his opponent to box to a decision victory.
“When I look at that fight, I could have won that fight pretty easily,” Zhang said. “But at the end of the day, I did underestimate Parker and, especially in the third round when I dropped him, I got really happy. Towards the later rounds, [Parker] started to change his strategy and started to duck down and clinch. That totally broke my rhythm.”
Zhang is now set to face Wilder in a must-win fight for both men. Wilder is known for his concussive power, having dropped every opponent he has faced (apart from Parker). Zhang is relishing the challenge of putting his power to the test against Wilder’s, and insisted the judges will not be needed.
“I don’t think this fight goes the distance because when Chinese power meets Alabama power, we’re gonna bang the hell out of each other,” he said. “This fight is not going to go the distance. ‘The Big Bang’ will bomb ‘The Bomber.’”
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