Heavyweight knockout artist, Chinese boxer Zhilei Zhang, made a startling statement recently, lambasting former WBC Champion, Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder. “Wilder IS OUT OF AMMO!” declared the Olympic silver medallist. Zhang also took a shot at British promoter Eddie Hearn, asserting: “Hearn only made him Captain TO KISS HIS A**!”
Zhang’s controversial comments come amidst heightened debates in the combat sports community about who is the current best in the boxing’s heavyweight division. According to Zhang, Wilder, who has been one of the division’s most dominant figures recently, is past his prime and no longer the force he once was.
Deontay Wilder, known for his magnificent right-hand knockouts, has been in a career hiatus since February 2020. This was after a disheartening loss to Tyson Fury in their rematch, where he was dethroned as the WBC heavyweight champion. Wilder’s absence from the boxing ring has led to speculation about his future, which Zhang’s recent comments have only intensified.
“Wilder IS OUT OF AMMO!” Zhang boldly claimed. This statement is metaphorically asserting that Wilder’s knockout power, compared to large ammunition, might have depleted. Coming from Zhang, a professional heavyweight who understands the tolls of the sport and the diminishing abilities, these comments could carry some weight. Yet, only Wilder stepping back into the ring can prove Zhang’s assertion.
Zhang also took a swipe at Eddie Hearn, the renowned promoter of British boxing stars like Anthony Joshua. Zhang believes that Wilder’s captain’s role, that Hearn had offered, was nothing more than a superficial, political move. “Hearn only made him Captain TO KISS HIS A**!” Zhang outrightly stated. Alleging that Hearn is attempting to remain in Wilder’s good books by elevating him to a position, Zhang challenges the legitimacy of Wilder’s role as captain.
However, Eddie Hearn has previously stated that Wilder’s appointment as captain was not a mere formality, but a recognition of Wilder’s talent and power. Hearn has been known to praise Wilder’s achievements in the ring, often highlighting Wilder’s undefeated 42-fight streak before his defeat to Fury.
Regardless of the validity of Zhang’s statements, they have certainly stirred up debate among boxing enthusiasts who are eagerly anticipating the return of Deontay Wilder. Zhang’s pronouncement will either motivate Wilder to prove doubters like Zhang wrong or fuel speculations of Wilder’s expiration date in professional boxing.
It’s crucial to remember that the boxing ring is the ultimate decider. Zhang’s statements seem to challenge both Wilder and Hearn to back their reputations with results in the ring. Wilder’s track record and knockout power demand respect, whereas Hearn has a proven record of successful promotions and talent grooming, which bolsters their credibility.
Zhilei Zhang’s recent comments have undoubtedly added an intriguing twist to the ongoing heavyweight boxing narrative. The Chinese giant, known for his knockout power and remarkable consistency in the ring, has thrown down the gauntlet to Wilder and Hearn. Stepping up to respond lies in the hands of Deontay Wilder and Eddie Hearn. Whether Wilder is really out of ammo, and whether Hearn’s deference towards Wilder is genuine, only time (and perhaps another heavyweight showdown) will tell.
Certainly, this controversy has added an unforeseen twist to the heavyweight picture and opened a new chapter in the ongoing saga of achieving heavyweight supremacy.
