Zhilei Zhang Vows to Take Out Deontay Wilder
Following his loss to Joseph Parker, Chinese professional boxer Zhilei Zhang, popularly known as “Big Bang Zhang,” has pledged to secure a knockout (KO) victory against American boxer Deontay Wilder. This ambitious assurance hints at Zhang’s determination, revealing his tenacity, despite the recent slip against Parker.
Membership in the Chinese group of elite heavyweight boxers is not without its trials and tribulations. This trio of Zhang, Wilder, and Parker has been described as a series of formidable “fighting pyramids.” However, the 39-year-old heavyweight boxer, Zhang, is not deterred, asserting, “I will KO Wilder.”
Zhang is displaying a tenacity that speaks volumes about his character following his match against Parker. He suffered his first career blemish after a majority draw against Jerry Forrest in February which resulted in his being out-pointed by Parker. However, he believes his fight against Parker was an aberration and he spoke out about his intentions moving forward, “I’m honest about the Parker loss.”
His defiance seems justified. Over the course of his career, Zhang has 22 KO with only one draw in 23 bouts. This record could cause anxiety for Wilder, who has also boasted a high KO percentage throughout his successful career. The two heavyweights share a similar record; both have recently suffered substantial boxing losses, which they certainly intend to rise above.
While Zhang was respectfully honest about his performance and his loss to Parker, he’s already looking ahead to his next challenge with a clear desire to make his mark. The Asian champion has a propensity to bounce back, as seen after his controversial draw against Forrest – a battle he was leading comfortably until he ran out of steam.
It is worth noting that Zhang’s draw against Forrest came about due to a late rally from his opponent. Hence, the ‘Big Bang’ code-named boxer will be hoping to resolve any conditioning challenges before his bout with Wilder. After all, Wilder, known as ‘The Bronze Bomber’, is a formidable opponent who has a long history of knocking out challengers.
For Zhang, the Wilder fight is more than just a comeback; it’s about proving a point to his fans, as well as his critics. His recent declarations indicate that he intends to go about his business differently. His rematch against Jerry Forrest, and subsequent meetings, could be a testimonial to that claim.
Much of the pre-match attention will focus on whether Zhang can bring about the knockout he has so boldly promised. Given that Wilder is one of the most clinical finishers in the heavyweight division, this is no small task for the Chinese boxer. However, the direction a boxing match takes is often determined by the mentality of the boxers entering the ring.
For Wilder, the fight with Zhang represents an opportunity to reclaim his heavyweight supremacy. After a grueling, back-to-back battle with Tyson Fury, he will be looking to avoid another defeat. After being dethroned and battered by Fury in a humbling knockout, Wilder’s reputation has taken a bit of a hit, and he’s eager to regain his position.
In conclusion, the boxing world eagerly awaits the face-off between Wilder and Zhang. If Zhang can fulfill his promise of a knockout, it will likely send shockwaves through the boxing ranks. As such, this match-up brings more than just powerful punches; it could potentially redefine the pecking order within the heavyweight boxing division.
