May 29th 2024.
Zhang is gearing up for a highly anticipated match against Deontay Wilder this weekend. The Chinese heavyweight is determined to physically dominate Wilder, just like Tyson Fury did in their previous bout. This match is part of the Matchroom vs Queensberry ‘5 vs 5’ event in Saudi Arabia, where the two boxing promoters, Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren, have selected the best fighters from their stables to compete against each other.
Zhang, who has previously worked with Warren in his recent victories over Joe Joyce, will be representing Queensberry, while Wilder has put an end to his long-standing feud with Hearn to join his team. While the unique team format of the event has garnered a lot of attention, Zhang's main focus is on his own world title aspirations. He sees this match as an opportunity to potentially end Wilder's career.
Wilder, who was once the WBC champion, suffered a major defeat at the hands of Joseph Parker six months ago. This loss was a major setback for the much-anticipated match between Wilder and Anthony Joshua. Zhang, who also lost to Parker in his last fight, had a great year in 2023 and is still very much in the running for a world title shot.
Standing at an imposing 6ft 6inch, Zhang is already one of the most physically intimidating figures in the heavyweight division. He plans to take a page out of Fury's book and bulk up to gain the same knockout power that demolished Wilder in their second fight in 2020. Fury continued to put on muscle for their third fight 18 months later, and Zhang aims to do the same to bully Wilder in the ring.
Zhang revealed, "I have actually put on a lot of weight for this fight to prepare for Deontay Wilder. From watching Tyson Fury's fights against Wilder, I believe Fury had some wonderful success when he put on a lot of weight. He was punching a lot harder and was also able to absorb Wilder's power." He further added that he currently weighs around 295lbs, which is his personal record. He respects Wilder's dangerousness but believes that his approach will change the dynamics of the fight.
Wilder was the undefeated world champion for five years until Fury's stunning victory over him. Since then, Wilder has only fought twice, with a first-round knockout win over Robert Helenius and a defeat to Parker in December 2021. During that match, Wilder failed to display his infamous destructive power, and his future in the sport was called into question.
Zhang acknowledges Wilder's ferocious punching power, saying, "I don't know how much he has changed over the years, but one thing that certainly hasn't changed and will probably never change is the horrific right hand that can finish anyone. So when I go into that ring, I am doing it with extra caution." However, Zhang also possesses his own explosive power, as seen in his two victories over Joe Joyce last year.
Representing a team in professional boxing is a new experience for both Zhang and Wilder, who have only competed as individuals before. Zhang represented his country in the 2012 Olympics, but he is proud to be part of a team for this match. He said, "For me, boxing has always been an individual sport. But this time we fight as a team. Win or lose, we are a team. So this concept has certainly given me extra power to fight for the glory."
Despite fighting as part of a team, Zhang's ultimate goal is to progress his own career. At 41 years old, time is of the essence, especially after Oleksandr Usyk's recent victory over Fury, which made him the undisputed heavyweight champion for the first time in 25 years. Zhang is determined to put himself at the front of the line for a shot at the title by defeating Wilder and leaving him on the canvas. He firmly stated, "My goal has never changed – to fight for that world title belt. I want the belt. I am not sure which belt will be available next or what the circumstances will be, but my goal has never changed, and we will be waiting for our chance."
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