Deontay Wilder close to finalising blockbuster bout against fearsome knockout artist Zhilei Zhang
03/22/2024 01:58 PM
Deontay Wilder is reportedly closing in on a crunch fight with Chinese star Zhilei Zhang in Saudi Arabia.
That is according to ESPN, who claim the bout is in the process of being finalised for June 1 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The fight will form part of the undercard for the undisputed title fight between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol.
With both men among the biggest hitters in the heavyweight division, it could make for a blockbuster showdown.
WIlder is looking to get back to winning ways following a shock defeat to Joseph Parker in December.
The Bronze Bomber fell to a wide-points defeat to the New Zealander, ending plans for a long-awaited fight with Anthony Joshua.
Zhang, who boasts 21 KO wins from his 26 victories, also lost on points against Parker when they faced off earlier this month.
Though he did manage to floor the ex-WBO champion twice to highlight his devastating power.
With both Wilder and Zhang appearing to be at a crossroads in their career, they know they must win if they wish to secure a future world title shot.
The high-stakes fight will come just two weeks after Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk face off for the undisputed heavyweight championship
That fight is scheduled for May 18 in Riyadh, meaning that both Wilder and Zhang will have their sights set on a potential heavyweight title clash in the future.
Fury recently teased that Wilder, who won the bronze medal at the 2008 Olympics, will be involved in a blockbuster bout next.
Speaking ahead of Parker’s win over Zhang, he said: “I think he can come back, sure.
"I think he's fighting again. I actually know he's fighting again, but I can't drop who and what date.
"It's coming soon. A massive fight with Wilder involved."
