Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang both looked intense, ready for war during their face-off today at the final press conference ahead of their heavyweight match this Saturday.
Wilder’s Ready to Risk it All
I’ve watched many of Wilder’s past face-offs, but I’ve never seen him with the steely look he showed today. It was like he was ready to unleash one of his powerful right hands on the spot against ‘Big Bang’ Zhang (26-2-1, 21 KOs).
Promoter Eddie Hearn’s encouragement of former WBC heavyweight champion Wilder (43-3-1, 42 KOs) seems to have worked, or it could be that he realizes that if he loses, this is the end of his career. He’s a done a great job of buttering up the Bronze Bomber, telling him he can still be one of the top fighters in the sport, and making him believe in himself.
Those pep talks Hearn has been doing with Wilder have him looking like he’s ready to walk through fire for the Matchroom promoter. If Deontay can pull off a knockout, it would be a huge turnaround and a great promotional tool for Hearn to lure other fighters to his company.
Whatever it is, Wilder seems ready for war, prepared to leave the safety of his foxhole and tread through the battlefield, risking everything to try and win for Hearn, Matchroom, and, more importantly, his career.
Zhang’s Accusations: Is Hearn Kissing Wilder’s A?
“He’s right. When he knocks Zhang spark out, he’s going to be one of the biggest names in the sport. So, of course, I want to have a good relationship with him,” said promoter Eddie Hearn to Boxing King Media, when told that Zhilei Zhang said that the’s ‘Kissing Wilder’s a**.’
“Look, I’m working with one of the most exciting, one of the most renowned, and one of the most commercially explosive fighters in the world. I want to work with Deontay Wilder long after Saturday night,” Hearn continued.
“It’s an amazing card and an amazing concept. It’s nice,” said Hearn about the $3 million bonus if this Matchroom Boxing team is victorious. “Me and Frank have got to get paid. So, there’s a lot on the line for us as well.
“I’ve got 15 years in the game of being the biggest promoter in the world. Now, working with His Excellency is an unbelievable blessing. My business is in an incredible position,” said Hearn.
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