Zhilei Zhang still considers Deontay Wilder a dangerous prospect despite the American’s lackluster performance against Joseph Parker on December 23.
Zhang (26-2-1, 21 KOs) will face Wilder (43-3-1, 42 KOs) on June 1 in arguably the highlight pick of the anticipated 5 vs 5 tournament between Matchroom Boxing and Queensberry, which will serve as the undercard to Dmitrii Bivol’s WBA light-heavyweight title defense against Malik Zinad in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Like Wilder, Zhang also returns after losing to Joseph Parker. On March 8, he suffered a majority decision defeat and lost his WBO mandatory challenger status as a consequence.
Wilder, following his arrival in Saudi Arabia ahead of this weekend’s event, rued being absent from the ring for almost two years before his defeat to Parker late last year.
The Chinese contender spoke to FightHub TV to preview Saturday’s fight with Wilder. Zhang stated that both he and the American have points to prove following their respective defeats to the former WBO world heavyweight champion Parker.
“I know he’s [Wilder} coming to beat me. I know he’s coming to try to win and has something to prove. So do I. Saturday night’s going to be fantastic,” Zhang said.
“He didn’t look so good in that fight,” Zhang said, when asked about Wilder’s showing against J Parker. “I don’t know what he’s been through personally in his training camp, but I know this fight he’s prepared for. I think he’s coming, trying to win.”
Following his defeat to Parker, Wilder endured comments that he was past his best but Zhang still believes Wilder is a considerable threat.
“He is still the dangerous Deontay Wilder from a few years ago; at least, I look at him that way,” said Zhang. “But he wants to make his comeback and wants to return. I won’t give him the opportunity.”
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