Deontay Wilder vs Zhilei Zhang Would Be A Crossroads Fight
One-time WBC heavyweight champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder (43-3-1, 42KO) is rumored to soon face Zhilei “Big Bang” Zhang (26-2-1, 21KO). The loser of this potential fight could see their career come to an end.
The boxing news cycle is buzzing after ESPN revealed that a deal is in the works that puts The Bronze Bomber against Big Bang. Furthermore, the two fighters will supposedly fight in the location where they both suffered recent losses, in Saudi Arabia, on June 1.
The 40-year-old Big Bang was within an eyeshot of a possible title fight after scoring two devastating knockouts against Joe Joyce in 2023. However, he lost the WBO interim title and a possible title fight against former WBO champion Joseph Parker on March 8. Ranked #2 (WBO), Zhang has to win to remain in the title picture.
The Bronze Bomber is probably at the biggest disadvantage going into this fight. He also suffered a huge upset at the hands of Parker in 2023. That defeat was costly as Wilder missed out on a major financial fight against two-time unified champion Anthony Joshua. In addition, at 38 years old, Wilder has taken beatings in fights against WBC champion Tyson Fury.
A MUST-WIN SITUATION FOR BOTH FIGHTERS
Many feel Wilder is at a disadvantage because he has lost his hunger. His trainer, Malik Scott, admitted that Wilder couldn’t pull the trigger against Parker.
It is a must-win situation for both fighters, as they can’t afford another defeat on their resume. In addition, whoever loses could find themselves out of boxing due to diminished marketability.
Given their rankings with the WBC (Zhang #9, Wilder #7), there is a chance the organization could make the fight a title eliminator. If they fight, it will be interesting to see which fighter moves forward and what fate awaits the loser.
