“Big Bang“ Zhang Wants to Fight Wilder Next!
Zhilei “Big Bang” Zhang (26-1-1, 21 KOs) and former WBC heavyweight kingpin Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” (43-3-1, 42 KOs) Wilder are two prominent fixtures in the division. They could be on a collision course. At this point in Wilder’s career, is Zhang the man he should consider getting in the ring with?
As 3kingsboxing previously discussed, Anthony Joshua will face MMA star Francis Ngannou in March 2024 in Saudi Arabia . Zhang has eyes on fighting on that card. During an interview with media outlet Boxing News, the giant lefty from China revealed that his team is currently in talks to face Wilder on the undercard of Joshua versus Ngannou.
(Translated from Chinese) “I open my arms to a fight with Wilder, and that would be a great bang for the sport of boxing . . . I don’t have a problem with that fight. I would say yes, right now.
So, I think the ball will be in his hand pretty soon, and let’s see what comes up.”
BARKING UP THE WRONG TREE?
Wilder is coming off a stunning unanimous decision loss to Joseph Parker on December 23 in Saudi Arabia. Lethargic, tentative, and looking uninspired throughout that contest, the Alabama native was puzzled by his performance in defeat. It has led to speculation throughout the boxing community that Wilder is on the downslide as a fighter.
Big Bang has size, an excellent jab, and underrated hand speed for his size, as well as decent power in both hands. Additionally, he has the kind of demeanor in the ring that puts opponents in fight-or-flight mode. Wilder appears to lack the zest to compete and perform at the highest level. If he no longer has the fire in his belly, he will meet a similar fate in a fight with Zhang as he did in his previous fight against Parker.
