Eddie Hearn believes the career of one of the biggest names in the sport is on the line in his next fight.
Hearn returns to Saudi Arabia next weekend just two weeks after attending the undisputed clash between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury. This time, the stakes will be more personal, as five fighters from his roster take on five from Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions.
After Artur Beterbiev had to withdraw from his bout against Dmitry Bivol due to injury, the showdown between two heavy hitters, Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang was elevated to the main even slot.
In events nobody could have foreseen just months ago, Wilder, who has always had a frosty relationship with Hearn, will be representing Matchroom and has been made team captain, earning double points for a win.
When speaking to Seconds Out, Hearn didn’t mince his words when he stressed how important it was for ‘The Bronze Bomber’ to get his hand raised next week.
“Obviously spoke to him in the build up last time when we were doing the press stuff in Saudi.
He looks great and ready to go. I’ll get into him this week, make sure he’s up for it which he will be, his career’s on the line at a high level of the sport.”
The fight is seen as a must win for the pair, who are both coming off decision losses to Joseph Parker.
Parker believes it will be the Chinese heavyweight who’ll be facing retirement come the final bell.
“You know what, I’m edging towards Deontay Wilder.
I know Zhang is very powerful himself and he’s dangerous for the first half of the fight. Both guys have a lot to prove and they’re going to come to try and make a statement.
Whoever wins will move on to bigger fights and whoever loses will move closer to retirement and probably fighting lower profile fights. It’s a must win fight for both men.”
Wilder vs Zhang takes place on June 1 in Saudi Arabia.
