Zhilei Zhang defeated Deontay Wilder in June, largely dominating the contest before scoring a stoppage but not before he felt the American’s infamous right hand.
The two big-punching heavyweights met in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in a high stakes contest given their ages – Zhang 41, Wilder 39. It was China’s ‘Big Bang’ who proved superior, landing a counter right hook in the fifth round to spin ‘The Bronze Bomber’ on his heels before following up with a second shot that laid him out.
Not long before, Wilder – who has produced 42 knockouts from 43 wins and fancies himself as the heaviest hitter in boxing history – had landed his most significant shot of the contest.
Speaking to Seconds Out, Zhang said the power ‘lives up to the hype.’
“He’s very powerful. His power lives up to the hype. I was able to take away his power in my own way so he couldn’t land that much, but in the fifth round he did land a punch and I definitely felt it, but I ate it and moved forward.”
There was a general feeling in the aftermath that Wilder, who was coming off a points loss to Joseph Parker after a bout of inactivity, would retire. Zhang says it is a decision only he can make, refusing to advise either way.
“That’s a question only he can answer. If he chooses to stay in the ring, I wish him the best moving forward. If he chooses to hang them up, I believe that he has made enough money to take care of his family, and I wish him good health.”
Zhang has since said he believes Wilder has more to offer in the ring. The American agrees having confirmed he will fight on, though hasn’t yet secured a comeback date.
Despite many criticising his fundamental skills over the years, there’s little doubt that, if firing, the American can turn any bout on its head. He has said he is open to facing former UFC Champion Francis Ngannou.
