Following a statement stoppage of Deontay Wilder, Zhilei Zhang has another former world champion in his sights.
‘Big Bang’ dropped and stopped the hard-hitting American in the fifth round of their heavyweight bout in Riyadh, breathing new life into his career at 41 years of age. For Wilder on the other hand, retirement is a real and likely option.
Speaking to Fight Hub TV about the fight, the Chinese heavyweight said the stoppage was the correct decision.
“All around great fighter. I give him a lot of respect. His power is still there. He hit me with a couple of shots [and] I felt it. But I was the better man tonight.
I was able to stay cool, calm and collected. I was patient. That’s the key to win the fight today. I was cutting the ring off, pushing him into the corner. At the same time I was causing nerves – he is worried about my power too. I believe that patience is the key today.
I was using a lot of feints to set up [the stoppage]. I knew he was going to counterpunch. I believe he was into my trap … He got up but mentally he was not there. If the fight continues it’s going to cause more damage. The ref did the right thing.”
Asked who he would like to step through the ropes with next, Zhang named Joseph Parker – who handed him his second career loss back in March – or Anthony Joshua, a former opponent from the London 2012 Olympics.
“I have options. The Joe Parker rematch. AJ doesn’t have an opponent yet, so I’ll bang anyone.”
Joshua will return to the ring in September, but is more likely to face Daniel Dubois following his impressive victory over IBF number one Filip Hrgovic on the same card.
