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Wilder vs. Zhang Breakdown

hasib

1 June 2024

Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang square off on June 1 in their heavyweight clash.

Both boxers have a point to prove. Wilder was out of the ring following his trilogy with Tyson Fury for over a year. He then defeated Robert Helenius in a first-round KO. His next fight against Joseph Parker was crucial. A win would have set up a two-fight deal with Anthony Joshua.

The loss prevented that, as Parker put on a disciplined performance to win a unanimous decision. Zhang has bounced back from his controversial defeat to Filip Hrgovic. He stopped Joe Joyce in consecutive fights, only to lose to Parker in his last fight. While Zhang lost the bout, he did drop Parker twice, showing his punch power. That has set up various predictions.

Wilder vs. Zhang

"I have never been a big backer of Deontay Wilder… nor Zhilei Zhang. When evaluating both, I feel Zhang is the perfect opponent for Wilder to get his grove back and some of his reputation as a finisher. Wilder has been beaten by good boxers who understand the use of space, and has problem with boxers that are quick fisted or faster with their feet. Zhang is none of those, but I do rate his toughness and ability to deliver shots at close range.

"I don’t think Zhang can crowd Wilder or cut off the ring, thus leaving that punching space Wilder wants to unfurl his long armed bombs. Unless Wilder is completely shot, I see him avoiding Zhang’s charges and countering at will, eventually catching Zhang so often his corner or referee is forced to step in before the halfway point has been reached. Going with a fifth round stoppage, probably by the referee jumping in as a barrage of punches leaves Zhang helpless in the corner," Martin Mulcahy (reporter)

"Strong punchers, according to Parker who fought them both. Wilder is training knowing this is his last chance at getting a title shot or he’ll have to retire. I see this fight at a slow pace, round after round. Both touching, when the explosion happens and Wilder right hand lands flush and hurts Zhang, he may not get dropped but the ref steps in and waves the fight off somewhere between six and eight rounds," Rudy Hernandez (trainer)

Tactics

Wilder and Zhang both have insane punch power. However, Zhang’s boxing skills will be key to set up the shots. The Chinese is known for controlling the distance and getting into range. He uses his southpaw stance, alongside his high guard to catch and parry shots. He then responds by hitting his opponents with counters. His right hook is an underrated weapon that stopped Joe Joyce in the second fight. Zhang will be looking to make this an inside fight, where Wilder is not the best on the defensive when he is backed up.

Wilder will be looking to get back to his older fighting style. When he boxed Parker, Wilder was boxing on the outside, losing his balance and unable to set up the right hand into range. Wilder must press the action and make Zhang work throughout the bout.

Wilder’s jab will be essential to keeping the distance, allowing him to then detonate his right hand. Zhang could be tailor-made for Wilder since he has little head movement and presents Wilder with a much bigger target. Zhang is also known for gassing out down the stretch.