Promoter Eddie Hearn expects former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder to take on Zhang Jirayi on a 5-on-5 card on DAZN on June 1 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Wilder still has the power and hand speed to win this fight, but if he gets nailed by southpaw Chan's big left hand, it could be the end for him. Zhang hits much harder than Tyson Fury, who stopped Wilder twice.
But Zhang won't rely on Wilder the way Fury did in his two wins, nor will he win using rabbit punches like he did.
losers may face the end
Two of the biggest knockout artists, Wilder (43-3-1, 42 KOs) and Chan (26-2-1, 21 KOs), will meet this summer in a 12-round contest with a lot of stakes. I don't think it's an exaggeration to say that those who lose the battle may have their careers over.
Zhang, 40, and Wilder, 38, both had lackluster performances in losses to Joseph Parker, unable to keep their hands off opponents who usually fail when fighting big punchers. Wilder and Chan lost just by being weak and fighting hard.
Hearn's belief in Wilder
“Your Excellency said, regarding the wild card nomination, we can find the best fighter possible. We looked at the heavyweights available. This guy has long been considered one of the most dangerous punchers in this division. I think he was alone,” promoter Eddie Hearn said at today’s 5-on-5 press conference about the Deontay Wilder vs. Ji-Ray Zhang fight.
“I think he's going to bounce back from the loss and come back more dangerous than ever. When I spoke to Mr. Shelley [Finkel], the team, and Deontay, this was the obvious choice. Deontay Wilder vs. Jirayi Zhang is a huge heavyweight bout between two punchers.
“We'll see what the future holds, but for one night, we'll work together, and I believe in this guy.” [Deontay] will make a real statement, return to the heavyweight scene and produce a great performance in Riyadh.
Frank Warren echoes the stakes
“Deontay, his career is in jeopardy, and so is Giray,” promoter Frank Warren said. “This is a big match. The winner of this will return to the top table. Everything is at stake. That's the competition. That's how competitive the fight will be.”
