A heavyweight crossroad fight between former WBC champions Deontay Wilder and Jiray Zhang is being negotiated for June 1 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Both fighters are coming off disappointing losses to Joseph Parker and need wins to keep their careers alive.
If this happens, it will be the undercard of the undisputed light heavyweight championship bout between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh.
double disappointment
The 38-year-old Wilder (43-3-1, 42 KOs) has lost three of his past four fights and was lackluster in his last fight against Parker on Dec. 23.
Wilder spent most of the match moving around the ring, not letting go of his hands, and appearing timid. He made the hoodie look good in comparison, which was difficult because hoodies entering the contest were considered washed up.
Former interim WBO champion Zhang (26-2-1, 21 KOs) lost a 12-round majority decision to Parker earlier this month on March 8 in Riyadh. Chan knocked down Parker twice but was unable to accelerate due to stamina issues. He looked too heavy to let go, as he did in back-to-back knockout wins over Joe Joyce.
“Deontay Wilder and Jiray Zhang are in the process of finalizing a deal for a June 1 bout in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, sources told ESPN. “This will be the undercard of the undisputed title fight between Tur Beterbiev and Dmitri Bivol, two monster punchers,” said Mike Coppinger. X.
And what is the point of this battle…?
Boxing fans on social media are less keen to see Wilder and Zhang fight, preferring to see other bouts involving the pair.
A rematch between Zhang and Parker would have made more sense. Many felt the two-time Olympian had done enough to deserve a win over Zhang.
In Wilder's case, he doesn't look 38 years old, but it doesn't matter who he fights. Whatever ambition and hunger the 2008 Olympic bronze medalist once had has evaporated after earning big money in three fights with Tyson Fury.
Wilder's two knockout losses in those fights also seemed to hurt his confidence, and he was afraid to face Parker.
The loser of the Wilder-Chang fight may have to retire as there aren't many big salary offers.
