According to most, Joseph Parker was supposed to be a tenuous stepping stone for Deontay Wilder. We all know what the end goal was, a dinner date with Anthony Joshua. All that Wilder needed to do was knock Parker’s head off his shoulders, something he had done to practically everyone not named Tyson Fury.
But, no matter how great Wilder has proven to be, he isn’t a prophet. On December 23rd, he was thoroughly outclassed, even losing every round according to one judge sitting ringside. As Wilder attempts to clear the fog around his future, Parker’s is looking very bright.
The 31-year-old is facing someone who was also desperate for a high-level opponent.
Zhilei Zhang spent his 2023 walking through Joyce on two separate occasions. Now, much like Parker, he was looking for a worthy opponent and a gigantic payday. With both men seemingly needing each other, a matchup between them was finalized for March 8 in Saudi Arabia – as part of the card that features a crossover clash between Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou.
Zhang believes the fight with Parker will steal the show.
“I really think my fight against Parker will be very exciting, and possibly the most exciting of the night. Under normal circumstances, our fight would be the main event. But these amazing cards in Saudi Arabia presented by His Excellency are so special, that I’m just happy to play a part in one of them,” Zhang said.
“The fight against Parker will be very different than the fight against Joyce. My preparation, approach, and game plan will be different for Parker. Parker performed great against Deontay Wilder and anything can happen in boxing. I am expecting a tough fight, but I think I will win by knockout for sure. I have the power to win in style.”