Boxing Rumors: Deontay Wilder in Talks With Zhilei Zhang for Saudi Arabia Showdown; Target Date Revealed

The boxing world buzzes with anticipation. Deontay Wilder, the former WBC heavyweight champion, is eyeing a comeback. Wilder’s record? An impressive 43-3-1, with 42 KOs. But can he reclaim his past glory? Across the ring stands Zhilei Zhang, a formidable opponent. Zhang’s record boasts 26-2-1, with 21 KOs.

The stage is reportedly being set for a massive showdown in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on June 1. Both fighters have something to prove. Wilder wants to show he’s still a heavyweight titan. Zhang aims to solidify his standing after his recent loss. What more is in store? Someone has an answer.

Mike Coppinger recently set the boxing community abuzz with his tweet: “Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang are in the process of finalizing a deal for a June 1 fight in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, sources told ESPN. The heavyweight bout will take place on the undercard of the Artur Beterbiev-Dmitry Bivol undisputed title fight. Two monster punchers.” This potential clash has fans on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting confirmation.

Deontay Wilder, once at the pinnacle of the heavyweight division as the WBC champion, faced a setback in his recent outing last year. He lost to Joseph Parker in a unanimous decision, a defeat that marked his third loss in his last four fights. Wilder’s performance against Parker raised questions about his future in boxing, yet the former champion is now ready to step into the limelight once again.

Deontay Wilder meets the Big Bang for a shot at redemption

Meanwhile, Zhilei Zhang has been riding a wave of momentum, despite a recent stumble. Before his loss, also to Joseph Parker in a majority decision, the Chinese Southpaw Zhang secured two consecutive KO victories over Joe Joyce, showcasing his power and resilience in the ring. These wins positioned him as a formidable contender in the heavyweight division. However, his latest match against Parker did not go as planned, and Zhang faced a decision loss, halting his ascent within the heavyweight ranks.

As this match is set to unfold on the undercard of the much-anticipated Dmitry Bivol vs. Artur Beterbiev bout, it not only provides the Bronze Bomber and the Big Ban a platform for redemption but also enhances an event that boxing enthusiasts have marked as a must-watch.

Both fighters find themselves at a crossroads. As negotiations finalize, the boxing world watches closely, anticipating a match that promises to be both a test of will and a display of sheer power.

Read more: Carlos Takam Remains Honest on Deontay Wilder’s Recent Loss; Ready to Fight Him: “Talks Sh*t, He Can’t Play Too Much”

So, as June 1 approaches, one can’t help but wonder: will this be the moment Deontay Wilder reclaims his glory, or will Zhilei Zhang write his own chapter in the annals of boxing history?