Last Updated on May 29, 2024 7:44 pm by Erwin Noguera
Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang are set for a heavyweight showdown on June 1, 2024. This fight could represent the last chance for both men to defend themselves as the top contenders in the division.
Wilder (43-3-1, 42 KOs) is a former WBC heavyweight champion who defended his belt ten times between 2015 and 2020. However, the American has hit a rough patch of late, losing three of his last four fights, including his title to Tyson Fury. At 38 years old, Wilder’s window to regain his past glory is shrinking.
Meanwhile, China’s Zhang (26-2-1, 21 KOs) is looking for his path back into contention. He gave Joe Joyce a stiff challenge in two 2021 fights but came up short against Joseph Parker for the WBO interim belt last March. A win over Wilder would put Zhang back in the mix among the elite heavyweights.
With a lot at stake for both men, an exciting showdown is expected. This could be the last chance for either to prove themselves and get one more shot at a heavyweight crown before hanging up the gloves.
When and Where?
Saturday, June 1, 2:00 pm ET at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Ring walks time:
TBA
Moneyline odds:
Deontay Wilder 2.398
Zhilei Zhang 1.597
Where can I watch it?
DAZN and TNT Sports
Why Bet on Deontay Wilder?
Deontay Wilder’s career has taken a turn for the worse in recent years. After a long reign as WBC heavyweight champion, he lost the title to Tyson Fury in February 2020, being unable to regain it in their trilogy fight later that year.
Since the second Fury fight, Wilder has had a 1-3 record in his last four fights. He scored a first-round knockout over Robert Helenius in October 2022, but that remains his only win since 2019.
Most recently, he suffered a clear unanimous decision loss to Joseph Parker in December 2023. Parker outpointed him over 12 rounds, winning by scores of 119-109, 118-110 and 117-111. It was a crucial setback for his hopes of fighting Anthony Joshua and regaining a heavyweight title before retiring.
The Fury fights and the Parker loss shows Wilder struggling against high-level opponents compared to his best championship days. He was outclassed and appears to be declining at age 37. he desperately needs an impressive performance against Zhang to revive his career and get back into contention.
Why Bet on Zhilei Zhang?
Zhilei Zhang rose to fame in the heavyweight division with back-to-back fights against top contender Joe Joyce. Although his first bout ended in a controversial split draw, he was able to earn a unanimous decision victory in their rematch six months later.
Zhilei rode the momentum of those wins to earn a shot at the WBO interim heavyweight title against Joseph Parker in March. However, he came up short, losing a close 12-round unanimous decision to Parker.
Now he faces former WBC champion Deontay Wilder. This is a chance for Zhang to get back in the win column and knock off an established name in the heavyweight ranks. A win over Wilder would put him back in title contention.
Final Betting Analysis: Deontay Wilder vs. Zhilei Zhang
Deontay Wilder will need to use his most dangerous weapon, his devastating right hand if he hopes to get back in the win column against Zhang. Despite being 38 years old, he still has terrifying one-punch knockout power. He must get his big right hand behind his jab and look for openings to land cleanly on his foe’s chin.
If Zhang can avoid Wilder’s early power, he should be able to outbox him and win a decision. However, Deontay always possesses that one-punch knockout ability to finish a fight at any time. The older boxer must be very disciplined and not get caught in a give-and-take to pick up a win.
The Chinese boxer still has a long way to go in this division, we believe, so he’ll maintain his hopes alive after getting a close decision win over a desperate Wilder.
Deontay Wilder vs. Zhilei Zhang Betting Pick: Zhilei Zhang
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