Zhilei Zhang vs. Joseph Parker Preview and Betting Odds

It’s not the starring fight of the night, but the heavyweight clash between Zhilei Zhang and Joseph Parker will generate interest in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) heavyweight belt is at stake. 

New Zealander Parker had a shocking night in his fight against Deontay Wilder, as he defeated him by unanimous decision. 

To put a little more context, Wilder, a few years ago, starred in one of the most anticipated evenings against Tyson Fury. In other words, Parker defeated an elite puncher, so he had an opportunity to put his career in the zone of the most attractive fighters to negotiate fights with. 

Zhang is a great boxer, but his 40 years make believe that the Chinese-born fighter is living in one of the last chapters of his career. 

But make no mistake, his age does not make Zhang cannon fodder. On the contrary, he is a fighter who can crown a new victory for a very positive record. 

Notably, the main fight of this evening on Asian soil will star Anthony Joshua against Francis Ngannou. 

When and Where?

Friday, March 8, 11:00 am ET at the Kingdom Arena in Riad, Saudi Arabia

Ring Walks:

(Estimated) 4:50 PM ET 

Moneyline odds: 

Zhilei Zhang 1.58 

Joseph Parker 2.587 

Where To Watch: 

DANZ 

Why bet on Zhilei Zhang?

At the age of 40, Zhilei Zhang is one of the most recognized athletes of Chinese origin, thanks to his outstanding career, from amateurism to professionalism. 

In his last fight, he defeated Joe Joyce at Wembley, whom he had already knocked out in 2023. That is, twice he defeated him in the same year, and both times, he did not need all the rounds. 

These two victories of Zhang left behind the tough loss to Filip Hrgovic in 2022, a fight marked by the controversy of the cards. 

The Chinese fighter’s career has the following record: 26 victories, 21 of them by knockout, one defeat, and only one draw. In addition, it should be remembered that he was a silver medalist in the 2008 Olympic Games. 

He is considered the seventh best in the world in his category, and it is worth mentioning that he is currently training in the United States. 

Why bet on Joseph Parker?

Joseph Parker wants to win the vacant WBO heavyweight title, but to do so, he will need a magical night, the kind he has shown in the past. In December of last year, he achieved the most important victory of his career, defeating Deontay Wilder, considered one of the best in the world at this weight and probably the strongest hand in the boxing universe. 

Parker is ranked third in the world in his weight class, in part, by outpointing Wilder. His record is 34 wins, 23 KOs, and three draws, being knocked out once. 

The last of his defeats came in September 2022, when he lost in Great Britain to Joe Joyce, being his only loss by way of a stoppage. After that, he accumulates four wins, beating Faiga Opelu, Simon Jean, Jack Massey, and the aforementioned Wilder. 

The 1.93-meter reach can be a highlight for the New Zealander, who if he beats the Chinese, will not only get a world title but will be able to look for a bigger fight. 

Final Betting Analysis – Zhilei Zhang vs. Joseph Parker

Experience vs. the power of surprise and momentum. The Chinese fighter is a veteran of one thousand battles since amateurism, while the New Zealand native has more professional fights, but is eight years younger.

At Gambyl Exchange we find that Zhilei Zhang is the favorite of the match with a Moneyline of 1.58, while Joseph Parker has 2.587. 

This is expected to be an outstanding fight because both are experienced fighters. However, the triumph in Saudi Arabia will go to the Chinese fighter, who will celebrate his 27th victory by a KO in the eighth round. 

Go for a win in Zhilei Zhang’s Moneyline. If you bet $100 on the win at 1.58, you will gain $58 for a total payout of $158. 

Zhilei Zhang vs. Joseph Parker Betting Pick: Zhilei Zhang