By: Sean Crose
Deontay Wilder’s unexpected defeat to Joseph Parker in Saudi Arabia last December might have served as a wake-up call for him to revive his career. While many thought that Wilder’s loss marked the end of his dominance as a top heavyweight boxer, the world of boxing is renowned for its unpredictability. Recently, it was revealed that Wilder is set to fight Zhilei Zhang on June 1st, and there are talks of a potential fight with the undefeated Jared Anderson on August 3rd.
Despite both Wilder and Zhang coming off losses to Parker, Zhang is currently seen as the favorite to win against Wilder in their upcoming match in Saudi Arabia. This could be due to Wilder’s underwhelming performance against Parker, but Wilder’s remarkable punching power should not be overlooked. Both fighters are known for their knockout abilities, setting the stage for an exciting showdown that could significantly impact the winner’s career.
If Wilder manages to defeat Zhang and potentially Anderson, he could position himself for another shot at a heavyweight title, despite previously losing his WBC title to Tyson Fury. On the other hand, a victory over Wilder would grant Zhang and Anderson substantial recognition as they strive to ascend in the heavyweight division rankings. While a Wilder-Anderson bout is not yet confirmed, Saudi official Turki Alalshikh has indicated interest in arranging the fight following Wilder’s clash with Zhang on June 1st, showcasing his influence in the boxing community.
