Deontay Wilder vs. Zhilei Zhang: Fight Odds, Live Stream, Predictions
There are several reasons to tune into Queensbury and Matchroom's unique 5v5 pay-per-view event in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, with the heavyweight clash between Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang being a primary attraction.
The card features five bouts that pit promoters Frank Warren and Eddie Hearn against each other. Five of Warren's Queensbury fighters will face Hearn's Matchroom boxers, including two world championship fights.
Dmitry Bivol will defend his WBA light heavyweight title against Malik Zinad, but much of the attention will be on Deontay Wilder's return to the ring since his upset loss to Joseph Parker. He'll take on Queensbury's Zhilei Zhang in a heavyweight bout between two knockout artists who both lost to Parker. Here’s all the info you need to catch the bout, along with a preview and prediction.
**Fight Info and Odds**
- **When:** Saturday, June 1 at 2 p.m. ET
- **Where:** Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- **Live Stream:** DAZN
- **Odds:** Zhang -150 (bet $150 to win $100); Wilder +120 (bet $100 to win $120)
Preview
There might not be a belt on the line, but there's plenty at stake for these two aging heavyweights. Wilder, at 38, is three years younger than the 41-year-old Zhang.
It’s fair to question how much either fighter has left to give. The winner can stay relevant in the heavyweight division, which currently lacks star power, while the loser might need to consider retirement.
Motivation and career implications are crucial in this fight as neither man is known for high-volume punching. Wilder is a pure knockout artist who aims to end fights rather than win rounds. This approach cost him against Parker, and it’s a key storyline to watch.
Similarly, Zhang struggles over long distances. He hasn’t won a decision since 2019, losing a majority decision to Parker and a unanimous decision to Filip Hrgović in 2022. Zhang tends to finish fights early or fade in the later rounds.
The fight might feature early action followed by fatigue-induced lapses as it progresses.
PrThis bout is nearly a coin flip. Zhang could end it early if he catches Wilder in the first few rounds. Conversely, if Wilder can't land his powerful right hand, he’ll struggle. Both fighters are capable of finishing the fight quickly but are also relatively durable.
Wilder's conditioning might be the deciding factor. Although he isn’t known for winning rounds, he could be fresher in the later stages and score another highlight-reel knockout.
**Prediction: Wilder via ninth-round TKO**
0 Comments