Wilder’s trainer Malik Scott previews Zhang showdown
It seems as though Deontay Wilder (43-3-1, 42KO) and Zhilei Zhang (26-2-1, 21KO) are on a collision course and now Wilder’s trainer has predicted what might happen.
Both of these heavyweights are coming off losses to the same man.
Wilder was beaten on points back in December 2023 by Joseph Parker, who managed to keep the fearsome American puncher moving backwards all fight long, completely unable to trigger his right hand, while Zhang took on Parker in March and also lost on points.However, the Chinese giant managed to knock the former WBO belt holder down twice during the match, but tired as the fight progressed and failed to capitalise on his early success against the mobile opponent.
With Wilder and Zhang now set to face one another, the American’s coach, Malik Scott, has been speaking to Instant Casinos about the upcoming contest.
“Nothing’s finalised in boxing until it’s finalised, but that looks like the route that we are going down.
“It’s a very dangerous fight, but at the same time a very winnable fight. After the performance we had last time we know the chips are stacked against us. We know what most people are thinking, but when Deontay is on, and he is disciplined, and following gameplans, he’s still the best heavyweight in the world, to me.
“I do not have less belief in him, it was just a bad night at the office, I’ve seen the best of them have those nights.”
He then assessed what problems the six-foot-six Zhang poses.
“Zhang is dangerous, but I’m very comfortable and happy with the fight because big Zhang is someone who makes you stay alert and makes you stay elusive, he’s a big man and he can punch but we know what we have to do to operate on him and do surgery on him and that’s what we are going to do.
“It’s going to be a surgical performance. What I really like about the fight is how dangerous Zhang is, a very dangerous opponent and that’s going to make Deontay even better.”
Wilder had his traditional offering of rather odd excuses after his last loss, so he will be hoping to get back to winning ways this time out.