Jarrell Miller expects a knockout in Zhilei Zhang vs Deontay Wilder heavyweight clash
Heavyweight contender Jarrell Miller (26-1-1, 22KO) expects fireworks when Deontay Wilder (43-3-1, 42KO) collides with Zhilei Zhang (26-2-1, 21KO), a fight that he anticipates ending in brutal fashion.
The two destructive punchers will square off in the ring on June 1, featuring as one of the 5v5 fights between Matchroom and Queensbury in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Matchroom Boxing boss Eddie Hearn has made Wilder the captain of his team, but Miller still believes that the 38-year-old will not recover from Zhang’s signature shot when it eventually lands.
Speaking to Boxing News, the 35-year-old said: “Chinaman gonna knock him out. Chinaman trains in New York. I sparred Chinaman, you know, he’s a good, durable guy.
“He’s mean, he throws leather, and everybody he’s fought so far has either been dropped or hurt.
“We all know that Deontay’s super chinny, and if [Zhang] lands that big left on him, he’s gonna get him out of there.”
Despite Wilder’s bitter rivalry with Hearn – back when negotiations for his fight against Anthony Joshua collapsed – it seems that the pair have now settled their differences.
With Wilder and Zhang bouncing back from losses against Joseph Parker, their showdown almost represents a must-win fight for both heavyweights, as they look to catapult themselves back into the mix at world level.
While Zhang was not gifted the captaincy status by Queensbury promoter Frank Warren, he will certainly have the confidence to negate Wilder’s infamous power, just as Miller testifies after sparring the Chinaman.
Headlining the card – which will feature four other mouthwatering bouts between Matchroom and Queensbury fighters – is an undisputed light heavyweight clash between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol.
With the eagerly awaited matchup finally coming to fruition, it seems that, at least in Saudi Arabia, there is an endless supply of blockbuster nights.
British heavyweight Frazer Clarke disagrees with Miller’s verdict, instead opting for Wilder to outlast Zhang, “I don’t think he’s going to be great in the second half of the fight.”