During the final press conference, Zhilei Zhang made a bold claim that promoter Eddie Hearn chose Deontay Wilder as his team captain for his Matchroom stable simply to “kiss his a**” in hopes of signing a promotional contract with him. This accusation brought a laugh out of the crowd and raised eyebrows in the boxing community. It’s uncertain whether Zhang’s statement holds any truth, but it certainly adds an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming fight between the two heavyweights.
The upcoming 12-round heavyweight fight between Wilder and Zhang is set to take place this Saturday, June 1st, live on DAZN PPV. Both fighters are coming into this bout off of recent losses, making this a crucial fight for their careers. With their marketability on the line, the pressure to perform and secure a victory is higher than ever for these aging fighters.
Deontay Wilder, known for his “Bronze Bomber” persona, exudes confidence and bravado leading up to the fight. He claims to have a warrior mentality and is willing to go to any lengths to secure a victory in the ring. However, words alone may not be enough to overcome the challenges he faces in the ring, especially if his punch resistance has deteriorated.
Zhang’s Critique of Wilder
Zhilei Zhang has not held back in his critique of Deontay Wilder, stating that the former WBC champion may be “out of ammo” and lacking the firepower needed to defeat him. Zhang’s confidence and bold statements have added an extra layer of tension to the fight, casting doubt on Wilder’s ability to go the distance against the hard-hitting Zhang.
Promoter Eddie Hearn has denied Zhang’s claim that he chose Wilder as his Matchroom team captain to secure a promotional contract. Hearn praises Wilder as one of the most exciting and feared fighters in the world, emphasizing his potential for a comeback after a defeat. Despite Zhang’s accusations, Hearn remains steadfast in his belief in Wilder’s abilities and marketability as a heavyweight boxer.
The upcoming fight between Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang is filled with anticipation and controversy. Zhang’s bold claim and critique of Wilder has added an extra layer of tension to the bout, making it a must-watch event for boxing fans. As both fighters look to redeem themselves after recent losses, the stakes have never been higher. Only time will tell who will emerge victorious in this high-stakes heavyweight showdown.