In a recent interview, Tyson Fury expressed his belief that his close friend, Joseph Parker, has the upper hand in his upcoming fight against WBO interim heavyweight champion, Zhilei Zhang. Fury is confident that Parker’s youth, at 32 years old, will give him an advantage over the 40-year-old Zhang when they face off in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Despite Zhang being older, he is favored to win by oddsmakers, who have doubts about Parker’s abilities following his victory over Deontay Wilder.
Fury commented on Zhang’s skills, noting that although he may not appear as big in person as he does on television, he is still a formidable and awkward fighter. As a former WBO champion, Parker is facing a challenging opponent in Zhang, who is currently fighting at a higher level than any of Parker’s previous opponents in the last six years. This matchup will be a test of Parker’s abilities and will determine whether he is ready to compete with the top-ranked heavyweights in the division.
Age Factor and Experience
Despite Parker’s youth, Fury believes that he should have the edge over the older Zhang. He praised Parker for his improvements as a fighter and highlighted the influence of trainer Andy Lee on his performance. Fury pointed out that Parker’s recent activity in the ring, with four or five consecutive fights, gives him an advantage over Zhang, who has had less activity in the last two years. This, coupled with Deontay Wilder’s decline, may tip the scales in Parker’s favor.
Fury acknowledged that Parker is viewed as the underdog in this fight, but he emphasized Parker’s confidence and positive attitude. He noted that Parker lacks the “nastiness” that some fighters possess, which can sometimes be a hindrance in the ring. However, Fury is eager to see if Parker can overcome the odds and secure a victory against Zhang, which could open up opportunities for lucrative undercard fights in Saudi Arabia.
Tyson Fury’s prediction that Joseph Parker will emerge victorious against Zhilei Zhang is based on Parker’s youth, recent improvements, and higher level of activity in the ring. While Zhang may be favored to win, Parker’s confidence and skill set him apart as a formidable opponent. The outcome of this fight will not only determine the interim heavyweight champion but also showcase Parker’s potential to compete at the highest level in the division.