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Heavyweight Zhilei Zhang will be back in action this weekend when he takes on Deontay Wilder in Saudi Arabia, and says he still looks as Wilder as the dangerous fighter he was known as a few years ago. But despite his expectations to face a fully motivated Wilder, Zhang says he plans on putting an abrupt stop to any of Wilder’s plans to return to the top of the heavyweight food chain.
Zhang on what he expects from Wilder
“I know he’s coming to beat me, I know he’s coming to try to win and he has something to prove. So do I. Saturday night’s going to be fantastic.”
On the feeling that Wilder isn’t the same fighter he once was
“I disagree. I think he is still the dangerous Deontay Wilder from a few years ago, at least I look at him that way. But he wants to make his comeback, he wants to return. I won’t give him the opportunity.”
On what he brings to the table that he thinks Wilder won’t be prepared for
“We really don’t know, we really can’t say. We’ll see what happens Saturday.”
On his thoughts on Wilder’s last performance against Parker
“He didn’t look so good in that fight. I don’t know what he’s been through personally in his training camp but I know this fight he’s prepared. I think he’s coming, trying to win.”
On his prediction for the fight
“KO.”
On Usyk’s win over Fury
“Two tough guys and two great fighters. I believe that Usyk was using his boxing skill, his ring IQ. Skills pay the bills and he’s a great warrior.”