Deontay Wilder is planning an explosive knockout victory over Jirayi Zhang, aiming for a performance he believes will lead to a return to world heavyweight title contention.
The former WBC heavyweight champion is looking to re-emerge into the heavyweight pecking order after enduring a frustrating loss at the hands of inspired Joseph Parker in Saudi Arabia in December.
The loss to Parker appears to have scuppered plans to face former unified world champion Anthony Joshua, but Joshua is coming off strong stoppage wins over Robert Helenius, Otto Wallin and former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou. , once again knocking on the door of Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.
Wilder will face Zhang in Riyadh on June 1, knowing that if he returns to his devastating knockout power, he has the potential to join the ranks of the world’s best heavyweights.
“I’m expecting a great fight from him. I like Chan, I like him as a fighter and I like what he brings in the ring,” Wilder told Sky Sports.
“Especially in the first half of the game, he looks like a real killer and someone to come with great technique and movement.
“Eventually he burns out and that could be the end of it with a fighter like me, I’m good to go. I like him, I like the fight, he’s a hard hitter. I love you, I love you too, and you may be the best man to win. “
Wilder apparently lost his passion and love for the sport during a tough few years, including an epic trilogy with Fury, so he embraced his newfound selfishness to reorient his career. he said.
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Joseph Parker believes “inactivity” played a big role in his shock victory over American heavyweight Deontay Wilder.
“There was a time when everything died for me, and in a business like this it’s not good without that,” he explained. “It wasn’t about the fighter or the business. I had to readjust and get myself in shape.
“I have always been selfless, caring for others, allowing others to have a great life, and being able to support and help many people with my blood, sweat, and tears.
“As fighters, we earn this money with real blood, sweat and tears. And to be where I am now, knowing that I’ve done so many great things, now… It’s all about myself. I call it selfish, but it’s okay to be selfish sometimes.
“At this point, for me to get that hunger and desire back and give the Bronze Bomber to people who are nostalgic now, I have to be selfish.”
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American heavyweight Deontay Wilder apologized to fans in an Instagram video following his shocking loss to Joseph Parker.
Wilder was a little different from his usual self in his last fight with Parker, and his unanimous decision loss to the New Zealander showed his lack of activity during his two-year absence from the ring.
Nevertheless, the 38-year-old is confident that if he wins against Zhang, he can rekindle an old and familiar rivalry.
“I believe it will be my fourth fight with Tyson Fury,” he explained.
Fury is scheduled to face Usyk for the undisputed heavyweight championship in Saudi Arabia on May 18th, and while Wilder is admittedly “still on the fence” when it comes to predictions, he’s not sure how the Ukrainian will fight his way. I believe you will like it.
“Of the two, the easier night is probably Oleksandr. I’ve never fought him before,” he said. “Styles fight with each other, but we don’t know each other because we’ve never fought each other, so that’s different.
“When you fight someone you’ve never fought before, you never know what surprises are going to come up. But at the end of the day, I respect every fighter who steps over that rope. They put their lives on the line for others. is.”
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Watch Anthony Joshua’s incredible knockout punch that ended his fight with Francis Ngannou from every angle.
Scott: Still considering the AJ fight
Wilder’s trainer Malik Scott is backing the fighter to reaffirm himself among the likes of Fury, Usyk and Joshua, but insists he must stop Chan in style if he is to have a chance. are doing.
“It’s really life or death right now. He has to get this done, but in his position he can’t get it done in any way. He has to get it done in a violent way,” Scott told Sky Sports told.
“The whole camp is going to be purely malicious, but at the same time we’re going to be smart about it because we respect our opponent.
“June 1st is the first step back towards that (championship fight) and June 1st has to be done by any means necessary, in a violent manner.
“I believe in him more than ever. I believe there’s a lot of things about his game and attributes that people haven’t seen yet. On June 1st, everything I’m proud of, and I I believe you will understand everything that is taught.”
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Pope Francis blessed the WBC heavyweight belt in the upcoming fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Box Office on May 18th.
Scott reiterated his suggestion that a knockout win over Zhang in June would revive the possibility of a fierce showdown with a rejuvenated Joshua.
“It’s right there,” he said. “That’s the great thing about heavyweight boxing, because you can get right back into the mix.”
Joshua isn’t the only option. Wilder has also yet to face Usyk in his career, but Scott insisted a matchup with the former cruiserweight champion was always on his mind.
But once again he was keen to highlight the magnitude of the task ahead for Zhang, who impressed with back-to-back stoppage wins over Joe Joyce before ultimately losing to Parker earlier this year.
“I can see him beating Usyk,” Scott added. “He’s a smaller guy and Deontay fights well against southpaws and the lineup is right there for him to get knocked out.
“It’s about Deontay staying focused, being humble, being responsible defensively and doing it the right way. To me, if he follows those rules, he’s unbeatable. He is most likely to lose when he is away from those things.”
“I wish it would have gone in parallel like I wanted it to, but this is another big fight. Usyk is always on the table, AJ is still on the table. Fury, boxing is a big time. He’s in a good position.”
“I’m expecting Deontay Wilder. I know he is.”
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Joshua’s next move is yet to be determined as the 34-year-old weighs his options, but one of them could be if the IBF world title is vacated as a result of the first meeting between Fury and Usyk. There is a possibility that they will compete for the title.
Wilder’s manager Shelly Finkel also joined Scott in ruling out a fight with Joshua, but insisted Chan would not be overlooked.
“I don’t know what Joshua will do next, but if he wins, that’s what will happen next,” Finkel said.
“I don’t want to think too far ahead. Zhang has a tough job ahead of him. He’s tough against everyone, so we have to get through it. I’m sure he’ll do it.”
Watch Fury vs Usyk live on Sky Sports Box Office on May 18th.
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