Zhilei Zhang confirmed his class immediately, posting an Instagram message expressing his appreciation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for his battle final weekend and thanking his dance companion, Deontay Wilder, for sharing the ring with him on the Kingdom Enviornment in Riyadh.
Zhang Acknowledges Wilder’s Energy
Zhang (27-2-1, 22 KOs) acknowledged that he felt the ability of the Bronze Bomber of their contest, which ended abruptly within the fifth spherical with the referee waving it off after Deontay was knocked down from two thunderous proper palms from the southpaw.
Wilder had fought fairly effectively within the first 4 rounds, not giving the counter-puncher Zhang many alternatives to land one in every of his laborious punches. Within the fifth, Wilder left himself open after he tried to throw a proper hand and was hit with a brief proper hook from Zhang on the chin.
It’s unclear when and the place the 41-year-old Zhang will battle subsequent. He had hoped to face Anthony Joshua in September at Wembley Stadium, however AJ could possibly be preventing Daniel Dubois subsequent.
Deontay hasn’t stated what he plans to do subsequent. He had talked about retiring, however he’s been quiet since his loss final Saturday. Maybe he’s considering issues by way of earlier than he makes his determination.
Zhang’s Instagram Message
Zhilei Zhang on Instagram immediately: “Goodbye to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It’s all the time been a pleasure preventing right here. The world is watching the Kingdom turning into the middle of boxing now. Thanks to my dance companion Bronze Bomber. I all the time respect you as a person, a father, and a warrior. I felt your energy Saturday night time, the ability that may knock anybody out clear. I’m blissful we each got here out of the ring wholesome and protected.
“Boxing is nice with the Bronze Bomber. Don’t write him off simply but. Thanks to my staff. Thanks, Queensberry and Matchroom Boxing for working collectively for this historic occasion. Particular thanks to Turki Alalshik, the person who makes issues occur. I can’t wait to get again within the ring once more.”
Will probably be fascinating to see if Zhang fights in Saudi Arabia once more. A rematch towards Filip Hrgovic or Joseph Parker can be a wonderful choice for Zhang.
Zhilei Zhang does march on. You’ll be able to match him towards anybody. He can battle Anthony Joshua at Wembley. He can battle Tyson Fury subsequent, or he can battle Usyk,” stated Gareth A. Davies to Boxing Social. “You set him in with anybody. He’s an excellent character, fully off the wall, and he’s so humorous. He has a screw free, and I really like that about him.
