29 May

Arum: "I Believe Zhang Will Be Too Tough for Wilder"

Top Rank head Bob Arum commented on the upcoming bout between heavyweights (over 90.7 kg) Deontay Wilder (43-3-1, 42 KOs) and Zhang Zhilei (26-2-1, 21 KOs).

"On Saturday, Wilder faces a very tough fight against Zhang Zhilei, and if he wins, of course, we would like to set up a fight between Wilder and Jared Anderson, as it would put Jared right in the top 3 or top 4 heavyweights.

But I really believe Zhang will be too tough for Wilder. Zhang is a very good fighter, a strong, tough heavyweight, but we will have to see what happens in this fight on Saturday.

If Wilder is unavailable, we will look for the strongest opponent for Jared. We want to start promoting Anderson. I know he is young, but we really believe he can compete with anyone in the heavyweight division.

First, we need to see who is available and then make a decision. But right now, the plan is indeed to have him fight Deontay Wilder. But again, I am a bit pessimistic about whether Wilder will get past Zhang," said Arum.

The bout between Deontay Wilder and Zhang Zhilei will take place on June 1 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as part of the 5 vs 5 tournament between promotional companies Matchroom Boxing and Queensberry Promotions.

Source:Sky Sports
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