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Former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder, known for his explosive power in the ring, is poised to make his long-awaited return on June 1st in a showdown against Zhilei Zhang. This pivotal bout will be part of the highly anticipated Matchroom vs. Queensberry series and will serve as the undercard to the eagerly awaited clash between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitrii Bivol at 175lbs.
Wilder, boasting an impressive record of 43 wins, 3 losses, and 1 draw with a staggering 42 knockouts, is determined to reclaim his status as a top contender in the heavyweight division. His last fight, a points loss to former WBO champion Joseph Parker in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, left Wilder inactive in 2023 and dashed his hopes of securing a much-anticipated showdown with Anthony Joshua.
However, with a victory against Zhang, Wilder aims to thrust himself back into the spotlight and reignite discussions for a potential clash with Joshua, as well as other heavyweight contenders. The American fighter expressed his renewed passion for the sport during a recent press conference in London, vowing to showcase why he is statistically the hardest-hitting heavyweight in boxing history.
Trainer Malik Scott echoed Wilder's sentiments, acknowledging their disappointment with the performance against Parker and predicting a triumphant return for his protege, foreseeing a knockout victory over Zhang that would reignite interest in a showdown with Joshua.
In an interview with the BBC, Wilder emphasized his desire to face Joshua before either fighter retires, highlighting the significance of their potential matchup. Reflecting on his defeat to Parker, Wilder maintained his confidence in his abilities, asserting that while Parker may have emerged victorious on that particular night, he remains the superior fighter in the grand scheme of things.