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Wilder vs Zhilei Prediction, odds and where to watch
Bragging rights for rival boxing promoters Frank Warren and Eddie Hearn take center stage in the Kingdom this weekend, but which promoter will deliver the most winning fights on the night, and who’ll be making excuses for their athletes like Bob Arum last weekend?
The 5 vs 5: Queensbury vs Matchroom boxing event is unique. Still, no fight is receiving more attention from boxing odds than the heavyweight showdown between former titleholders Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhan, and I’m back to break down this highly anticipated main event like a fine wine.
Who you got?! 🤔
Deontay Wilder⚔️ Zhilei Zhang#QueensberryvsMatchroom | June 1 | #riyadhseasoncard pic.twitter.com/BCa9DCfPAj
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) May 22, 2024
Wilder vs Zhang Fight Information
- Date & Time: Saturday, June. 1, 2024 – 02:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Scheduled Bouts: 6
- How to Watch: Box Live
- Under Card: Dmitry Bivol vs Malik Zinad
Deontay Wilder vs Zhilei Zhang Odds
Deontay Wilder: The Bronze Choker?
Hopefully, fans of Deontay Wilder aren’t also supporters of either the Indiana Pacers or the Minnesota Timberwolves because we wouldn’t wish this sort of fandom depression on anybody. But the question is, does Wilder choke on the big stage yet again, or will he finally break the curse that’s seen him lose three of his four most recent bouts?
The oddsmakers aren’t giving Wilder the edge, and no matter how impressive the training footage of the 6-foot-seven-inch KO artist has been of late, the proof is in the pudding, and Wilder’s pudding has been unsatisfactory like rice pudding.
Deontay Wilder sends a chilling warning to Zhilei Zhang 🥶⚠️#QueensberryvsMatchroom | Saturday | @boxingontnt | #RiyadhSeason pic.twitter.com/ggHBdUi80d
— Queensberry Promotions (@Queensberry) May 27, 2024
‘Big Bang’ or ‘Big Flop’?
China’s heavy-hitting, heavyweight brute, Zhilei Zhang, enters this weekend’s 5 vs 5 promotional war, showing similarities to his opponent. Not only is he a formidable knockout threat, but he also returns to the ring after suffering defeat at the hands of Joseph Parker.
Zhang, 41, and Wilder, 38, might be battling for a position in a retirement home, but make no mistake, power is the last attribute to fade, and history would suggest that somebody is going to sleep before they reach the rocking chair.
FACT or CAP❓
ZHANG KOs WILDER this fight week‼️#BOXINGnBBQ #Boxing#WilderZhang
— BOXING n BBQ (@BOXINGnBBQ) May 26, 2024
Take A Look At These Other 2 Boxing Special Articles
- Score Big This Weekend! Parlay Picks for Queensbury vs Matchroom.
- 5 vs 5: How to Watch and Who to Bet in Ray Ford vs Nick Ball Fight?
Confident Chatter from Deontay Wilder
Whether it’s false confidence or genuine belief, Wilder didn’t mince his words when discussing his upcoming clash with Zhang:
“I respect Zhang, he’s a good fighter, but it’s my time. I’ve been through a lot. I’ve had to regroup. This fight, I’m holding it as my last stand, my last chance. I’m just ready to do what I’m known to do – to be the Wilder that I am.”
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Wilder vs Zhang: The Tale of the Tape
Wilder vs Zhang: How Do They Match Up?
Does Wilder pose the most potent right hand in professional boxing? Probably… However, he’s limited in overall boxing skills, and his past success has solely relied on landing the big right. This has proven to be a double-edged sword, and most recently, he’s been coached out of head-hunting to his detriment.
When Wilder headhunts, while it isn’t the most challenging style to gameplan for, it’s a style that’s worked for him. When you remove this, like we’ve seen of late, he doesn’t have the elite skills to deliver a technical masterclass and outbox the opposition.
On the other hand, Zhang has shown to be a master at controlling distance and dictating the pace of his bouts. Unfortunately, this often lasts around 6-7 rounds, and when his knockout power doesn’t get the job done, he can be seen struggling between rounds 7-12.
Critics of the sport and the current boxing odds believe Zhang is the rightful favorite, and rightfully so; those back-to-back wins over Joe Joyce were outstanding, and although Parker halted the streak last time, the knockdowns Zhang collected in that bout were noteworthy.
I begin to ask if Zhang is truly built for these high-profile bouts, even more so at the age of 41. While Wilder’s cardio isn’t top-notch, it could be argued that Zhang’s is 10x worse. The pride of Chinese heavyweight boxing deserves respect, but he’s beatable by the elite, which leads to another question: Is Wilder truly elite?
As previously mentioned, Wilder has been lackluster when attempting to box, and as stupid as that may sound, it’s the truth; ‘The Bronze Bomber’ needs to fight, and with the level of durability that’s allowed him to avoid KO/TKO defeat versus everybody besides Fury, Zhang’s potential of victory could be a concern as we reach the seventh round in the Kingdom.
The logical prediction in this bout would be Zhang, and it’s what most critics are going with. However, while this opinion seems overwhelming, it hasn’t been reflected by landslide betting lines… I wonder why?
Wilder vs Zhang Betting Trends
- 41 of Wilder’s 42 pro career wins have been by KO/TKO
- Zhang’s most recent four wins were by KO/TKO
- Tyson Fury is the only fighter to finish Wilder by KO/TKO
- Wilder has gone the distance in just two of his previous 14 pro bouts
Zhang & Wilder: What To Expect
Will I be surprised if Zhang lands some early knockdowns? No, not at all. Is Zhang the consensus pick? Yes, he certainly is. However, while my head screams Zhang, my heart tells me Wilder, and this weekend, I’m betting with chest, as we’re never presented with straightforward outcomes when ‘The Bronze Bomber’ is involved.
Of course, Wilder isn’t going the distance, so I’ll boost my boxing lines behind the KO prop and hope that he isn’t going to engage in technical warfare but instead throw fists like a madman possessed.
My Best Bet: Wilder by KO/TKO (+175)
‘Bronze Bomber’ vs ‘Big Bang’: Betting Predictions
In this heavyweight main event bout, a quick rub of my crystal ball reveals that Wilder will eventually become tired of attempting to technical match Zhang, and when the Chinese fighter fades in the latter rounds, the ‘Bronze Bomber’ we know and love will throw caution to the wind and deliver the right-hand, instant hospital visit, KO-blow to end the fight. Bet on Wilder at BetUS sportsbook.
Best Bets From a Wilder Win By KO/TKO in Round 9:
- Wilder Moneyline [+125]
- Over 6 ½ Rounds [-120]
- Wilder To Win By KO/TKO [+175]
- Fight To Go The Distance/No [-400]
Odds and information are accurate at the time of writing. Please check with official sources for the latest updates before placing any bets.
Questions Of The Day
Where to watch Wilder vs Zhang?
On Saturday, June 1, 2024, US boxing fans can watch Deontay Wilder vs Zhilei Zhang live on DAZN. The event begins at 2 P.M. ET, but the main event ring walks are TBC.
