WBO interim heavyweight champion Zhilei Zhang believes he can knock out Joseph Parker early this Friday of their 12-round co-feature bout on the Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou card on DAZN PPV on the Kingdom Area in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia,
Zhang (26-1-1, 21 KOs) doesn’t sound nervous concerning the former champion Parker (34-3, 23 KOs) regardless of his latest upset win over former WBC champion Deontay Wilder final December. That victory has many boxing followers believing he’ll do the factor to Zhang or worse.
After his second knockout win over Joe Joyce, Zhang is radiating confidence coming into his title protection towards Parker as a result of he is aware of what he sees in him and feels that it is a can’t-miss victory. If Zhang wins, he’ll strengthen his place to get a title shot.
Zhang’s Philosophy
“I solely do robust fights. With a purpose to be a tricky man, you must beat the robust man. It’s the inevitable path to the championship,” mentioned Zhilei Zhang to Queensberry. “I’m nonetheless on a mission. I’ve nothing however appreciation for all of the followers world wide and in China. They encourage me. I’m carrying their want on my shoulder.
“I believe me and him don’t do trash speak,” mentioned Zhang about Joseph Parker. “Each earlier opponent has advised the media and the followers that they’re going to complete me, they’re going to knock me out, they usually’re going to finish my profession. It’s vice versa,” mentioned Zhang.
It’s troublesome to say if it is a step up or a step down for Zhang from his earlier two fights towards Joe Joyce. Parker is a unique sort of fighter than Joyce, and he’ll should chase him across the ring as a result of the 31-year-old New Zealander has realized his lesson after making an attempt to slug with Joyce and paying the heavy worth,
Gates of Hell Metaphor
“I consider we do our speaking with our fists. I’m within the coaching camp of hell. I consider the gates of hell will open and large bang will include the fireplace from hell and it’ll burn the opponent [Parker]. Ashes to ashes, mud to mud. It received’t speak. It’ll solely show,” mentioned Zhang when requested what his fists would say on Friday night time towards Parker.
“The combat is doing to complete quicker. Yeah, probably,” mentioned Zhang when requested if he believes he can knockout Parker early.
