“Didn’t feel it!” Zhilei Zhang casually dismisses Deontay Wilder’s power and calls for Anthony Joshua fight

Zhilei Zhang dismissed Deontay Wilder's infamous punching power after knocking him out in the 6th round. 

“Didn’t feel it!” Zhilei Zhang casually dismisses Deontay Wilder’s power and calls for Anthony Joshua fight

Zhilei Zhang talks about the punching power of Deontay Wilder (via Instagram)

Several Deontay Wilder fans hoped the former WBC heavyweight champion would make a comeback. This is because Wilder’s career has gone downhill ever since his trilogy fight against Tyson Fury. In addition, he lost to Joseph Parker in a lopsided decision. Similarly, Zhilei Zhang also lost to Parker after this, which caused him to be paired up against Wilder recently. 

Both fighters had a lot at stake after their defeats against Parker, and the loser would drop in the heavyweight rankings. As such, Wilder has proclaimed that he plans on bringing back his old self. ‘The Bronze Bomber’ lost in the most brutal fashion. After his victory, Zhang reflected on Wilder’s infamous punching power during an interview. 

Not as hard as I thought. But it could possibly be that he didn't unleash his power. I didn't feel it.
Zhilei Zhang via Title Sports Network
YouTube video

Across his illustrious career, Wilder was known for being one of the greatest knockout artists in the sport. Wilder’s record also reflects this since he has won 43 fights in his career, and 42 of them came via knockout. However, surprisingly, Zhang stated that he did not feel Wilder’s infamous power during their fight. 

FS Video

This could either imply that Wilder was waiting for Zhang to burn out his stamina before unloading a barrage of punches. In addition, it could also mean that Wilder no longer remains his former self. The Bronze Bomber had also predicted his retirement if he lost the fight. It remains to be seen what the future holds for both boxers. 

Zhilei Zhang calls out Anthony Joshua for a fight

Zhang and Anthony Joshua fought against each other during the 2012 Olympics, where AJ won the gold medal. The two heavyweight titans later turned pro and have been very close to fighting in a rematch to settle their old rivalry. 

Zhilei Zhang and Joseph Parker
Zhilei Zhang (image credit- Boxing Scene)

Joshua was initially expected to fight Wilder, but now that has become a far-fetched matchup until Wilder makes another comeback. Subsequently, AJ is set to fight Daniel Dubois, who defeated Filip Hrgovic and won the interim IBF heavyweight title.

Furthermore, Zhang has now offered himself as an option if that fight doesn’t move forward. Both fighters share a mutual respect for each other and want to fight each other. Currently, Saudi Arabia is deciding whom Anthony Joshua should fight in September. 

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