Zhāng Zhìlěi vs. Deontay Leshun Wilder

How I expected it to go, and how it will always have ended. Zhang is pretty much a better Ortiz in every sense except gas tank, and Ortiz gave peak Wilder hell. This is Wilder's level. To be KO'd by the big sharp shooters of the division.

I hope he retires now. Three stoppage losses is quite enough when you have all the money you need already. A fourth could really cause some permanent damage.

 

I got this one wrong but wasn't shocked that Zhang won, it was always a fight that came down who landed flush first.

The thing that shocked me was how easy Wilder was backed up and cornered, Zhang isn't known for his footwork he just plods forward waiting to counter but Wilder couldn't evade him at all and was constantly on the back foot. I thought with Zhang being so slow he'd be able to beat Zhang to the punch but with him always backing up it prevented him from being able to fire his shots off.

The counter that hurt Wilder was classic Zhang, he's so dangerous on the counter. Good to see him comeback from the Parker loss, he's a likeable guy, hope he gets further opportunities.

 

Zhang`s hands are quick.

 

Wilder doesn`t know how to fight southpaws at all.

 

He did actually a pretty good job with the hand fencing and Zhang didn't get his right going until he suddenly did.

It's just how one-dimensional he is. He is looking to land that right hand, That's it. A guy that pretty much matches him for his best attributes - i e height, reach and explosive power - but have a much bigger tool box will always be clearly favoured to beat him, lefty or rightie.

 

I'd love to see AJ and Zhang. But also AJ vs Dubois, or Dubous vs Zhang for that matter. Always something special with seeing big bangers go at it, and these guys have some skills as well. Especially Zhang and AJ.

 

I think Dubois would be the perfect opponent for Wilder right now. Joyce as well, but Dubois is in a much better position and seeing how open he was for the right hand last night you'd feel that Wilder always has a chance to land that. Of course, Hrgovic set them up much better than Wilder does.

Maybe Dubois will rectify that in coming fights, though. He can't be that open to rights when facing a heavy handed sharp shooter like Joshua.

As for Wilder, if he doesn't retire I think he will struggle to get the big fights. With his punch he's always a risk, while beating him now brings very little. Ngannou might be interested, but that would be about it I think.

 

Wilder needs to pack up his right hand and place it on the shelf.

 

LMAO!!