Zhang Zhilei vs Joseph Parker - Just when you thought the heavyweight scene was dying, it revives.

Wilder has been shot since the 2nd Fury fight. Fury ruined him. Zhang has looked good in all his recent fights in comparison.

 

That wasn't the opinion of many here before the fight, along with most boxing commentators. Even as of today ring magazine ranks Wilder at number 2. The reality is that even with the loss to Parker, Wilder still knocks out most of the division.

Zhang is an excellent heavyweight, and has had a great run his last couple of fights, but he's not getting any younger and like Joyce he isn't invincible.

 

I'm coming to believe this will be an easier fight for Parker than I thought

His SPEED will negate so much that Zhang does

I see Zhang struggling to really hit Parker flush (too much movement) and as Zhang tires in the middle rounds, Parker will have a field day.

Parker by TKO in Rnd 7 to 11

 

I'm not saying Zhang won't tag Parker - just that I think he will struggle to connect truly FLUSH.

And as Zhang fades I see Parker really starting to thrive in later Rnds.

 

The way he clinically eviscerated the juggernaut I'm not betting against him ever again, Joyce has more of a granite chun than Parker so I just can't see past a Big Bang KO as much as Parker impressed the hell out of me smartly navigating a UD against a chilled out Wilder.

 

This could potentially be the performance of Parker's career as he is not lacking in confidence after his win over Wilder...

 

I just think he's too mobile for Zhang.

And if anyone can come up with a plan, to bomb Zhang without being bombed, it is Andy Lee.

 

I guess it will be on Dazn for China, but I think if was on CCTV-5, the numbers would be huge.

Not sure how they're playing this ... and if there's strategic planning for long term penetration into China.
This fight could have quite an impact on the future of boxing if it captures attention in China.

 

People forget how badly Zhang struggled against Jerry Forrest. Yeah, kidney problems and all, but this isn't the first time Forrest has taken a massive beating early doors and come back, so I don't think we can entirely write off the performance. I think Parker's speed of hand and foot coupled with his good chin and consistent attacks in combination could force Zhang to start gassing and making mistakes (which he does a lot when he starts to lose steam), but Joe will need to be really careful not to eat any big shots in the opening rounds because Zhang's power is ridiculous and he can stun you with glancing blows off either hand. He'll basically need to repeat his performance against Wilder but taking even more care not to get caught, as Zhang has sneaky timing to go with his power, and is obviously a way better boxing than the Bronze Dosser.

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Good points, IO

Tough but winnable for Parker

 

Not sure how relevant the Forrest fight is, given Zhang was hospitalised with rhabdomyolysis afterwards. I assume all will be good physically for Zhang in this fight. Still, my instinct favours Parker in this fight; against Wilder he more than showed he is capable of boxing and moving and following a gameplan. I think Parker can neutralise Zhang in the early rounds with movement and then exploit Zhang's suspect gas tank later on.

 

I think you may be right, Peter

At least I hope so!

 

Forrest is a solid Journeyman while Parker is an elite fighter with better skill, Parker will not go to fight with Zhang, but will try to school him, launch quick punches and move away from him and so on, it would be crazy if Parker started an exchange with Zhang.. .

 

I Bookmarked this!

 

He's been awful silent.