Zhilei Zhang admits 'underestimating' Joseph Parker, is 'concerned' about Deontay Wilder's power

Zhilei Zhang has admitted he "underestimated" Joseph Parker in his latest outing - and will not be doing the same when it comes to the sheer power of Deontay Wilder.

Parker has reinvigorated his career over the last 18 months, following a knockout loss to Joe Joyce in September 2022 which appeared to signal the end of the New Zealander's days at the elite level.

He rebuilt with three wins against unfancied opponents, before taking on fellow former world champion Wilder as part of December 2023's heavyweight card in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Parker proved the party pooper, pouring cold water on the potential Wilder versus Anthony Joshua showdown by producing an extremely convincing victory by unanimous decision against the 'Bronze Bomber'.

Eleven weeks later, he won via a split decision against Zhang - the man who had previously rocketed himself into the conversation for the biggest fights in boxing's glamour division by delivering the first two defeats of the granite-chinned Joyce's career.

'Big Bang' has now reflected on that performance, as he prepares to take on the other man humbled by Parker - on June 1, as part of the 5 vs 5 card, where rosters of fighters have been selected by Frank Warren of Queensberry and Eddie Hearn of Matchroom.

Zhang told Queensberry's YouTube channel: "I give it to Joe Parker - a very smart fighter. I made a big mistake underestimating Parker. I have to admit it happened.

"At the same time, I learned a lot from that fight, we came back, we analysed every little detail, and we corrected our mistakes. The next fight will be a new me. We did make a few adjustments - we have nutritionist Chris Algieri. My face is trimming down already. I feel a lot better, but the power is still there.

"When I look at that fight, I could have won pretty easily, but at the end of the day, I did underestimate Parker and, especially when I dropped him in the third round, I got really happy. Towards the later rounds, he started to change his strategy, started to duck down and clinch. That totally broke my rhythm."

One man who does not need that rhythm is Wilder, with his devastating right hand seeing 42 of his 43 pro wins coming by way of knockout. The 38-year-old has one-punch ability like no other in the division - and Zhang is well aware.

He continued: "I would be lying if I said I don't care about his punch power. Of course, I care about it. I'm concerned about it. I have to be very careful and cautious. However, my punches are not something you can take lightly. When I let it go, I let it go.

"I don’t think this fight goes the distance because when Chinese power versus Alabama power, we’re gonna bang the hell out of each other. This fight is not going to go the distance. 'Big Bang' will bomb the 'Bomber.'

"I can see the hunger in his eyes, but at what level, I'm not sure. He's obviously looking to beat me and regain his position in the heavyweight division. I'm hungry. The mission is still out there, not finished yet."

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