According to ESPN, two of Joseph Parker’s past opponents, Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang, are potentially set to face each other in Saudi Arabia on June 1.
If the fight takes place, it will be featured in a scheduled show starring light-heavyweights Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev. The event is expected to be held in Riyadh, a city that has hosted numerous high-profile fights in recent months.
The clash between Wilder and Zhang would be an enthralling showdown between two powerful contenders. Both fighters possess the ability to finish a match with a single devastating strike and consistently seek that opportunity from the opening bell. Interestingly, their shared experiences of defeat at the hands of the same opponent have fostered a relentless mindset. Nevertheless, a confrontation between these two could serve as a pivotal moment in their careers, making it an ideal crossroads fight.
Zhang, aged 40, and Wilder, aged 38, view this potential fight as a golden opportunity that cannot be missed. With limited time available, the victor will swiftly regain their position among the top heavyweight contenders.
Joseph Parker, who has been somewhat overlooked in this situation, has yet to reveal his next move if Zhang indeed fights Wilder in June, as expected. Initially, Zhang was supposed to exercise his rematch clause against Parker and face him for the second time later this year. While this rematch could still take place, it is evident that it won’t be happening immediately and is contingent upon Zhang not only defeating Wilder but also ending his career.
In the end, this could be advantageous for Parker as he has been lacking time off recently. It’s worth noting that the Wilder win occurred just in December, followed by the victory against Zhang in early March. Although these are impressive wins within a short span, it also implies that Parker requires a break, especially with the impending arrival of his child in April.
Sources close to Parker have informed Boxing News that the plan is for him to return to the gym properly in the summer and to then fight in either September or October. He has been offered another relatively attractive fight in Saudi Arabia for May – on the undercard of Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk – but is not expected to go through with the fight. Indeed, if anybody has earned a rest in all this, it is Parker.
