Zhang vs Wilder Picks: Today at 5pm ET, it will be bombs over Baghdad when heavyweight detonators Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang collide in a 12-round crossroads battle in Saudi Arabia. After opening at -290, the betting favorite Zhang’s odds have dropped to -170, with 78% of Zhang vs Wilder picks on Deontay.
Zhang, 26-2-1, 21 KOs, twice floored top contender Joseph Parker in his last fight, only to lose by majority decision as the -220 favorite. Wilder, 43-3-1, 42 KOs, looked faded in his last bout, also against Parker, losing a one-sided decision as a heavy -650 favorite.
Is Wilder shot after his wars with Fury? Will the southpaw stance of Zhang be directly in the line of fire of Wilder’s scud missile right hand? With Wilder’s recent talk of retiring after the Zhang fight, is his heart still in it? Is Zhang fast enough to keep up with Wilder’s athleticism?
ESPN2 News breaks down this mouth-watering matchup with our Zhang vs Wilder picks and boxing predictions. Both big men will earn some barrels of oil money, with Wilder slated to make $4–$12 million, while Zhang will pocket a measly $1–$2.3 million.
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Zhilei Zhang Bio
The Good
This 2008 silver medalist, now a Volkswagen-sized behemoth in the ring, has climbed the ranks with thunderous punches and a relentless drive. Known for his menacing demeanor, “Big Bang” Zhang has a presence that can shake the confidence of even the bravest warriors.
Zhang’s left cross is particularly devastating, often leaving his opponents flat on their backs, dazed and wondering what just hit them. His long reach allows him to control the distance and keep aggressive challengers at bay, making him a formidable opponent on physical attributes alone.
But make no mistake, Zhilei is far more than just a powerhouse. He brings underrated intellect to the ring, skillfully using southpaw angles and delivering precise counterpunches. His ability to unleash quick, compact bombs with deceptive speed adds another layer to his already impressive arsenal.
This is a fighter who combines brains with brawn, making him a true force to be reckoned with in the world of boxing.
The Bad
Plodding movement leaves him vulnerable to quicker, more agile opponents who can exploit these deficiencies with swift counterattacks.
Zhang’s cardiovascular fitness is not top-tier, leading to a noticeable drop in his punch output as the rounds progress. He can be outworked in the ring, often appearing to conserve energy, perhaps wary of exhausting himself too early.
Consistency has also been an issue, with Zhang sometimes looking unfocused and unmotivated. Despite his lengthy career, he lacks experience in big fights.
Deontay Wilder Bio
The Good
Standing at a towering 6’7” and built like an NBA power forward, Deontay Wilder commands the ring with his imposing presence. His long arms, extending to an 83” reach, give him the leverage to unleash his thunderous punches.
Known as “The Bronze Bomber,” Wilder’s right hand is one of the fastest and most devastating weapons in boxing history. Clever footwork allows him to position himself to land that cannon of a right hand with precision.
When Wilder senses his opponent is hurt, few are better at finishing the job. His quick hands enable him to deliver a jab that snaps like a whip.
Wilder’s resilience and determination are unparalleled; he possesses a warrior’s heart that ensures he is never out of a fight, thanks to his raw power and tenacity.
An intelligent and seasoned fighter, Wilder has graced many big-time events, showcasing his experience and savvy in the ring.
The Bad
In his last bout against Joseph Parker, Wilder looked undeniably shopworn, displaying every bit of his 38 years. With a mere four fights in the past four and a quarter years, his inactivity has been a glaring issue.
During the Parker fight, Wilder’s legs appeared unstable, a clear sign that the grueling trilogy with Tyson Fury has taken a toll on his punch resistance, particularly to the head. His slender build remains vulnerable to body shots.
When it comes to technical ability, Wilder’s skills remain rudimentary. His jab is inconsistent, his balance shaky, and his punches often telegraphed. There’s a stiffness to his movements, a mechanical quality that lacks the fluidity we see in the more polished boxers.
Wilder’s tendency to load up on his punches expends a significant amount of energy, often leaving him winded as the rounds progress.
Questions about Wilder’s desire and commitment to the sport are also mounting. Retirement is a topic he brings up frequently, and with four losses in his last five outings, he seems to have lost some of the swagger that once defined him.
His openness about using psychedelic drugs raises further concerns about his recent decline. The once indomitable spirit of Deontay Wilder now appears to be flickering, leaving us to wonder what the future holds for the former champion.
Zhang vs Wilder Boxing Predictions
Zhang is bigger, more durable, and has superior technique. When two big heavyweight punchers are expected to engage in an all-out brawl, it’s always wise to bet on the guy with the better chin.
Zhang also seems to have the greater hunger, determined to become the most famous boxer in Chinese history, while Deontay appears more focused on cashing in one last payday.
The ESPN Bet Boxing Odds for Zhang vs. Wilder opened with Zhang at -290, a more accurate reflection of who holds the edge compared to the current line influenced by square bettors backing Wilder based on name recognition.
Placing 3 Boxing Betting Units on Zhang at the reduced odds is a prudent move, betting on him to send Wilder out to pasture.
Zhang vs Wilder Picks
Zheilei Zhang Moneyline -170 (3 Betting Units)
Zhang vs Wilder ESPN Bet Boxing Odds
Zhang Moneyline: –170
Wilder Moneyline: –130
Total Rounds: 6.5 Rounds O -110 U -110
Fight Goes The Distance: Y +275 N -400
Zhang via KO/ TKO/ Tech. Dec/DQ: +110
Zhang via Decision : +500
Wilder via KO/TKO/Tec. Dec/ DQ: +160
Wilder via Decision: +1100
Draw: +2200
Zheilei Zhang Tale-Of-The-Tape
- From: China
- Record: 26-2-1 (21)
- Amateur Tournament Record: 36-18 (5)
- Rank: #5 (The Ring)
- Ht: 6’6”
- Weight: 283 Lbs.
- Reach: 80”
- Age: 41
- Best Weapon: Left Cross
- Style: Pressure Fighter
- IG Followers: 79K
Size:5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Height/Reach:4.5 out of 5.0 stars
Power:4.5 out of 5.0 stars
Technique:4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Handspeed:3.5 out of 5.0 stars
Stamina:3.0 out of 5.0 stars
Defense:3.5 out of 5.0 stars
Resilience:4.5 out of 5.0 stars
Jab:3.5 out of 5.0 stars
Agility:2.5 out of 5.0 stars
Intelligence:4.0 out of 5.0 stars
In-Fighting:3.5 out of 5.0 stars
Heart:4.5 out of 5.0 stars
“Wilder is out of ammo.” – Zheilei Zhang
Deontay Wilder Tale-Of-The-Tape
- From: Alabama, USA
- Record: 43-3-1 (42)
- Amateur Tournament Record: 24-6 (4)
- Rank: #9 (The Ring)
- Ht: 6’7”
- Weight: 215 Lbs.
- Reach: 83”
- Age: 38
- Best Weapon: Straight Right
- Style: Pure Puncher
- IG Followers: 3M
Size:3.0 out of 5.0 stars
Height/Reach:4.5 out of 5.0 stars
Power:5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Technique:2.5 out of 5.0 stars
Handspeed:4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Stamina:3.0 out of 5.0 stars
Defense:3.0 out of 5.0 stars
Resilience:3.0 out of 5.0 stars
Jab:3.5 out of 5.0 stars
Agility:3.5 out of 5.0 stars
Intelligence:4.0 out of 5.0 stars
In-Fighting:3.0 out of 5.0 stars
Heart:4.0 out of 5.0 stars
“This fight we’ll see if I got it or not.” -Deontay Wilder
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