Joseph Parker vs Zhilei Zhang is yet another mouthwatering heavyweight boxing matchup to further bolster a terrific 2024 calendar for the fight game. On Friday night these two superstars will do battle in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on that massive Joshua vs Ngannou card. Derek Bilton provides the analysis.
New Zealander Joseph Parker 34-3 (23) is the reason the world is not preparing to sit down and watch Anthony Joshua vs Deontay Wilder on Friday night, after Parker claimed a shock upset win against ‘The Bronze Bomber’ in December. Parker boxed brilliantly in that one, jabbing and countering and staying out of the way of the American’s fabled right hand.
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However, his reward for that win is not a pushover for decent money, but another massive test and another fight where he starts as a betting underdog.
Zhang is 26-1-1 (21) and comes into this after two hugely impressive stoppage wins over Joe Joyce. The Chinese behemoth will not be happy that Ngannou has jumped the queue and earned mega-money against Fury and now Joshua, but if he keeps on winning impressively, he simply cannot be ignored for much longer.
In truth, Joshua v Zhang would have made for a far more appealing prospect for this bill than Joshua v Ngannou. But Zhang – whom Eddie Hearn used to promote – knows the business and knows he is too much of a risk at this stage to be given the opportunity to take on the 2012 Olympic Gold medallist.
Zhang has ferocious power
Zhang is a southpaw with ferocious power, and while he is a few years older than the 32-year-old Parker there are also less miles on the clock. He is not that elusive and given Parker can also hold his feet at times this is a fight that should catch fire.
Parker is on a four-fight winning streak and has only ever been stopped by Joyce (in round 11 of their 2022 tussle). He is a 2/1 outsider to win and will have his backers after how well he dealt with Wilder.
Verdict, tips and picks
Parker’s resume – win or lose – is starting to look really special. Intriguing fight this one, and while not quite 50-50 all three results are very possible. The hunch is though that Zhang times Parker much better than Wilder ever could and catches him.
With this in mind, Zhang at 4/9 looks about right. ‘Big Bang’ holds the edge in terms of power and if Dereck Chisora and Joyce can find Parker’s chin, then so can Zhang. He can do so early, and regularly to force a finish in the first half of the bout.
Parker vs Zhang Tips & Picks
Zhilei Zhang to win in round 1 – 6 at 9/2 (William Hill)
