Joseph Parker vs Zhilei Zhang is another heavyweight blockbuster set for Friday night in Riyadh, and we have a clear favourite in the latest betting odds.
This massive showdown features two men at the peak of their powers – Parker (34-3) after that terrific win over Deontay Wilder last December and Zhang (26-1-1) after two comprehensive victories over Joe Joyce in 2023.
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Both men feature in the top five of most heavyweight rankings these days, and there is much at stake with Zhang being the current mandatory contender for the WBO world heavyweight title currently held by Oleksandr Usyk. That position will be up for grabs on Friday night.
So what do the latest betting odds tell us right now as we head deeper into fight week?
What are the odds for Parker vs Zhang?
We have a confirmed favourite here, and the bookmakers clearly believe size WILL matter in the desert on Friday night.
‘Big Bang’ Zhang stands 6ft 6ins tall (1.98m) and is a veritable man mountain – he weighed an astonishing 20st 7lbs (287lbs) for his second victory over Joyce in their September rematch. He is likely to outweigh Parker by more than three stones on fight night.
The Chinese star is trading as favourite, but it is a live betting heat. A terrific fight in which no result would be a surprise. Yet again though Parker is the underdog – just as he had been against Wilder last December. It is though a role he claims to relish.
Here are your latest odds from the major UK bookmakers:
Bet365: 4/9 Zhang, 7/4 Parker
Sky Bet: 4/9 Zhang, 15/8 Parker, 16/1 Draw
Paddy Power: 2/5 Zhang, 15/8 Parker, 16/1 Draw
William Hill: 4/9 Zhang, 7/4 Parker, 14/1 Draw
Betfair: 1/5 Joshua, 10/3 Ngannou, 33/1 Draw
- Odds correct at noon UK on Tuesday March 5
When is Parker vs Zhang?
The fight takes place on Friday March 8 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It’s the co-feature on that massive Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou card.
We expect ring walks for Parker vs Zhang to take place around 2200 UK time (1700 Eastern Standard Time and 1400 PST).
How to watch the fight live
DAZN PPV have global rights to show the bout – including in the UK and United States. Sky Sports Box Office also has UK rights.
What’s at stake, and what happens next?
If Zhang wins he retains the position as WBO mandatory contender, and waits for what he hopes will be a title shot in 2025.
If Parker wins, he’ll likely have to do it all again – he claims there is a one-way rematch clause which will give Zhang a chance to atone for a defeat on Friday.
