Chinese heavyweight boxing giant Zhilei Zhang, known as ‘Big Bang’, is bigger than ever for his massive showdown vs Joseph Parker in Riyadh on Friday night.
The 40-year-old Zhang scaled an enormous 291lbs (20st 11lbs) for his high-stakes battle with Kiwi star Parker (live on DAZN PPV and Sky Sports Box Office). That is 4lbs heavier than for his last fight – that second impressive victory over Joe Joyce last September.
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Parker will be outweighed by more than three stones on fight night, after earlier tipping the scales at 247lbs. That is a couple of pounds heavier than he had been for that massively impressive upset of Deontay Wilder last December.
What’s at stake in Parker vs Zhang?
Friday’s fight carries huge importance for both men – with the WBO interim heavyweight title currently held by Zhang on the line. That carries the position as mandatory challenger to WBO champion Oleksandr Usyk.
The two men of course would have to wait until at least 2025 for a title shot – with Usyk having a pair of contracted unification matches vs Tyson Fury to take care of first.
Parker meanwhile revealed earlier this week that this bout also has a one-way rematch clause, meaning if he wins he’ll need to give Zhang a shot at redemption.
When is Parker vs Zhang?
Ring walks for Parker vs Zhang are expected to take place around 2200 UK time on Friday March 8. That is around 1700 Eastern Standard Time in the United States, and 1400 PST.
