Deontay Wilder lines up fight on Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou undercard

08 January 2024 , 13:57

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Deontay Wilder lines up fight on Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou undercard

Deontay Wilder could take on Zhilei Zhang on the undercard of Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou in March.

It would mark the second time Wilder and Joshua fought at the same event in just a matter of months, as the heavyweight rivals both competed at the 'Day of Reckoning' event in Saudi Arabia two weeks ago. 'AJ' knocked out Otto Wallin on the card to set up a fight with Wilder, but the American couldn't hold up his side of the deal as he lost a one-sided decision to Joseph Parker.

Former UFC champion Ngannou has now taken Wilder's place to fight Joshua as they meet on March 8 to close out Riyadh season. Wilder has entered early talks to fight Zhang on the card, according to Chris Mannix who tweeted: "Few details on the planned Joshua vs Ngannou card in Saudi, on what is expected to be another massive show in March.

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"Zhilei Zhang, the Chinese heavyweight who scored back-to-back knockout wins over Joe Joyce last year, is expected to appear on the card. One fight that has been discussed: Zhang vs Wilder. Wilder could also appear on the card in another fight." Zhang has been pushing for fights against top heavyweights such as Wilder and Joshua since his wins against Joyce last year.

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Wilder hadn't fought in over a year before his loss to Parker and his lack of activity showed in the fight as he landed less than 40 punches come the final bell. 'The Bronze Bomber' hinted at retirement after his loss but quickly backtracked whilst blaming his loss on spending too long in a cryotherapy chamber.

Zhang wants to fight for a world title and is hoping either Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk will be stripped of the WBO belt after their undisputed clash next month. Zhang also named Joseph Parker as another potential opponent for his next fight following the New Zealander's impressive win against Wilder.

"I want to come back during March and that’s the plan but if you’re asking me who I want the next opponent to be realistically, then I say Joseph Parker but does he dare to fight me? I’m open to everything but I am focusing on the gym and being in the ring for my return. I would like to have my next fight to be in Saudi Arabia, but everything is being worked on and is in the process," he told Gambling.com.

Harry Davies