Dsalita Zhilei Zhang confidently revealed that he was making an impact on Deontay Wilder with his punches as early as the second round of their recent bout in Riyadh. The former WBO interim heavyweight champion strategically directed Wilder’s movements by cutting off the ring, taking advantage of Wilder’s defensive approach rather than offensive aggression.
Zhang shared that he noticed Wilder’s lack of focus in his eyes, a clear sign of being hurt, as he continued to land significant shots in rounds three and four. Eventually, Zhang managed to finish off the bewildered former WBC heavyweight champion in the fifth round.
Reflecting on his previous experiences, Zhang referred to his fight against Filip Hrgovic in 2022 as a learning opportunity, despite it being marked as a loss on paper. He emphasized the importance of growth and improvement, highlighting how setbacks like his bout against Joseph Parker in March motivated him to become stronger both inside and outside of the ring.
In the decisive second round against Wilder, Zhang made his presence felt with powerful blows that visibly affected his opponent. Wilder, though absorbing the hits, showcased signs of being stunned. Zhang reiterated his success in hurting Wilder in subsequent rounds, ultimately leading to his knockout victory in round five.
One of the pivotal moments came when Zhang capitalized on Wilder’s vulnerable positioning to deliver a right hook that spun him around, setting the stage for a conclusive blow that sealed the match. Despite Wilder’s formidable power, Zhang effectively controlled the fight by dictating Wilder’s movements and neutralizing his offensive capabilities.
As Wilder attempted to strike back in the fifth round, his unsteady footwork hindered the impact of his punches, allowing Zhang to endure and react effectively. Zhang acknowledged the force behind Wilder’s hits, including a memorable blow to the forehead, further testifying to the intensity of their encounter.
The account of Zhang’s strategic approach, technical prowess, and resilience against a renowned opponent like Wilder paints a vivid picture of his growth as a fighter and his ability to navigate challenging encounters with confidence and skill.
