At Thursday’s final press conference ahead of his heavyweight clash with Deontay Wilder, China’s Zhilei Zhang did his best to stir discontent within Team Matchroom.
Zhang and Wilder meet Saturday as the lead fight in the “5 vs 5” show in Saudi Arabia featuring fighters from Matchroom and Queensberry Promotions, pitting promoters Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren against one another.
Wilder-Zhang is the most eagerly anticipated and high-profile fight on the bill, and Wilder was made the captain of the Matchroom team, meaning he can earn double points for his side should he defeat Zhang.
“I think he made a mistake,” said “Big Bang” Zhang. “I think they chose him as a captain to kiss his ass in order to get a promotional contract.”
Zhang’s statement drew laughs, but Hearn promptly admitted he would like to work with Wilder, who is a free agent.
“I’d love to sign Deontay Wilder. I think he’s one of the best heavyweights in the world, one of the most exciting heavyweights in the world – but so is Zhilei Zhang,” said Hearn.
“I get to see [Wilder] explode on Saturday night. It’s an honor to represent Deontay Wilder, for one night only, and hopefully, as Zhilei Zhang said, the future does lead to a promotional contract. But all that matters is Saturday night, and I believe you’re going to see one of the most brutal knockouts you’ve seen in the heavyweight division and [Wilder] will announce himself and establish himself once more as the most dangerous man in the heavyweight division.”
Wilder was more outspoken, but Zhang had some fighting talk of his own.
“He’s a veteran, and he’s the ‘Bronze Bomber’ for a reason,” said Zhang. “But I think the Bomber is out of ammo, because he’s fighting ‘Big Bang’ now.”
