Wilder Tells Zhang – ‘I’m Not Afraid Of Death’

“It’s been a real fun camp, real exciting, my focus has been on point, my mindset has been on point, my aggression has been off the chart, and I’m ready to go. I could say a lot of things but on June 1st it’s going to be the revealing and everyone’s going to be the witness. I feel like I’m ready, I sound and look like I’m ready in all aspects of it,” Wilder said 

Nevertheless, Wilder must be careful. Zhang is a dangerous southpaw who has stopped bigger heavyweights. He stopped Joe Joyce in succession, who had the best chin in boxing. Their first fight was stopped after Joyce’s eye swelled up in the sixth round. The rematch was even more decisive, with Zhang stopping him in round three. 

Wilder’s Mindset

While Zhang does slow down in the fight, which gives Wilder an opportunity to use his power down the stretch, he must avoid getting clipped. Tyson Fury stopped Wilder in both fights, using his power and size to lean on Wilder. Zhang is a big heavyweight like Fury, which could pose Wilder issues. And yet, the Bronze Bomber was fully focused on getting a win.  

“It’s been a long journey for me and I had to sit back and take a little breather. I can’t wait. I’ve got to go back and get what’s mine. I’m not afraid of death. Look at my occupation. We risk our lives for other people’s entertainment, and that’s just point blank, period. There’s no other business like this, whether the athlete risks his life for his money. Blood, sweat and tears,” Wilder added

The winner puts themselves in contention for the biggest fights. Oleksandr Uysk, the current Undisputed Heavyweight Champion, will rematch Tyson Fury. There is a high chance that the winner retires, going down as the best heavyweight of this ear. If that happens, the belts will become vacant, giving Wilder and Zhang the chance to put their names at the front of the queue for a title shot.