Zhang is a bit like Ruiz. Front foot counter puncher. Just way more size and power, but possibly even less stamina.I actually think Parker would match up ok against Zhang (yet would always struggle with Joyce). Zhang is certainly much more well schooled than Wilder but there’s a vague stylistic similarity in that they’re both huge punchers but low output with dodgy stamina. Zhang has particularly bad stamina. Parker has a chance of winning a dull decision against that sort of opponent.
Wilder's power is definitely unusual. Even post Fury trilogy he still had the power to knock Helenius out cold with one glancing right hand. One punch man would've been a better ring name than 'Doctor Sleep'. You're not wrong about Wilder's career being carefully curated though, Parker is definitely the second best opponent he's fought.I'm not a big follower of boxing nowadays but Wilder has always seemed a massive fraud to me, yeah he hits big, that's unusual for heavyweight boxers isn't it? He just seems someone who without curated fights would be about 8 in the World in most eras
Wilder's corner definitely deserves a huge chunk of the blame. There was zero urgency from Malik Scott even in the 12th round when he should've been screaming at Wilder to change it up from round 5 onwards. Just seems like after Wilder's ridiculous sacking of Mark Breland that he decided he wanted a bunch of yes men in his corner.I have just watched the Parker-Wilder fight.
I'm sorry but any fighter with a decent upper cut or even just a second phase of attack should have been able to stop what Parker was doing there.
I don't know whether to blame Wilder's corner or Wilder himself, but the idea that he couldn't recognise and adjust to a relatively simple gameplan over 12 rounds is mind-boggling for a professional boxer.
AJ would have recognised that.
Zhang would have recongised that and detonated on him.
Ruiz for sure would have countered that.
Hrgovic, Dubois et al all would have been able to adjust.
I know he'd come in with a different gameplan against those guys but gee...that was bad from Wilder.
Wilder cried about lack of activity , if only their was something he could have done about that?But I don't think it was just that. It looked like significant ring rust and frankly a shot fighter in there.
Fury is overrated but this is hyperboleFury's resume in absolute tatters after tonight.
Beterbiev will murder Smith even if he was 50.Bivol v Beterbiev agreed for Saudi Arabia.
Mixed emotions really, even ignoring the sport washing a major issue with Saudi Arabia is how quiet the crowds can be which takes away from the spectacle, but obviously American promoters did not see money in the fight so it is what it is.
Then the other issue,,,,,,,I am slightly worried that Smith might take out Beterbiev who is now near 40. Its a small sample obviously but Smith looks violent in this weight category.
Nonetheless no matter the winner of Smith/Beterbiev. Bivol schools both. Elite.
Jesus.
No.Nonetheless no matter the winner of Smith/Beterbiev. Bivol schools both. Elite.