Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (March 22, 2024) - Reports are swirling that former heavyweight titlist Deontay Wilder and Chinese powerhouse Zhang Zhilei are on the verge of finalizing a deal for a high-stakes showdown on June 1 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Both Wilder and Zhang are eager to bounce back from recent setbacks, with each fighter coming off decision losses to Joseph Parker in Riyadh. These defeats have left them searching for redemption and a chance to reassert their presence in the competitive landscape of top heavyweight boxing.

In December, Parker scored a significant upset by defeating Wilder via a wide-points decision, disrupting plans for a highly anticipated matchup between Wilder and Anthony Joshua. Similarly, Zhang suffered a setback against Parker, despite flooring him twice during the bout.

Rather than opting for routine comeback fights, Wilder and Zhang are opting for a direct path back to contention by facing each other in what promises to be a high-stakes encounter. The winner of this bout will position themselves for another shot at the top of the heavyweight division.

The timing of this clash adds further intrigue, as just two weeks prior, Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk are set to battle for the undisputed heavyweight championship on May 18, also in Riyadh.

Wilder, boasting an impressive record of 43 wins, 3 losses, and 1 draw with 42 knockouts, is renowned as one of the most devastating punchers in heavyweight history. However, the Alabama native has faced adversity in recent years, suffering three losses in his last four outings, including two defeats in his trilogy with Fury.

At 38 years old, Wilder faces a daunting challenge against the towering Zhang, who stands at 6-foot-6 and possesses considerable power in his own right. Despite being lighter on his feet than expected for his size, Zhang, ranked No. 6 by THB, carries significant weight advantage over Wilder, weighing in at 291.5 pounds in his last bout.

Zhang, who will turn 41 on fight night, showcased his prowess last year with impressive stoppage victories over Joe Joyce, further solidifying his standing in the division. While he has faced setbacks, including a loss to Filip Hrgovic, Zhang's knockout power and southpaw stance present a formidable challenge for any opponent.