Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (January 15, 2024) - Joseph Parker is set to face Zhilei Zhang in the co-feature bout on March 8, on the Anthony Joshua undercard in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as per sources. The WBO interim heavyweight title will be on the line with a mandatory shot at the full title currently held by Oleksandr Usyk.

Top 5 Heavyweights

Both fighters hold positions in Top Heavyweight Boxing's top 5 rankings, with Parker at No. 5 and Zhang at No. 3.

Parker (34-3, 33 KOs) enters the bout on the heels of a commanding decision victory over Deontay Wilder, causing a major upset just last month in Riyadh. Meanwhile, Zhang (26-1-1, 21 KOs) had an impressive year with consecutive stoppage wins over Joe Joyce.

Controversial Defeat

Zhang's only defeat came in a controversial decision against Filip Hrgovic in Riyadh in 2022, a match where Zhang managed to floor his opponent.

Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing over 287 pounds, the 40-year-old Chinese contender is recognized as one of the most significant figures in top heavyweight boxing. Zhang, a southpaw with a potent punch, is on the cusp of earning a shot at a world title.

Parker's Comeback

Former heavyweight titleholder Parker, 32, is on a four-fight winning streak since his 11th-round knockout loss to Joyce in 2022. Notably, Parker secured the vacant WBO belt in 2016 with a narrow victory over Andy Ruiz. His only other defeats occurred in 2018, with consecutive decision losses to Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte.

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