In a much-anticipated showdown in Saudi Arabia, the 26-1-1 heavyweight Zhilei Zhang faced off against former world titlist Joseph Parker, with Parker boasting a record of 34-3. The fight was scheduled for twelve rounds and served as the co-main event for the highly anticipated Anthony Joshua-Francis Ngannou bout.
Zhang started the fight by using his southpaw jab to probe Parker in the first round, while Parker played it safe. The second round saw Parker land a hard body shot, while Zhang continued to search for openings. However, it was in the third round when Zhang made his mark by dropping Parker with a powerful straight left. Although Parker managed to get back up, it was evident that Zhang could pose a significant threat.
As the fight progressed, both fighters began to exchange heavy blows. The fifth round saw both men throwing heavy punches, while the sixth was slower-paced but showcased Parker’s ability to land on Zhang. In the seventh round, Zhang appeared to show signs of fatigue, but he managed to put Parker back on the mat towards the end of the eighth round. Despite Parker’s resilience in getting back up, Zhang’s power was undeniable.
As the fight entered the later rounds, Zhang seemed to lose steam, allowing Parker to become more active in the ring. In the tenth round, Parker outboxed Zhang, showcasing his skills and strategic prowess. By the eleventh round, it was evident that Parker had taken control of the fight, while Zhang appeared to be lacking the energy and urgency needed to secure a victory. The twelfth round saw Parker maintaining his crisp and energetic performance, ultimately leading to a unanimous decision victory in his favor.
In the end, the fight between Zhilei Zhang and Joseph Parker showcased the resilience and skill of both fighters. While Zhang displayed moments of power and dominance, Parker’s consistency and strategic approach ultimately secured him the win via decision. This showdown serves as a reminder of the unpredictability and excitement that the heavyweight division brings to the world of boxing.