Malik Scott Open To The Idea Of Wilder Vs. Zhang

Deontay Wilder’s trainer, Malik Scott, is open to the idea of his fighter facing Zhilei Zhang.

The latter’s career has had a resurgence at the age of 40, following back-to-back stoppages of Joe Joyce to become the WBO heavyweight interim champion. As of now, Zhang is in line to face the winner of Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk once the WBO calls the mandatory. And given that Wilder’s fight with Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia is not going ahead, Scott entertained the idea of Wilder facing Zhang. Both boxers are known for having knockout power, as the bout would throw up a contrasting style of southpaw against orthodox. And in order to get such a fight over the line, Scott admitted that Wilder would be willing to travel to China.

“Who else is there? Usyk, but Usyk’s fighting Fury. I wouldn’t mind seeing Deontay knock out Zhang, who just beat Joe Joyce. He put himself in a position to be an option. And I would want that to be in Zhang’s country. Who else is there? Joshua may be fighting [Filip] Hrgovic from what I hear. So everybody at the top-tier is tied up,” Scott

Nevertheless, the bout has nothing to offer Zhang by way of belts. Facing Wilder would be a high-risk, low-reward fight when the Chinese could wait on the sidelines until the mandatory is called. In addition, Zhang could face a less tougher opponent. So either way, Wilder’s next fight appears unclear for now.