Former Champ Deontay Wilder Returns to the Ring, Defeats Zhilei Zhang

Wilder Lands a Decisive Right Hand, Securing Majority Points Decision

Zhang Puts Up a Fight But Falls Short in Riyadh Showdown

In a closely contested bout at the Freedom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder (43-4-1) defeated Zhilei Zhang (27-2-1) via majority points decision. Two judges scored the fight 114-112 in favor of Wilder, while the third had it even at 113-113.

The fight began with both boxers feeling each other out, but it was Wilder who landed the first significant blow, a right hand that energized him. Zhang, who weighed in at 68 pounds heavier than Wilder, showed resilience and absorbed the punches well. Despite his weight advantage, it was Wilder's punching power that proved decisive.

The victory marks Wilder's return to the ring after losing his WBC heavyweight title to Tyson Fury in 2020. Zhang, on the other hand, has now lost two consecutive fights following his defeat to Joe Joyce in 2022.