Exclusive: Zhang Zhilei joy at winning 'life and death battle' with Deontay Wilder

Chinese boxing star Zhang Zhilei has expressed his relief and delight exclusively to CGTN Europe, describing it as a "life and death battle", after overcoming former world heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder in the early hours of Sunday in Riyadh.

It was the perfect response for Zhilei, also known as 'Big Bang', who suffered only his second professional defeat in his last fight against Joseph Parker in Saudi Arabia in March.

Wilder had been hoping to set up a potential showdown with Britain's Anthony Joshua, but there was no turning back after he crashed to the canvas with a fifth-round knockout in the night's main event.

"This was a very important match for me," Zhilei told CGTN Europe. "After winning, I feel very happy and refreshed. I was a little worried at first as Wilder is also a heavy hitter and a very powerful boxer. This was a life and death battle between the two of us."

It has been a rollercoaster of a ride for the 41-year-old Zhilei over the last year with a stunning rematch win over Britain's Joe Joyce in September 2023, followed by a disappointing defeat by New Zealand's Parker nearly three months ago. 

"Losing to Parker really was a wake-up call for me," Zhilei added. "After the fight with Joyce, I felt a little proud, and then I didn't take Parker seriously. I didn't focus on training or study how he fights, which led to the loss of the match. 

"But I was able to gain some experience and lessons from that, and I will do better in future matches."

Wilder was tentative in the opening stages of his showdown with Zhilei, seemingly reluctant to show off his devastating right hand punches. It invited the Chinese fighter to push forward and the fireworks were soon offloaded in the fifth round.  

Wilder was knocked off balance with a glancing right hand, and was unable to defend himself as Zhilei produced a crushing blow to leave the American sprawling on the canvas and his career in tatters. 

Zhilei said: "There were fans who had flown to Saudi Arabia from the UK, from China and from New York, as well as local fans from Riyadh. I am really grateful for their support and encouragement. We'll move forward together."

The event in Saudi Arabia pitched fighters promoted by Frank Warren's Queensberry and Eddie Hearn's Matchroom. 

Zhilei's triumph ensured Warren's team secured a clean sweep of five wins and a $3 million prize.

Concerning what may lie ahead in the ring, Zhilei said: "A fight in China is also in the works now, because last night my promoter Frank Warren said there might be a possibility of doing one in China."

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