Zhilei Zhang’s Stunning Knockout Victory Over Deontay Wilder in Riyadh

Zhilei Zhang added another highlight to his career with a devastating finish of Deontay Wilder in the main event of 5 vs. 5: Queensberry vs. Matchroom. The highly anticipated event took place at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, featuring intense showdowns between top boxing promotions. The heavyweight clash between Zhang and Wilder headlined the event, promising explosive action from the start.

 A Night to Remember in Riyadh

At 1:51 of Round 5, Zhang delivered a crushing right hand to Wilder’s chin, ending the bout in dramatic fashion. The fight saw Wilder advancing with a left hand, only to be countered by Zhang’s precise hook. The punch visibly stunned Wilder, causing him to turn away momentarily. Seizing the opportunity, Zhang closed the distance and delivered the final blow that sealed his victory

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 The Knockout Punch

The decisive moment came as Wilder, believing he had a brief respite, turned his back on Zhang. However, Zhang was quick to capitalize on the situation, landing a powerful punch that left Wilder on the canvas. The knockout not only showcased Zhang’s striking prowess but also his tactical acumen in the ring.

 Zhang’s Triumphant Return

This victory marked a significant comeback for the 41-year-old Chinese boxer. Zhang was coming off a majority decision loss to Joseph Parker, which took place on the undercard of the Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou fight in March. The win against Wilder reestablishes Zhang as a formidable contender in the heavyweight division.

#### Wilder’s Continuing Struggles

For Deontay Wilder, this loss adds to a series of setbacks following his defeats to Tyson Fury. After losing to Fury in their second and third encounters—the first losses of his professional career—Wilder has found it challenging to regain his footing. Although he managed to stop Robert Helenius in 2022, a subsequent unanimous decision loss to Parker and now this brutal knockout by Zhang have left Wilder’s career at a crossroads.

 The Road Ahead

As the dust settles on this electrifying event, questions loom about Wilder’s future in the sport. Meanwhile, Zhang’s victory has reinvigorated his career, positioning him once again as a key player in the heavyweight scene.

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*This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Video: Zhilei Zhang brutally knocks out Deontay Wilder at 5 vs. 5: Queensberry vs. Matchroom*