Tyson Fury has given his prediction for the upcoming fight between Zhilei Zhang and Joseph Parker and thinks that one man will outbox the other.
This week is the first big heavyweight card of the year with Anthony Joshua taking on Francis Ngannou out in Saudi Arabia, and on the undercard is a huge fight between Zhang and Parker, both of whom are hoping to push themselves into world title contention.
Parker, who is trained by Andy Lee, is a former world titleholder who had the best win of his career back in December on the Day of Reckoning card when he beat Deontay Wilder comprehensively on points over 12 rounds.
Zhang, meanwhile, also had a big 2023 that saw him twice stop the previous unstoppable Joe Joyce in back-to-back fights then each ended with knockouts.
Speaking to The Stomping Ground, Fury has now given his view about his sometime-camp mate Parker’s chances against Zhang.
“Joe’s me pal so I’m never going to go against him. I do think he can win that fight. I think he can outbox him as long as he doesn’t get caught standing still and trading with the guy. Joe has got very good footwork and boxing ability.
“Joe has come on a long way since he’s been training in Morecambe Bay, home of champions. Zhang has got fast hands and slow feet so if you stand in front him he’ll punch you to pieces but he’ll be alright, I think Joe will beat him.”