Negotiations have begun for a highly anticipated rematch between heavyweight contenders Zhilei Zhang and former WBO champion Joseph Parker.
The first bout between Zhang and Parker was a grueling affair. Zhang started strong, knocking Parker down twice, and appeared to be on his way to a decisive victory. However, as the fight wore on, Zhang's stamina became an issue. Parker, known for his tactical boxing skills under the guidance of trainer Andy Lee, capitalized on Zhang's fatigue, using his footwork and defensive prowess to outbox Zhang in the later rounds and secure the win.
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The rematch poses significant risks for Zhang, who knows Parker will likely adopt a similar strategy of boxing and moving to avoid heavy exchanges. At 40 years old, Zhang's stamina remains a concern, and Parker's cautious, defensive style could again prove problematic. To secure a victory, Zhang will need to land powerful shots early in the fight before his energy wanes.
One key factor for Zhang in the rematch will be weight management. Weighing in at 291 lbs for the first fight, Zhang struggled to maintain his early momentum after the fifth round. To improve his chances against the crafty Parker, Zhang will need to shed some weight and focus on conditioning to sustain his power throughout the fight.
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