Deontay Wilder Embraces ‘No More Mr. Nice Guy’ Mentality For Zhang Clash

Deontay Wilder says it’s “No more Mr. Nice” guy with his mentality for his pivotal clash this Saturday night against the knockout artist Zhilei ‘Big Bang’ Zhang for the 5 vs 5 event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Wilder (43-3-1, 42 KOs), the former WBC heavyweight champion, and Zhang (26-2-1, 21 KOs) made their grand arrivals today along with other fighters on the 5 vs. 5 event at the Kingdom Arena. The event will be shown live on DAZN PPV.

A Critical Turning Point for Both Fighters

This is a make-or-break fight for Wilder and Zhang, as both are at a career stage where they cannot afford another loss. Both guys are coming off defeats, but they still have a chance to turn things around if they’re victorious.

Top Rank promoter Bob Arum wants Wilder to fight Jared Anderson, but Deontay wants a bigger fight against Anthony Joshua or a world title shot.

That’s where the money is for the ‘Bronze Bomber,’ but he will have to come out of the gates fast on Saturday night because Zhang will finish off his career if he starts slow.

“I’m the man with the big right hand, with the bomb. Nobody has the fighter mentality, warrior heart, and killer instinct, especially when I’m on. When I’m on, I’m the dangerous man in the world, and I’m ready to prove it on Saturday night,” said Deontay Wilder to Queensberry during today’s grand arrivals in Riyadh.

“I don’t take nothing from none of the guys. All of us are great. We all have got greatness in us, but greatness is only determined by services. They want the savage of the Bronze Bomber,” said Wilder about what boxing fans want from him.

No More Mr. Nice Guy

“I said no more, Mr. Nice Guy because I’m in a place where the Saudis want to see action. They want to see excitement. I told them that. I didn’t deliver last time, but this time, no more, Mr. Nice Guy.

“I’m looking forward to fighting ‘Big Bang’ Zhang. When you have Chinese power and Alabama power, it’s hard to go out, but somebody had got to get knocked out. This is not a 12-round fight.

“People are coming to see the big boys. They want to see the knockouts, and unfortunately, it’s between me and him and someone is getting their lights knocked out. We’re going on a winning streak. We’re sweeping the cards, and that’s all I got to say about that,” said Wilder.

“He had a haunted look against Joseph Parker, and that look has gone,” said Gareth A. Davies to Queensberry about Deontay Wilder, who is taking on the dangerous puncher Zhilei Zhang.

“As an athlete, he’s a freak. He’s telescopic in his reach, and percentage-wise, he’s arguably the most dangerous heavyweight in history.”