Zhilei Zhang and Joseph Parker are set to clash for the interim WBO title on the undercard of Anthony Joshua's highly-anticipated showdown with Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia.
While a bout between Zhang and Deontay Wilder was initially in talks, the Chinese heavyweight contender will now face Parker in Riyadh on Friday, March 8.
![](https://ingramuniversalcom.files.wordpress.com/2024/01/image-34.png?w=1024)
New Zealander Joseph Parker made a strong comeback into the heavyweight title picture with a decisive unanimous decision victory over Wilder at the Kingdom Arena in December. Former WBO heavyweight champion Parker is now set to face interim title-holder Zhang. Zhang, with a 26-1-1 (21) record since turning pro in 2014, secured the interim WBO title by defeating Joe Joyce. The full version of the title is currently held by Oleksandr Usyk.
![](https://ingramuniversalcom.files.wordpress.com/2024/01/image-36.png?w=992)
Zhang, 40, is coming off impressive back-to-back stoppage wins over Joyce. Meanwhile, Parker, 31, redeemed himself after a setback in September 2022, winning all four of his fights in 2023. His record now stands at 34-3 (23). Parker's promoter, David Higgins, believes these victories have silenced the critics who doubted him after the 11th-round KO loss to Joyce in September 2022.
![](https://ingramuniversalcom.files.wordpress.com/2024/01/image-35.png?w=720)