Zhilei Zhang’s trainer has promised the heavyweight will be a “different fighter” when on Friday he confronts Joseph Parker.

They fight in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on the undercard of Anthony Joshua-Francis Ngannou, at a time when Zhang, particularly, has the WBC champion Tyson Fury in his sights. 

Parker, 32, enters Friday’s fight after recording his finest victory – that via unanimous decision over Deontay Wilder in December, when his success meant plans for Wilder to fight Joshua were shelved.

Zhang, regardless, stopped Joe Joyce – who previously stopped Parker – in successive fights after being so unfortunate to be scored the loser against Filip Hrgovic, and yet if Parker’s reputation is again growing, it is Zhang’s run of fights his trainer Shaun George believes shows why he will win.

“You’re going to see a little bit of everything,” George told DAZN. “Zhilei is one of those fighters that can actually do everything; one of those fighters that can make adjustments. 

“One of the things that you guys aren’t paying attention to is that he can make adjustments. He’s a little bit different, Zhilei, every time you see him. Hrgovic; first Joe Joyce fight to the second, to now; you’re going to see a whole other strategy coming in. He’s a different fighter.

“Zhilei is well-schooled. He’s an athletic big man. He can move around; he’s not one-dimensional; he doesn’t just come forward; he does a lot of things in there. He can work the body; work the head. The game plan for this fight is just keep making adjustments; we gonna do what we gonna do. No one is gonna stop us from doing it. We bank on everything until he folds. 

“I’ve been working with him for over 14 years. In China, and in the US, as an amateur.

“Riddick Bowe. Seriously, he’s a southpaw version of ‘Big Daddy’ Bowe.”

At 40 observers have questioned whether Zhang’s age will be undermine him, but George said: “Tom Brady was older. LeBron James is older. He’s just thinking differently nowadays. He’s doing different things in the ring.”  

“I feel very, very good,” said the heavyweight from China. “I believe I’m the main event – not Joseph Parker. 

“I’m ready, Parker. Let’s go.”

“It’s nice to come out and just get a shake out and just be among people who wanna support and watch the fights,” said Parker, the former WBO champion. “It’s good – it’s nice to be a part of it. When you’re dealing with these things you know you’re getting closer to the fight.

“I feel great. I’ve done the work. I’ve got good energy, and I’m saving it all for fight night. Every camp I’ve been in it gets better and better. I’m learning and progressing. I’m a happy, happy fighter. 

“I love the journey, and I love the process and everything to do with fight night – the press conference; weigh-in; public workout; everything. It’s not gonna be here forever so it’s time to enjoy it and make the most of it. It’s always nice to see your opponent up front and see what they do.”