In a dramatic turn of events, heavyweight boxer Deontay Wilder has accused his opponent Zhilei Zhang of biting him during their recent bout.

The accusation comes amid heightened tensions and fierce competition between the two fighters, who both have a lot to prove following recent defeats.

Wilder, known for his powerful punches and larger-than-life persona, didn’t hold back in his post-fight comments. “He bit me,” Wilder claimed, suggesting that Zhang resorted to unsportsmanlike tactics in their clash. The fight, held in Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena, was already surrounded by high stakes as both fighters sought redemption after losses to Joseph Parker in their previous matches

Zhilei Zhang, the towering Chinese southpaw, has not yet responded directly to the biting allegations. However, in the lead-up to the fight, Zhang expressed confidence in his ability to end Wilder’s career, emphasizing the intensity and high stakes of their encounter

The match itself was part of a larger event featuring multiple high-profile bouts, and it lived up to the expectations with its intensity and controversy. Wilder, aiming to reclaim his former glory, had promised a return to his aggressive, no-nonsense fighting style. He declared before the fight that he was ready to showcase the “Bronze Bomber” persona that made him a feared opponent in the heavyweight division

As the dust settles, the boxing world awaits further developments and official statements from both camps regarding the biting incident. This controversy adds another layer to the storied rivalry and underscores the unpredictable nature of the sport.