TASS

Dmitry Bivol Defends WBA Title Against Replacement Malik Zinad

Originally posted on Big Fight Weekend
By S Saadeq Ahmed | Last updated May 30, 2024 4:55 PM ET

Dmitry Bivol (22-0, 11 KOs) will take on Malik Zinad (22-0, 16 KOs) as he awaits a showdown for the undisputed light heavyweight championship.

The two meet on a card that pits five Matchroom Boxing fighters against five from Queensberry Promotions. However, their bout will be a separate one from the 5v5 competition. Fight fans can catch the action live as a PPV on DAZN. Those in the United Kingdom can also purchase it from TNT Sports, discovery+, Sky, EE TV and Prime Video.

Queensberry vs. Matchroom 5v5 will take place at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It is part of Riyadh Season, a state-funded entertainment and sports festival. The Saudi Arabian General Entertainment Authority is responsible for its organization.

Bivol was initially set to face Artur Beterbiev for undisputed status on June 1. However, an injury to Beterbiev led to Zinad stepping in on a few week’s notice. Bivol and Zinad have spoken at an event in Riyadh to promote the bout. Below is what they had to say.

Dmitry Bivol Defends WBA Title Against Replacement Malik Zinad

Bivol

“I’m just happy that I have fight because I could not have fight because of injury of Beterbiev, but, now I have a serious opponent who has never lost in the ring,” said Bivol. “It makes me more excited to show the world that I’m the champion.”

Zinad

“Saturday guys, it’s gonna be huge,” said Zinad. “It’s gonna be war inside the ring, trust me. So everyone, come, don’t miss this. The Libyan Malik Zinad is gonna smash it on June 1.”

Fight Prediction

Zinad is a talented fighter, as evidenced by his victory over Jerome Pampellone in late April this year. However, Bivol should be too much for him. Both Bivol and Beterbiev are in a class of their own at light heavyweight, and it is hard to see Zinad having much success this Saturday. Expect a clear unanimous decision win for Bivol.