Deontay Wilder vs. Zhilei Zhang: Date, time, how to watch, background.
Former heavyweight champ Deontay Wilder returns to the ring against Zhilei Zhang in the main event of the Queensberry and Matchroom 5 vs. 5 pay-per-view card Saturday in Saudi Arabia.
Odds: Zhang 1½-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets)
Significance (up to five stars): *****
Also on the card: Filip Hrgovic vs. Daniel Dubois, heavyweights; Dmitry Bivol vs. Malik Zinad, light heavyweights (for Bivol’s WBA title); Raymond Ford vs. Nick Ball, featherweights (for Ford’s WBA title); Austin Williams vs. Hamzah Sheeraz, middleweights; Craig Richards vs. Willy Hutchinson, light heavyweights
Background: Dmitry Bivol was scheduled to fight fellow 175-pound titleholder Artur Beterbiev in the main event of the Queensberry and Matchroom 5 vs. 5 card but the matchup was postponed after Beterbiev was injured in training. The show goes on, with Deontay Wilder facing Zhilei Zhang in the main event and Bivol defending his belt against Malik Zinad in a stay-busy fight. Wilder is at a crossroads. The hard-punching former heavyweight titleholder is 1-3 in his last four fights, with knockout losses against Tyson Fury in 2020 and 2021 and a one-sided decision setback against Joseph Parker on the Anthony Joshua-Otto Wallin card in December. The 38-year-old Alabamian’s only victory in the last four-plus years was a first-round stoppage of Robert Helenius in October 2022. A victory over Zhang could lead to one more title shot. Another loss could end his career as an elite fighter, particularly if he’s not competitive. Zhang, a 41-year-old from China, had built considerable momentum with back-to-back knockouts of Joe Joyce last year. However, he took a step backward with a majority decision loss to Parker even though he put the winner down twice in March. A victory would keep Zhang in the hunt for a title fight. Bivol (22-0, 11 KOs), ranked No. 4 pound-for-pound, shouldn’t have too much trouble with Zinad (22-0, 16 KOs). The Malta-based Libyan has a perfect record but is taking an enormous step up in opposition. He’s ranked No. 2 by the IBF. Also on the card, Filip Hrgovic (17-0, 14 KOs) and Daniel Dubois (20-2, 19 KOs) will be fighting to maintain their positions as top contenders. Hrgovic, a 2016 Olympic bronze medalist, is coming off a first-round KO of Mark De Mori on the Joshua-Wallin card. Dubois bounced back from his knockout loss to Oleksandr Usyk by stopping Jarrell Miller in the 10th and final round, also on the Joshua-Wallin show. And 126-pound titleholder Raymond Ford (15-0-1, 8 KOs) will defend his belt against Nick Ball (19-0-1, 8 KOs). Ford, a 25-year-old from New Jersey, is coming off a sensational stoppage of Otabek Kholmatov with only seven seconds remaining in a fight he was losing on the cards to win the vacant WBA title. Ball (19-0-1, 11 KOs) is coming off a strong performance, a split draw against WBC beltholder Rey Vargas in March. The 27-year-old from the U.K. outpointed Isaac Dogboe before that.
Fight Week: Former heavyweight champ Deontay Wilder is scheduled to face Zhilei Zhang in the 5 vs. 5 main event Saturday in Saudi Arabia.
FIGHT WEEK
Deontay Wilder is scheduled to face Zhilei Zhang in the main event of the Queensberry and Matchroom 5 vs. 5 pay-per-view card Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Odds: Zhang 1½-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets)
Significance (up to five stars): *****
Also on the card: Filip Hrgovic vs. Daniel Dubois, heavyweights; Dmitry Bivol vs. Malik Zinad, light heavyweights (for Bivol’s WBA title); Raymond Ford vs. Nick Ball, featherweights (for Ford’s WBA title); Austin Williams vs. Hamzah Sheeraz, middleweights; Craig Richards vs. Willy Hutchinson, light heavyweights
Background: Dmitry Bivol was scheduled to fight fellow 175-pound titleholder Artur Beterbiev in the main event of the Queensberry and Matchroom 5 vs. 5 card but the matchup was postponed after Beterbiev was injured in training. The show goes on, with Deontay Wilder facing Zhilei Zhang in the main event and Bivol defending his belt against Malik Zinad in a stay-busy fight. Wilder is at a crossroads. The hard-punching former heavyweight titleholder is 1-3 in his last four fights, with knockout losses against Tyson Fury in 2020 and 2021 and a one-sided decision setback against Joseph Parker on the Anthony Joshua-Otto Wallin card in December. The 38-year-old Alabamian’s only victory in the last four-plus years was a first-round stoppage of Robert Helenius in October 2022. A victory over Zhang could lead to one more title shot. Another loss could end his career as an elite fighter, particularly if he’s not competitive. Zhang, a 41-year-old from China, had built considerable momentum with back-to-back knockouts of Joe Joyce last year. However, he took a step backward with a majority decision loss to Parker even though he put the winner down twice in March. A victory would keep Zhang in the hunt for a title fight. Bivol (22-0, 11 KOs), ranked No. 4 pound-for-pound, shouldn’t have too much trouble with Zinad (22-0, 16 KOs). The Malta-based Libyan has a perfect record but is taking an enormous step up in opposition. He’s ranked No. 2 by the IBF. Also on the card, Filip Hrgovic (17-0, 14 KOs) and Daniel Dubois (20-2, 19 KOs) will be fighting to maintain their positions as top contenders. Hrgovic, a 2016 Olympic bronze medalist, is coming off a first-round KO of Mark De Mori on the Joshua-Wallin card. Dubois bounced back from his knockout loss to Oleksandr Usyk by stopping Jarrell Miller in the 10th and final round, also on the Joshua-Wallin show. And 126-pound titleholder Raymond Ford (15-0-1, 8 KOs) will defend his belt against Nick Ball (19-0-1, 8 KOs). Ford, a 25-year-old from New Jersey, is coming off a sensational stoppage of Otabek Kholmatov with only seven seconds remaining in a fight he was losing on the cards to win the vacant WBA title. Ball (19-0-1, 11 KOs) is coming off a strong performance, a split draw against WBC beltholder Rey Vargas in March. The 27-year-old from the U.K. outpointed Isaac Dogboe before that.
ALSO FIGHTING THIS WEEK
FRIDAY
Brandon Adams vs. Francisco Veron, junior middleweights, Houston (DAZN)
SATURDAY
Nate Diaz vs. Jorge Masvidal, light heavyweights, Inglewood, California (pay-per-view)
ESPN is reporting that Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang are near a deal to fight one another on the Dmitry Bivol-Artur Beterbiev card.
The new capital of heavyweight boxing is about to deliver two more fights featuring prominent big men.
ESPN is reporting that former heavyweight titleholder Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang are nearing a deal to fight one another on the Dmitry Bivol-Artur Beterbiev card June 1 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Also, heavyweight contenders Filip Hrgovic and Daniel Dubois are close to an agreement to meet on the same show.
Wilder (43-3-1, 42 KOs) will be trying to reestablish himself as a top heavyweight after losing three of his last four fights, two knockouts against Tyson Fury in 2020 and 2021 and a one-sided decision against Joseph Parker in December.
The 38-year-old American’s only victory since 2019 was a first-round knockout of Robert Helenius in 2022.
Zhang (26-2-1, 21 KOs) built considerable momentum by stopping Joe Joyce twice last year but the 40-year-old from China crashed back to earth against Parker in March, losing a majority decision even though he decked Parker twice.
Hrgovic (17-0, 14 KOs) is a 2016 Olympic bronze medalist from Croatia. His biggest victory was a unanimous decision over Zhang in 2022.
Dubois (20-2, 19 KOs) nearly pulled off a huge upset when he floored titleholder Oleksandr Usyk with a body shot in August. However, the punch was ruled a low blow, Usyk was given time to recover and the champ stopped Dubois in the ninth round.
Dubois bounced back by stopping Jarrell Miller in the 10th round in December.
Bivol vs. Beterbiev, for the undisputed 175-pound championship, is one of the most anticipated fights in the sport.
Bivol (22-0, 11 KOs) is best known for defeating Canelo Alvarez in 2022 but he has a long track record of dominating top contenders. Beterbiev (20-0, 20 KOs) also has overwhelmed opponents, none of whom have reached the final bell.
ESPN is reporting that Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang are near a deal to fight one another on the Dmitry Bivol-Artur Beterbiev card.
The new capital of heavyweight boxing is about to deliver two more fights featuring prominent big men.
ESPN is reporting that former heavyweight titleholder Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang are nearing a deal to fight one another on the Dmitry Bivol-Artur Beterbiev card June 1 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Also, heavyweight contenders Filip Hrgovic and Daniel Dubois are close to an agreement to meet on the same show.
Wilder (43-3-1, 42 KOs) will be trying to reestablish himself as a top heavyweight after losing three of his last four fights, two knockouts against Tyson Fury in 2020 and 2021 and a one-sided decision against Joseph Parker in December.
The 38-year-old American’s only victory since 2019 was a first-round knockout of Robert Helenius in 2022.
Zhang (26-2-1, 21 KOs) built considerable momentum by stopping Joe Joyce twice last year but the 40-year-old from China crashed back to earth against Parker in March, losing a majority decision even though he decked Parker twice.
Hrgovic (17-0, 14 KOs) is a 2016 Olympic bronze medalist from Croatia. His biggest victory was a unanimous decision over Zhang in 2022.
Dubois (20-2, 19 KOs) nearly pulled off a huge upset when he floored titleholder Oleksandr Usyk with a body shot in August. However, the punch was ruled a low blow, Usyk was given time to recover and the champ stopped Dubois in the ninth round.
Dubois bounced back by stopping Jarrell Miller in the 10th round in December.
Bivol vs. Beterbiev, for the undisputed 175-pound championship, is one of the most anticipated fights in the sport.
Bivol (22-0, 11 KOs) is best known for defeating Canelo Alvarez in 2022 but he has a long track record of dominating top contenders. Beterbiev (20-0, 20 KOs) also has overwhelmed opponents, none of whom have reached the final bell.
Weekend Review: Anthony Joshua sizzled and Deontay Wilder fizzled on a big night of boxing Saturday in Saudi Arabia.
A critical look at the past week in boxing
BIGGEST WINNER
Anthony Joshua
No on is surprised that Anthony Joshua defeated Otto Wallin on the massive card Saturday night in Saudi Arabia. The former heavyweight champion has far superior tools to that of his Swedish opponent, which resulted in a fifth-round knockout. It was the manner in which Joshua (27-3, 24 KOs) carried himself that was an eye opener. He fought with the confidence and purpose of an elite fighter who believes in himself and has found peace, which doesn’t seem to have been the case since the days before he was knocked out by Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2019. Of course, we shouldn’t get carried away. Again, Wallin (26-2, 14 KOs) was a limited threat. And Joshua wasn’t forced to overcome any sort of adversity, which would be the ultimate test of his current mettle. Still, the Joshua we saw on Saturday – under new trainer Ben Davison – looked a lot like the Olympic gold medalist who became the top big man in the mid-2010s. We can’t dismiss his loss to Ruiz and back-to-back setbacks against the gifted Oleksandr Usyk, which will always be a part of Joshua’s story. We can say that he appears to be writing a new chapter, one in which he just might be a dominating heavyweight once again.
BIGGEST WINNER II
Joseph Parker
Parker (34-3, 23 KOs) had the skill and experience to execute an excellent game plan perfectly. The former heavyweight titleholder didn’t overwhelm Deontay Wilder in spite of the one-sided scores in his favor in the co-feature in Riyadh. He landed a total of 89 punches, seven per round, according to CompuBox. That isn’t exactly a beat down. No, the beauty of his performance was his ability to avoid Wilder’s dangerous right hand and do enough offensively to win round after round, just as trainer Andy Lee drew it up. Parker simply stayed out of Wilder’s range or crowded him inside, which made it difficult for Wilder to get in position to land what had become his inevitable knockout blow. Parker took only 39 shots. Meanwhile, he found opportune, relatively safe moments to land his own punches. His overhand right was the best punch in the fight. Thus, Parker was able to tame one of the most feared fighters of the era and reassert himself as a legitimate championship contender. The 31-year-old Kiwi couldn’t have had a much better night.
BIGGEST LOSER
Deontay Wilder
Have we seen the last of Deontay Wilder? Richard Pelham / Getty Images
Wilder (43-3-1, 42 KOs) is anything but a loser despite what you might hear or read on social media. He did exactly what we all strive to do in our careers: He made the most of his ability. He came late to boxing, meaning he has never had the fundamental foundation of most of his opponents. Still, he won a bronze medal in the Olympics, had a five-year reign as world champion as a professional, gained a reputation as one of the hardest punchers of all time, put Tyson Fury down four times in three fights, gave Fury absolute hell in their third meeting and will one day be inducted into the International Hall of Fame. And he won’t be defined by his performance against Parker. I always believed that one day Wilder would fail to land his mammoth right hand or another big shot and lose a decision to a good opponent as a result. To his credit, it happened 15 years into his career. He wasn’t fooling people all this time, as some have suggested. We all knew what his limitations were. His ability to overcome them was what made him so impressive. If he’s finished – and perhaps he would be wise to retire at 38 – he should be proud of what he accomplished.
RABBIT PUNCHES
More thoughts on Joshua and Wilder: Where did Joshua’s inner tranquility come from? I suspect he has clicked with his countryman Davison, for one thing. And I believe he has a different perspective on his career. The worst has already happened. He was knocked out and now has three setbacks, which, as it turned out, didn’t destroy his career. The pressure is off. He can now fight to win instead of fighting not to lose, the latter of which is no way to approach a fight. I don’t know whether he can beat Fury or Usyk, although his second meeting with the Ukrainian was close. I simply believe that self doubt wouldn’t play as big of a role as it has in the past. … Wilder’s critics have suggested that Parker is the best opponent he faced other than Fury, their way of saying he was exposed against a genuine threat. Again, a fighter isn’t exposed if you understand his limitations beforehand. And while Parker might be his second most formidable foe he’s not that much better than Luis Ortiz, who Wilder defeated twice. And let’s not forget: Wilder had fought less than one full round in more than two years going into the fight. I wonder how he would’ve fared if he had been as busy as Parker, who had four fights this year. Last thing on Wilder: Will he be remembered as a great fighter? No. Will he be remembered as one of the most exciting? Absolutely. …
Filip Hrgovic (17-0, 14 KOs) could end up as a big winner as a result of the show in Riyadh. The rising Croatian heavyweight did his job on the card, stopping ridiculously overmatched Mark De Mori (41-3-2, 36 KOs) in the first round. Then Parker did him a favor by upsetting Wilder. That could land Hrgovic a meeting with Joshua, who had been set to fight Wilder if things went well on Saturday. If Hrgovic gets that fight and wins – a big if – he will move to the front of line among those jockeying for a shot at a world title. … Cruiserweight beltholder Jai Opetaia (24-0, 19 KOs) didn’t give us much of a chance to admire his all-around ability on the Joshua-Wallin and Parker-Wilder card, stopping Ellis Zorro (17-1, 7 KOs) with a monstrous left hand that left an immobile Zorro with his head resting on the bottom rope in the first round. At least Opetaia made a strong impression. The Aussie’s mission now is to take the next step in his career, which would be a victory over a big-name opponent. But who? Gilberto Ramirez (45-1, 30 KOs) might be the most intriguing possibility at the moment. The durable Mexican is a former 168-pound titleholder who failed in a bid to take Dmitry Bivol’s 175-pound title and is now campaigning as a 200-pounder. He outpointed Joe Smith Jr. in October. Ramirez is high profile enough to bring attention to the matchup and could give Opetaia problems. …
Also on the Joshua-Wallin and Parker-Wilder card … Bivol (22-0, 11 KOs) had no trouble with Lydon Arthur (23-2, 16 KOs), winning a shutout decision in defense of his 175-pound title. No surprise there. The winner’s inability to take out his counterpart probably was a disappointment in the Bivol camp but it doesn’t detract much from another dominating performance. His skill level is somewhere above the stratosphere. I hope a meeting with Artur Beterbiev (19-0, 19 KOs) for the undisputed championship comes next, assuming Beterbiev beats Callum Smith on Jan. 13. I think Bivol will win that bout because he’s a better all-around fighter than Beterbiev but it will he’s ultimate test. … Daniel Dubois (20-2, 19 KOs) gave arguably the strongest performance of his career, outworking and then stopping 333-pound Jarrell Miller in the 10th and final round of a grueling fight. The winner outlanded his opponent 208-107, according to CompuBox. The victory was a significant step back into title contention after his knockout loss against Usyk, in which some fans believe he quit. Meanwhile, it’s difficult to be sympathetic to Miller, who has failed two drug tests. …
Agit Kabayel (24-0, 16 KOs) turned in an impressive upset, stopping hulking Arslanbek Makhmudov (18-1, 17 KOs) in the fourth round of their heavyweight matchup to raise his profile. It was Kabayel’s all-around ability vs. Makhumdov’s brawn and power, which turned out to be a mismatch. … Talented heavyweight contender Frank Sanchez (24-0, 17 KOs) put Junior Fa (20-3, 11 KOs) away in the seventh round, just another impressive performance from the Cuban. He’s clearly ready to take on a next-level opponent. … And, finally, my thoughts and prayers go out to 92-year-old Hall of Fame TV analyst and accomplished journalist Larry Merchant, who reportedly was rushed to the hospital and placed in a critical care unit this week. No further details were available. Merchant is the best analyst ever. And those in the business who have had the privilege of spending time with him cherish his friendship.
Weekend Review: Anthony Joshua sizzled and Deontay Wilder fizzled on a big night of boxing Saturday in Saudi Arabia.
A critical look at the past week in boxing
BIGGEST WINNER
Anthony Joshua
No on is surprised that Anthony Joshua defeated Otto Wallin on the massive card Saturday night in Saudi Arabia. The former heavyweight champion has far superior tools to that of his Swedish opponent, which resulted in a fifth-round knockout. It was the manner in which Joshua (27-3, 24 KOs) carried himself that was an eye opener. He fought with the confidence and purpose of an elite fighter who believes in himself and has found peace, which doesn’t seem to have been the case since the days before he was knocked out by Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2019. Of course, we shouldn’t get carried away. Again, Wallin (26-2, 14 KOs) was a limited threat. And Joshua wasn’t forced to overcome any sort of adversity, which would be the ultimate test of his current mettle. Still, the Joshua we saw on Saturday – under new trainer Ben Davison – looked a lot like the Olympic gold medalist who became the top big man in the mid-2010s. We can’t dismiss his loss to Ruiz and back-to-back setbacks against the gifted Oleksandr Usyk, which will always be a part of Joshua’s story. We can say that he appears to be writing a new chapter, one in which he just might be a dominating heavyweight once again.
BIGGEST WINNER II
Joseph Parker
Parker (34-3, 23 KOs) had the skill and experience to execute an excellent game plan perfectly. The former heavyweight titleholder didn’t overwhelm Deontay Wilder in spite of the one-sided scores in his favor in the co-feature in Riyadh. He landed a total of 89 punches, seven per round, according to CompuBox. That isn’t exactly a beat down. No, the beauty of his performance was his ability to avoid Wilder’s dangerous right hand and do enough offensively to win round after round, just as trainer Andy Lee drew it up. Parker simply stayed out of Wilder’s range or crowded him inside, which made it difficult for Wilder to get in position to land what had become his inevitable knockout blow. Parker took only 39 shots. Meanwhile, he found opportune, relatively safe moments to land his own punches. His overhand right was the best punch in the fight. Thus, Parker was able to tame one of the most feared fighters of the era and reassert himself as a legitimate championship contender. The 31-year-old Kiwi couldn’t have had a much better night.
BIGGEST LOSER
Deontay Wilder
Have we seen the last of Deontay Wilder? Richard Pelham / Getty Images
Wilder (43-3-1, 42 KOs) is anything but a loser despite what you might hear or read on social media. He did exactly what we all strive to do in our careers: He made the most of his ability. He came late to boxing, meaning he has never had the fundamental foundation of most of his opponents. Still, he won a bronze medal in the Olympics, had a five-year reign as world champion as a professional, gained a reputation as one of the hardest punchers of all time, put Tyson Fury down four times in three fights, gave Fury absolute hell in their third meeting and will one day be inducted into the International Hall of Fame. And he won’t be defined by his performance against Parker. I always believed that one day Wilder would fail to land his mammoth right hand or another big shot and lose a decision to a good opponent as a result. To his credit, it happened 15 years into his career. He wasn’t fooling people all this time, as some have suggested. We all knew what his limitations were. His ability to overcome them was what made him so impressive. If he’s finished – and perhaps he would be wise to retire at 38 – he should be proud of what he accomplished.
RABBIT PUNCHES
More thoughts on Joshua and Wilder: Where did Joshua’s inner tranquility come from? I suspect he has clicked with his countryman Davison, for one thing. And I believe he has a different perspective on his career. The worst has already happened. He was knocked out and now has three setbacks, which, as it turned out, didn’t destroy his career. The pressure is off. He can now fight to win instead of fighting not to lose, the latter of which is no way to approach a fight. I don’t know whether he can beat Fury or Usyk, although his second meeting with the Ukrainian was close. I simply believe that self doubt wouldn’t play as big of a role as it has in the past. … Wilder’s critics have suggested that Parker is the best opponent he faced other than Fury, their way of saying he was exposed against a genuine threat. Again, a fighter isn’t exposed if you understand his limitations beforehand. And while Parker might be his second most formidable foe he’s not that much better than Luis Ortiz, who Wilder defeated twice. And let’s not forget: Wilder had fought less than one full round in more than two years going into the fight. I wonder how he would’ve fared if he had been as busy as Parker, who had four fights this year. Last thing on Wilder: Will he be remembered as a great fighter? No. Will he be remembered as one of the most exciting? Absolutely. …
Filip Hrgovic (17-0, 14 KOs) could end up as a big winner as a result of the show in Riyadh. The rising Croatian heavyweight did his job on the card, stopping ridiculously overmatched Mark De Mori (41-3-2, 36 KOs) in the first round. Then Parker did him a favor by upsetting Wilder. That could land Hrgovic a meeting with Joshua, who had been set to fight Wilder if things went well on Saturday. If Hrgovic gets that fight and wins – a big if – he will move to the front of line among those jockeying for a shot at a world title. … Cruiserweight beltholder Jai Opetaia (24-0, 19 KOs) didn’t give us much of a chance to admire his all-around ability on the Joshua-Wallin and Parker-Wilder card, stopping Ellis Zorro (17-1, 7 KOs) with a monstrous left hand that left an immobile Zorro with his head resting on the bottom rope in the first round. At least Opetaia made a strong impression. The Aussie’s mission now is to take the next step in his career, which would be a victory over a big-name opponent. But who? Gilberto Ramirez (45-1, 30 KOs) might be the most intriguing possibility at the moment. The durable Mexican is a former 168-pound titleholder who failed in a bid to take Dmitry Bivol’s 175-pound title and is now campaigning as a 200-pounder. He outpointed Joe Smith Jr. in October. Ramirez is high profile enough to bring attention to the matchup and could give Opetaia problems. …
Also on the Joshua-Wallin and Parker-Wilder card … Bivol (22-0, 11 KOs) had no trouble with Lydon Arthur (23-2, 16 KOs), winning a shutout decision in defense of his 175-pound title. No surprise there. The winner’s inability to take out his counterpart probably was a disappointment in the Bivol camp but it doesn’t detract much from another dominating performance. His skill level is somewhere above the stratosphere. I hope a meeting with Artur Beterbiev (19-0, 19 KOs) for the undisputed championship comes next, assuming Beterbiev beats Callum Smith on Jan. 13. I think Bivol will win that bout because he’s a better all-around fighter than Beterbiev but it will he’s ultimate test. … Daniel Dubois (20-2, 19 KOs) gave arguably the strongest performance of his career, outworking and then stopping 333-pound Jarrell Miller in the 10th and final round of a grueling fight. The winner outlanded his opponent 208-107, according to CompuBox. The victory was a significant step back into title contention after his knockout loss against Usyk, in which some fans believe he quit. Meanwhile, it’s difficult to be sympathetic to Miller, who has failed two drug tests. …
Agit Kabayel (24-0, 16 KOs) turned in an impressive upset, stopping hulking Arslanbek Makhmudov (18-1, 17 KOs) in the fourth round of their heavyweight matchup to raise his profile. It was Kabayel’s all-around ability vs. Makhumdov’s brawn and power, which turned out to be a mismatch. … Talented heavyweight contender Frank Sanchez (24-0, 17 KOs) put Junior Fa (20-3, 11 KOs) away in the seventh round, just another impressive performance from the Cuban. He’s clearly ready to take on a next-level opponent. … And, finally, my thoughts and prayers go out to 92-year-old Hall of Fame TV analyst and accomplished journalist Larry Merchant, who reportedly was rushed to the hospital and placed in a critical care unit this week. No further details were available. Merchant is the best analyst ever. And those in the business who have had the privilege of spending time with him cherish his friendship.
Top heavyweight contender Filip Hrgovic put overmatched Mark De Mori away only 1:46 into their scheduled 10-round fight Saturday.
Filip Hrgovic cleared what might be his final hurdle before he gets his first title shot.
The No. 1-ranked Croatian heavyweight knocked out overmatched Mark De Mori at 1:46 of the first round of a scheduled 10-rounder on the card featuring Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua in separate fights Saturday in Saudi Arabia.
EL ANIMAL
Filip Hrgovic 🇭🇷 destroys his opponent in the first round 🥊💥#DayOfReckoning
Hrgovic (17-0, 14 KOs) put De Mori (41-3-2, 36 KOs) down and hurt him with a right hand about a minute into the fight. The Aussie was able to get up but a series of hard, unanswered follow-up blows convinced the referee to end the wipe out.
Now Hrgovic must wait. He’s ranked No. 1 by the IBF, meaning he’s first in line to fight for Oleksandr Usyk’s title.
However, he must wait to see how things play out. Usyk is scheduled to face Tyson Fury for the undisputed championship on Feb. 17. And the fighters reportedly agreed to a two-way rematch clause.
Top heavyweight contender Filip Hrgovic put overmatched Mark De Mori away only 1:46 into their scheduled 10-round fight Saturday.
Filip Hrgovic cleared what might be his final hurdle before he gets his first title shot.
The No. 1-ranked Croatian heavyweight knocked out overmatched Mark De Mori at 1:46 of the first round of a scheduled 10-rounder on the card featuring Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua in separate fights Saturday in Saudi Arabia.
EL ANIMAL
Filip Hrgovic 🇭🇷 destroys his opponent in the first round 🥊💥#DayOfReckoning
Hrgovic (17-0, 14 KOs) put De Mori (41-3-2, 36 KOs) down and hurt him with a right hand about a minute into the fight. The Aussie was able to get up but a series of hard, unanswered follow-up blows convinced the referee to end the wipe out.
Now Hrgovic must wait. He’s ranked No. 1 by the IBF, meaning he’s first in line to fight for Oleksandr Usyk’s title.
However, he must wait to see how things play out. Usyk is scheduled to face Tyson Fury for the undisputed championship on Feb. 17. And the fighters reportedly agreed to a two-way rematch clause.
Photos: Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua weighed in Friday for their separate fights on Saturday in Saudi Arabia.
Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua on Friday came in around their typical weights for their separate fights Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (pay-per-view).
Wilder tipped the scales at 213 pounds, 1½ less than he weighed for his first-round knockout of Robert Helenius in October. His opponent, Joseph Parker Jr., was 245¼.
Joshua weighed 251, 1 more than his weight for his seventh-round KO of Helenius in August. He’s fighting Otto Wallin, who weighed 238½.
The weights for other featured fights on the card:
Dmitry Bivol (174½) vs. Lyndon Arthur (174¼), light heavyweights
Filip Hrgovic (246) vs. Mark De Mori (242½), heavyweights
Jai Opetaia (198½) vs. Ellis Zorro (197½), cruiserweights
Daniel Dubois (239) vs. Jarrell Miller (333), heavyweights
Arslanbek Makhmudov (262) vs. Agit Kabayel (241¼), heavyweights
Frank Sanchez (238) vs. Junior Fa (279), heavyweights
Here are images from the weigh-in. All photos by Fayez Nureldine / AFP via Getty Images.
Deontay Wilder-Anthony Joshua-Dmitry Bivol card in Saudi Arabia: Date, time, how to watch, background.
Deontay Wilder is scheduled to face Joseph Parker Jr. and Anthony Joshua will take on Otto Wallin in the headline fights on a massive card that also features the return of Dmitry Bivol on Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
DEONTAY WILDER (43-2-1, 42 KOs)
vs. JOSEPH PARKER JR. (33-3, 23 KOs)
ANTHONY JOSHUA (26-3, 23 KOs)
vs. OTTO WALLIN (26-1, 14 KOs)
DMITRY BIVOL (21-0, 11 KOs)
vs. LYNDON ARTHUR (23-1, 16 KOs)
Date: Saturday, Dec. 23
Time: 11 a.m. ET / 8 a.m. PT (7 p.m. local time) (main event later in show)
Where: Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
TV/Stream: Pay-per-view
Division: Heavyweight (no limit) and light heavyweight (175 pounds)
At stake: No major titles in heavyweight fights; Bivol’s WBA 175-pound title
Odds: Wilder 5-1 favorite over Parker; Joshua 3-1 favorite over Wallin; Bivol 16-1 favorite over Arthur (average of multiple outlets)
Also on the card: Filip Hrgovic vs. Mark De Mori, heavyweights; Jai Opetaia vs. Ellis Zorro, cruiserweights (for Opetaia’s IBF title); Daniel Dubois vs. Jarrell Miller, heavyweights; Arslanbek Makhmudov vs. Agit Kabayel, heavyweights; Frank Sanchez vs. Junior Fa, heavyweights
Predictions: Wilder KO 7, Joshua UD, Bivol UD
Background: Wilder vs. Parker: Wilder and Joshua fight in separate bouts on this massive pay-per-view card in the capital city of Saudi Arabia. Wilder was stopped by Tyson Fury in back-to-back fights in 2020 and 2021, the first of which cost him the WBC heavyweight title. The 38-year-old from Alabama, arguably the hardest puncher in history, rebounded by knocking out contender Robert Helenius with a short right hand in the first round in October of last year. That victory was Wilder’s first since November 2019, when he stopped Luis Ortiz in the seventh round in the final successful defense of his belt. He and Joshua have an agreement in place to fight on March 9 if they win on Saturday and don’t suffer injuries. Parker, also a former titleholder, has beaten three obscure opponents since he was knocked out in 11 rounds by Joe Joyce in September of last year. The 31-year-old Kiwi was the WBO titleholder from 2016 to 2018, when he lost his belt to Joshua by a one-sided decision. He hasn’t taken part in a major title fight since that setback.
Background: Joshua vs. Wallin: Joshua, a two-time titleholder, also is hoping to work his way back to the top after back-to-back losses. He lost a clear decision and three belts to former cruiserweight champion Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and came up short by a split decision in the rematch in August of last year. He easily outpointed Jermaine Franklin in his next fight, this past April. And he knocked out Helenius in the seventh round on Aug. 12, his most recent bout. Joshua, 34, is 4-3 in his last seven fights. He has said that he is making one last run at the heavyweight championship. Wallin, a New York-based Swede, made a strong impression by pushing Fury harder than expected in a unanimous decision setback in 2019. He has won six consecutive fights since, including a split decision over Murat Gassiev on Sept. 30. Wallin’s technical ability is comparable to Joshua’s but he can’t match his British counterpart’s punching power.
Background: Bivol vs. Arthur: Bivol is coming off a break through year last year, which started with the master technician’s stunning unanimous decision victory over Canelo Alvarez in May and concluded with a one-sided decision over previously unbeaten Gilberto Ramirez in November. The latter fight was Bivol’s most recent appearance, meaning he will have been out of the ring for more than 13 months. The Russian has begun maneuvering for a showdown with countryman Artur Beterbiev for the undisputed 175-pound championship, assuming he beats Arthur and Beterbiev retains his three belts against Callum Smith on Jan. 13. Arthur, ranked No. 9 by the IBF, is a solid all-around fighter from England who is best known for his two fights with two-time title challenger Anthony Yarde. He upset Yarde by a split decision in 2020 but was stopped by his countryman in four rounds the following year. He has won four consecutive fights since, albeit against marginal opposition.
