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Fight winner, analysis, what’s next

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6 months ago

June 2, 2024

Zhilei Zhang got here again from a March loss and stopped Deontay Wilder in spherical 5 with an enormous proper hand in the primary occasion of Saturday’s Queensberry vs. Matchroom ‘5v5’ card in Saudi Arabia.

Each fighters had been coming off of losses to former world champion Joesph Parker, every needing wins to remain alive as a prime contender in an at all times evolving heavyweight division. Zhang does simply that, whereas this battle would be the final time we see Wilder within the ring.

The battle had but to warmth up in spherical 5, when out of nowhere Zhang caught Wilder with a robust proper hand, spinning him round and clearly dazing him. Zhang jumped on the out of kinds Wilder and caught him together with his again turned, touchdown one other enormous proper that sat Wilder down.

Wilder was counted out from there, no shock given how clear Zhang landed the second proper hand. Up till that time neither fighter had landed any actual photographs of observe. Zhang pressured Wilder all through the battle, receiving comparatively little response from “The Bronze Bomber” but additionally touchdown few vital photographs himself.

However as can typically be the case with heavyweights, it solely takes one shot, and Zhang confirmed that with one other large knockout, the twenty second of his profession.

With the win Zhang stays alive as a participant within the heavyweight division, which was livened up by the win of Daniel Dubois on the undercard. Zhang will definitely be an choice for Anthony Joshua’s subsequent opponent later this 12 months, whereas Wilder appears more likely to step away from boxing after two lack luster performances in a row.

Examine under for our dwell updates from all through the Queensberry vs Matchroom ‘5v5’ card, headlined by Wilder vs. Zhang.

Deontay Wilder vs Zhilei Zhang battle outcome

Zhielei Zhang defeated Deontay Wilder by fifth spherical knockout to bounce again from a December loss to Joesph Parker. Zhang improves to 27-2-1 with 22 knockouts.

Deontay Wilder vs Zhilei Zhang battle dwell updates

Deontay Wilder vs Zhilei Zhang: Spherical 5

Wilder comes alive, seemingly out of nowhere. Within the opening minute he begins to throw some photographs at Zhang, initiating offense for possibly the primary time, no vital connects although. Wilder will get caught with an enormous shot and turns his again, Zhang jumps on him and lands an enormous bomb, flush to the face of Wilder and he goes down and is counted out. Zhang spun Wilder round with the primary proper and Wilder had no concept the place Zhang was, as he launched one other proper, sending Wilder down for good. Zhang will get the KO win.

Deontay Wilder vs Zhilei Zhang: Spherical 4

Via three rounds Wilder has landed simply 9 punches in comparison with over 20 for Zhang. Wilder continues to paw away at Zhang on the again foot however is not throwing many punches. Zhang continues to press Wilder however is not doing a lot to threaten him, regardless of Wilder’s lack of response to Zhang’s offense. Zhang appears to have been the extra in management fighter resulting from his stress, however neither fighter has completed a lot by means of 4 rounds.

Deontay Wilder vs Zhilei Zhang: Spherical 3

Zhang backs Wilder up with a pair left palms within the opening minute. Wilder’s spent a good portion of this battle backed into the nook and in opposition to the ropes. Regardless of the stress on Wilder, Zhang is not throwing a ton of punches, as a substitute choosing his spots to unload mixtures. Wilder wanting similar to his final bout, hardly throwing photographs, whereas Zhang appears higher though it has been a sluggish begin for each fighters. Zhang seemingly takes that spherical, one other quiet one.

Deontay Wilder vs Zhilei Zhang: Spherical 2

Wilder opens the spherical a bit of extra energetic than the earlier, touchdown a glancing proper hand. Zhang backs Wilder up with a pleasant shot across the two minute mark and does his greatest to unload on Wilder within the nook, however Wilder does nicely to dam most of Zhang’s assault. Wilder appears content material to let Zhang come at him, but it surely’s translated into some significant connects for Zhang. Zhang takes a quiet spherical off a couple of good barrages.

Deontay Wilder vs Zhilei Zhang: Spherical 1

The 68-pound weight distinction jumps off the display getting into the battle, however Wilder would not look misplaced within the ring with Zhang and naturally his energy is the last word equalizer. As anticipated, each fighters are feeling one another out to start out the battle. Wilder paws away together with his left hand, making an attempt to arrange the suitable. Zhang making use of the vast majority of stress with Wilder seeking to reply on the again foot. Uneventful spherical for each fighters.

Deontay Wilder vs Zhilei Zhang undercard outcomes

Daniel Dubois def. Filip Hrgovic by TKO in spherical 8
Dmitry Bivol def. Malik Zinad by TKO in spherical 6
Hamzah Sheeraz def. Austin Williams by TKO in spherical 11
Nick Ball def. Raymond Ford by break up choice
Willy Hutchinson def. Craig Richards by unanimous choice

Queensberry 10, Matchroom 0

Daniel Dubois stops Filip Hrgovic to say interim title

Daniel Dubois defeated Filip Hrgovic by TKO in spherical 8 to say the interim IBF heavyweight title and set up himself because the necessary challenger to the winner of the Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk rematch.

The battle was stopped after the referee referred to as the ringside doctor over to check out the cuts above every of Hrgovic’s eyes. The physician suggested the referee to cease the bout, presumably due to the blood dripping into Hrgovic’s eye, impairing his imaginative and prescient.

Dubois makes it two wins in Saudi Arabia since his knockout loss to Oleksandr Usyk. Hrgovic suffers the primary defeat of his profession and loses his longtime standing because the IBF necessary challenger.

Each fighters traded large photographs over the course of the battle, however Dubois’ stress and tempo appeared to tire out Hrgovic because the battle went on, resulting in some large landed photographs. Hrgovic landed his justifiable share of sturdy photographs all through however none appeared to sluggish Dubois, who landed a handful of massive photographs within the seventh earlier than the battle was in the end stopped within the eighth.

Dubois talked about Anthony Joshua as a possible subsequent opponent after the battle. Joshua was ringside and would definitely be an choice for later this 12 months, however the end result of Wilder vs. Zhang in the primary occasion may throw a wrench in that plan.

Stay updates from all through the battle are under.

Filip Hrgovic vs Daniel Dubois battle dwell updates

Spherical 8: Dubois wins by physician’s stoppage

We’ll see how Hrgovic responds after wanting drained and taking some injury final spherical. Within the first minute Dubois lands some large photographs on Hrgovic in opposition to the ropes. The referee pauses the battle to check out the cuts above Hrgovic’s eyes. And so they cease the battle! The physician would not like what he sees and the battle is stopped because of the blood dripping down into Hrgovic’s face. Cuts had opened up above every eye, pouring blood into his eye, and Hrgovic appeared positive to proceed however the physician thought in any other case.

Spherical 7: Dubois lands large photographs on Hrgovic

Dubois nonetheless has loads of power halfway by means of the battle and he is utilizing his legs to get inside and land some good photographs on Hrgovic. Dubois touchdown some large photographs on a drained wanting Hrgovic who’s tying as much as keep away from the stress. Beneath a minute left and Dubois lands an enormous proper hand on Hrgovic. Closing 10 seconds and Dubois lands a number of large proper palms, shaking Hrgovic late. Dubois takes the spherical in decisive style.

Spherical 6: Hrgovic and Dubois commerce on inside

Hrgovic appears to have discovered a little bit of a rhythm, connecting constantly and main 58-31 on energy punches by means of 5 rounds. Each fighters are buying and selling photographs on the within with neither doing a lot to curb the return fireplace of the opposite. Dubois landed all through the spherical, however the extra impactful photographs appeared to return from Hrgovic.

Spherical 5: Hrgovic connects on some sturdy photographs

A reduce above Hrgovic’s proper eye from spherical 2 is confirmed to be from a punch. Halfway by means of Hrgovic lands a number of photographs on the within earlier than related on a clubbing overhand proper. Hrgovic touchdown extra punches and cleaner photographs than Dubois this spherical and managed to quell Dubois’ stress. He ought to take the spherical.

Spherical 4: Hrgovic responds to Dubois stress

Dubois opens the spherical nicely with a handful of connects. Dubois’ motion is making it troublesome for Hrgovic to land flush these previous couple rounds. Halfway by means of the spherical Hrgovic lands a couple of sturdy photographs to Dubois’ head and physique. Hrgovic touchdown nicely this spherical however nonetheless not many photographs touchdown cleanly. Dubois lands some good jabs to complete the spherical however Hrgovic’s connects ought to earn him the spherical.

Spherical 3: Dubois continues to stress Hrgovic

Dubois is the faster man right here and is doing his greatest to push the tempo to this point. Dubois continues to seek out some success together with his jab halfway by means of the spherical. Hrgovic appears labored this spherical and hasn’t matched the power of Dubois, however has landed some stable photographs. Dubois landed extra vital photographs although and may take the spherical off his exercise.

Spherical 2: Dubois returns fireplace

Actually no sluggish begin to this heavyweight bout. Hrgovic is touchdown nicely early in spherical, however Dubois is taking the photographs in stride. Halfway by means of the spherical Dubois lands a pair of sturdy photographs on Hrgovic however the Croatian walks by means of them. Dubois has utilized the vast majority of stress to date and it began to translate to large connects in spherical 2. Dubois takes the spherical after a number of large photographs land.

Spherical 1: Hrgovic finds residence for proper hand

The winner of this battle will take the interim IBF title and grow to be necessary challenger for the winner of the Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk rematch. Hrgovic is having no hassle touchdown the suitable hand on Dubois early on. Dubois is aggressive in his stress of Hrgovic, however retains strolling into photographs, though it is not slowing him down. Hrgovic takes the spherical in our guide off some large photographs.

Dmitry Bivol will get stoppage win over Malik Zinad

Dmitry Bivol defeated Malik Zinad by TKO in spherical 6 to defend his WBA gentle heavyweight title and keep on observe for an undisputed showdown in opposition to Artur Beterbiev later this 12 months.

Bivol began sturdy, knocking Zinad down with a straight left within the closing minute of the primary spherical. Zinad responded nicely within the following rounds although, going jab-for-jab with one of many sports activities greatest. Bivol nonetheless bought the higher of Zinad within the majority of rounds, however Zinad saved issues aggressive largely. At the least till the sixth spherical.

In spherical 6, Bivol shocked Zinad and piled on the stress, touchdown flush to Zinad’s head a minimum of 10 occasions earlier than the referee jumped in to cease the battle. Bivol ended any questions on his energy after having gone the space in every of his final 9 fights.

It was introduced within the ring after the battle that the undisputed showdown in opposition to Beterbiev has been rescheduled to October 12. Initially Bivol vs. Beterbiev was set to headline tonight’s card, however a knee damage for Beterbiev compelled one among boxing’s most anticipated fights to be postponed.

Hamzah Sheeraz stops Austin Williams

Hamzah Sheeraz stays undefeated as he rolled previous Austin Williams, knocking him down in spherical 10 earlier than forcing the referee to step in and cease the bout in spherical 11, handing Williams his first profession loss.

Williams opened the battle nicely, discovering some success on the within in opposition to the far greater Sheeraz. It did not take lengthy for Sheeraz to seek out his rhythm although and by the center of the battle he was choosing Williams aside at midrange. His jab constantly discovered a house and Williams could not discover a solution to reduce the space.

When Williams did get inside he discovered some success, but it surely additionally left him in vary of Sheeraz’s uppercut, which the Brit landed on a number of events.

Late in spherical 10, Williams bought caught with a depraved proper hook that despatched him to the canvas, however he picked himself up and survived the spherical because the bell rung moments after. Sheeraz would capitalize quickly after, touchdown some dazing photographs in spherical 11 that will pressure the referee to step in and cease the battle.

Nick Ball narrowly defeats Ray Ford in thrilling battle

Nick Ball gained the WBA featherweight title by break up choice over Raymond Ford in a razor shut, motion packed affair. One decide scored the bout 115-113 for Ford whereas the opposite two scored it 115-113 for Ball.

The opening three rounds of the battle had been tight, with the winner of every coming down as to whether you most popular the exercise of Ball or the accuracy of Ford.

Ball gained management and banked a number of rounds in the course of the battle, however in spherical 7 Ford shocked Ball with a left hand and the tide started to show. Ford started to make use of his footwork to keep away from Ball’s stress and landed some nice photographs on the counter whereas additionally initiating some stress himself.

Heading into the championship rounds it appeared a fair battle, 5 rounds a bit, with the winner set to be determined within the closing six minutes. Every of the ultimate two rounds had been razor shut, with each fighters emptying the tank to conclude an exciting battle.

In the long run, Ball did simply sufficient to take Ford’s title, after combating to a attract a title battle in opposition to Rey Vargas in March.

Willy Hutchinson cruises previous Craig Richards

Willy Hutchinson cruised previous Craig Richards to a unanimous choice in a dominant efficiency. The scorecards had been 116-112, 117-111 and 119-109.

It was all Hutchinson within the first half of the battle as he discovered success switching stances on Richards. Richards seemed with out power within the first half, making an attempt with little success to discover a residence for his proper hand. He started to let his palms go in spherical 7 and continued to take action all through the second half, however Hutchinson did not sluggish his tempo from the primary six rounds and landed a lot of sturdy photographs down the stretch.

It was the primary time Hutchinson had fought previous spherical 7, as his victory provides Queensberry an early lead over Matchroom.

Deontay Wilder vs Zhilei Zhang battle choose, prediction

Wilder vs. Zhang is an attention-grabbing battle, not simply because it pits two knockout artists, but additionally due to what it means for the careers of every fighter. Wilder is 38 and Zhang is 41, that means neither fighter has many bouts left earlier than they grasp up the gloves. Each fighters are additionally coming off of a loss, coincidentally each to former heavyweight champion Joseph Parker.

Wilder has one-punch knockout energy and might flip his opponents lights out right away. Zhang prefers to beat down and bully his opponents till they both give up or the referee stops the bout. There’s potential for this to be a slug fest, significantly if Zhang can deal with the ability of Wilder.

But it surely’s laborious to imagine we’ll see the older Wilder after he seemed wholly uninspired within the unanimous choice loss to Parker in December. This battle will rely on what model of Wilder we get, but it surely appears extra seemingly that Zhang beats away at Wilder for 12 and “The Bronze Bomber” is unable to reply with a shot that backs him up.

Regardless of the knockout energy each fighters possess, we see Zhang pounding away to a choice on the playing cards, unable to cease Wilder however dealing some injury within the course of. It might be no shock to see each fighters hit the canvas on this one.

Prediction: Zhilei Zhang def. Deontay Wilder by unanimous choice

Undercard predictions: Filip Hrgovic def. Daniel Dubois by KO-7; Dmitry Bivol def. Malik Zinad by TKO-11; Ray Ford def. Nick Ball by SD; Hamzah Sheeraz def. Austin Williams by KO-9; Craig Richards def. Willy Hutchinson by UD.

Queensberry vs Matchroom ‘5v5’ TV channel, streaming, tips on how to watch

The Queensberry vs. Matchroom ‘5v5’ headlined by Deontay Wilder vs. Zhilei Zhang is out there on DAZN pay-per-view in the USA. A DAZN subscription is required to buy the pay-per-view.

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Deontay Wilder vs Zhilei Zhang start time

The Queensberry vs Matchroom ‘5v5’ fight card starts at 1 p.m. (CT) with the main event ring walks expected at approximately 6 p.m. (CT).

Pay-per-view start: 1 p.m. CT
Wilder vs. Zhang ring walks: approx. 6 p.m. CT

Deontay Wilder vs Zhilei Zhang pay-per-view price

The Queensberry vs Matchroom ‘5v5’ card, headlined by Wilder vs. Zhang, is available via DAZN pay-per-view for $69.99. A DAZN subscription is needed to purchase the pay-per-view.

Queensberry vs Matchroom ‘5v5’ complete fight card

The Queensberry vs Matchroom fight card features five matchups, each pitting a Matchroom fighter against a Queensberry fighter. In addition to those five fights, the undercard will feature WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol defending his title against the undefeated Malik Zinad.

In an effort to increase the competition, points will be awarded after each fight with the winning team taking home $3 million. One point will be awarded for a win by decision and two points for a knockout win. Each team has a captain — Deontay Wilder for Matchroom and Hamzah Sheeraz for Queensberry — whose points will be doubled in the case of a win.

Here’s the full fight card:

Main event: Deontay Wilder (43-3-1, 42 KOs) vs. Zhilei Zhang (26-2-1, 21 KOs)
Filip Hrgovic (17-0, 14 KOs) vs. Daniel Dubois (20-2, 19 KOs); Interim IBF heavyweight title
Dmitry Bivol (21-0, 23 KOs) vs. Malik Zinad (23-0, 12 KOs); WBA light heavyweight title
Austin Williams (16-0, 11 KOs) vs. Hamzah Sheeraz (19-0, 15 KOs)
Raymond Ford (15-0-1, 8 KOs) vs. Nick Ball (19-0-1, 11 KOs); WBA featherweight title
Craig Richards (18-3-1, 11 KOs) vs. Willy Hutchinson (17-1, 13 KOs)

Where is the Deontay Wilder vs Zhilei Zhang fight?

The Queensberry vs. Matchroom ‘5v5’ headlined by Wilder vs. Zhang will take place at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The 26,000 seat soccer stadium played host to the undisputed heavyweight championship fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk on May 18. It was also the location of Anthony Joshua’s fight against Francis Ngannou in March.

What is Deontay Wilder’s fight record?

Deontay Wilder is 43-3-1 with 42 knockouts.

Wilder is the best puncher the sport has seen since Mike Tyson and he has a strong argument for greatest puncher in the history of boxing. His lone win on the cards came against Bermane Stiverne as Wilder won the WBC heavyweight title.

He defended his title seven times, winning all seven fights by knockout before coming up against Tyson Fury. In 2018 the two faced off for the first time, fighting to a split decision draw. The action and result of the first fight led to a rematch, which Fury won by technical knockout in round 7.

The rubber match ended when Wilder suffered his second defeat at the hands of Fury, this time getting knocked out in round 11. Wilder came back to win once by knockout in 2022 before suffering his third career defeat to Joseph Parker in December of last year.

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How much does Deontay Wilder weigh?

Wilder weighed 214.6 pounds at Friday’s weigh in, virtually the same he’s weighed in each of his past two fights.

Wilder stands at 6-foot-7 with an 83-inch reach.

What is Zhilei Zhang’s fight record?

Zhang’s record is 26-2-1 with 21 knockouts.

The 2008 Olympic silver medalist from China, began his career later than most, turning professional at 31. He steadily worked his way up the heavyweight division until securing a fight with Filip Hrgovic, who features on the undercard, in 2022.

Hrgovic gave Zhang his first career loss, but not without some controversy as many boxing fans believed Zhang deserved to win the closely-contested bout. Zhang didn’t let the loss define him, instead coming back and getting a career-best win over then undefeated British heavyweight Joe Joyce in his next fight.

Zhang returned with more of the same in September 2023’s rematch, stopping Joyce again, this time in the third round. With the wins, Zhang vaulted his name to the top of the division with the likes of Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua, but it wouldn’t last long.

In his last fight in March, he suffered a majority decision loss to former heavyweight champion Joseph Parker, who was fresh off his December win over Wilder.

How much does Zhilei Zhang weigh?

Zhang weighed 282.8 pounds at Friday’s weigh-in, roughly nine pounds lighter than in his last fight against Joseph Parker.

Zhang stands at 6-foot-6 with an 80-inch reach.

Deontay Wilder vs Zhilei Zhang fight odds

Deontay Wilder is a +150 underdog, while Zhang is -150 to win. The over under on rounds is set at 6.5. The oddsmakers clearly favor a knockout between these two heavy handed contenders, with Zhang given the slight edge to do so.