Boxing News: Bivol Faces Zinad as Beterbiev Bout Postponed
As boxing fans eagerly awaited the highly anticipated clash between Dmitrii Bivol and Artur Beterbiev, a late replacement has been called upon to face Bivol in the interim. Malik Zinad, tasked with the gig a month ago, is set to take on the WBA titleholder Bivol in Saudi Arabia this weekend.
Beterbiev’s injury, a damaged meniscus, has postponed the undisputed clash between the WBA champion Bivol and the IBF, WBC, and WBO king Beterbiev. This postponement has shifted the focus towards the heavyweight division, particularly the Deontay Wilder vs. Zhilei Zhang bout on the same card.
Bivol, who is rated as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters, is coming off a convincing victory over Canelo Alvarez in 2022. Since then, he has had two clear wins over Giberto Ramirez and Lyndon Arthur. Zinad, on the other hand, is a solid hitter who went the distance with Jerome Pampellone in his last fight, showcasing his engine.
“While Zinad is a worthy challenger with a 22-0 record and 16 stoppage wins, Bivol’s level of opposition has been significantly higher.”
Bivol’s high guard and awareness of Zinad’s right hand will be crucial, and he may look to lead with the left hook and rights as he navigates the middle rounds. The Canelo victory has solidified Bivol’s place in the light heavyweight division, which has been his domain since turning professional in 2014.
This opportunity should inspire Zinad to make the most of his chance, but the odds are stacked against him as he faces the formidable Bivol, who will be keen to avoid any potential banana skins on the path to the highly anticipated Beterbiev showdown.
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