This weekend, Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang headline the unique Queensbury vs. Matchroom 5v5 boxing event in Saudi Arabia, a highly-anticipated showdown that has fans buzzing.
Event Overview
The event, set for Saturday night at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, will feature five fighters from each promotional company, selected by Frank Warren and Eddie Hearn, going head to head in various weight classes. This innovative format promises a night of intense competition, with bragging rights on the line for both promotional teams.
Wilder’s Comeback
Matchroom’s major coup was securing Deontay Wilder, the former long-reigning WBC heavyweight champion, who has a history of animosity with both Hearn and Anthony Joshua. Wilder, who turns 39 in October, is under immense pressure to win after his recent setbacks. His plans for a lucrative bout with Joshua were derailed following a dominant defeat by Joseph Parker in December. This marked Wilder’s third career loss, and many are questioning if he still has the power and stamina to compete at the top level.
The Stakes for Wilder and Zhang
For Wilder, this fight is a must-win if he hopes to remain in contention for future world titles. Having lost three of his last four fights, including back-to-back losses to Tyson Fury, Wilder is in a do-or-die situation. He has even suggested retirement if he faces another defeat.
Zhilei Zhang, the 41-year-old Chinese southpaw, is also fighting to keep his title hopes alive. After impressive victories over Joe Joyce last year, Zhang’s momentum was halted by a loss to Parker. Like Wilder, Zhang cannot afford another loss if he aims to challenge for heavyweight titles in the future.
Event Details
The 5v5 event will begin at 7pm BST, 2pm ET, and 9pm local time. Fans can watch the event live on DAZN pay-per-view and TNT Sports Box Office at a cost of £21.99. The action will also be available for live streaming via the DAZN and Discovery+ apps.
Full Fight Card
In addition to Wilder vs. Zhang, the event features several high-profile matchups:
- Daniel Dubois vs. Filip Hrgovic: Another heavyweight clash.
- Hamzah Sheeraz vs. Austin Williams: A middleweight showdown.
- Nick Ball vs. Raymond Ford: Ford’s WBA featherweight title defense.
- Willy Hutchinson vs. Craig Richards: A light-heavyweight bout.
- Dmitry Bivol vs. Malik Zinad: Bivol defends his WBA title at 175 lbs.
Prediction
This heavyweight bout is crucial for both fighters. With both men possessing knockout power, the fight promises fireworks. Wilder’s formidable right hand might be the difference-maker, potentially leading to a late knockout. However, Zhang’s resilience and past performances suggest he won’t go down easily.
Odds
- Wilder to win: 13/10
- Zhang to win: 8/13
- Draw: 16/1
- Wilder to win by knockout or technical knockout: 17/10
- Zhang to win by knockout or technical knockout: 10/11
The weigh-ins will take place on Friday in Saudi Arabia. Stay tuned for updates on the results.
As fight night approaches, anticipation builds for what could be a career-defining night for both Wilder and Zhang. Fans around the world are eager to see who will emerge victorious in this clash of titans.
