Riyadh, Saudi Arabia—In a clash between two powerful knockout artists, Zhilei Zhang emerged victorious over former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder with a fifth-round knockout.

Despite both fighters not delivering a standout performance, Wilder had a particularly tough night, prompting speculation about the potential end of his career by commentators. Zhang displayed skillful precision in landing his shots, ultimately securing the win.

Although Zhang managed to visibly hurt Wilder in the second round, he was unable to finish him off then. The decisive moment arrived unexpectedly, as a stray right hook set Wilder off balance, allowing Zhang to deliver a devastating blow that ended the fight in a knockout.

This crucial match was essential for both fighters, with Wilder now facing a challenging situation after losing four of his last five fights and showing a decline in form since his defeat to Tyson Fury.

With retirement openly discussed leading up to the fight, Wilder’s future in the sport appears uncertain. On the other hand, Zhang revitalized his career with this victory following a recent loss to Joseph Parker, showcasing resilience and skill at the age of 41.

Zhang’s triumph contributed to Queensberry’s overall success in a 5v5 matchup against Matchroom, earning $3 million in Riyadh

Dubois New IBF Interim Champ

In the eighth round of their bout at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Saturday, Daniel Dubois secured the IBF interim heavyweight title by defeating Filip Hrgovic via a doctor’s stoppage TKO at 0:57.

The ringside doctor determined that Hrgovic couldn’t continue due to facial cuts. Following his win, Dubois mentioned his desire to face fellow British boxer Anthony Joshua, who is seeking an opponent for his upcoming fight supported by Saudi backers at Wembley Stadium in London in September.

This is my era. This is my time,” -Dubois

Bivol Retains His Title

Dmitry Bivol achieved his first stoppage victory in 10 fights on Saturday by securing a sixth-round TKO against Malik Zinad, successfully defending his WBA light heavyweight title in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Bivol’s next bout will be an undisputed light heavyweight championship match against Artur Beterbiev on October 12 in Riyadh, as announced by Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority. Originally set to face each other last Saturday, Beterbiev had to undergo surgery due to a ruptured meniscus, leading Zinad to step in.

Zinad was considered a significant underdog in his first world title attempt. Bivol dominated the fight, knocking down Zinad in the first round with a three-punch combo and continuing to outbox him in the following rounds. The match ended in the sixth round when Bivol landed a powerful left hook that staggered Zinad, allowing Bivol to unleash a flurry of punches that prompted the referee to stop the fight at 2:06, with Zinad unable to defend himself.

Sheeraz Dominates Williams

Hamzah Sheeraz achieved a dominant victory over Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams in a WBC middleweight title eliminator held at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Sheeraz showcased superior control using his jab and right hands to consistently outmatch the 6’0” Williams from the second round onwards. In an impressive display of skill, Sheeraz knocked Williams down with a powerful right hand at the end of the tenth round.

Williams appeared to be in a compromised state. In the eleventh round, Sheeran landed another significant right to Williams’ head, prompting the referee to intervene and end the bout at :45 into the eleventh round.

By Vincent Quezada

Photo courtesy DAZN , Getty Images