Rival promoters Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren went head-to-head in Saudi Arabia on Saturday night, pitting five of their best fighters against each other.
In the Matchroom vs Queensbury 5v5 main event, featherlight heavyweight world champion Dmitry Bivol defended his belts against Malik Zinad. Heavyweight knockout specialists Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang were also on the list, with both looking to bounce back from losses to Joseph Parker in previous fights.
A knockout victory was worth two points, and a points victory was worth one point. No points were awarded for ties, and team captains had the opportunity to earn double points.
Deontay Wilder vs. Zhilei Zhang
Matchroom’s captain was Wilder and Queensberry’s captain was Hamzah Sheeraz.
Wilder’s performance was disappointing in his key fight against fellow knockout artist Zhang, and the fight was called off in the fifth round. Wilder struggled to find his rhythm and after being knocked down by two powerful right hands, the fight was stopped.
“Huge Bang” Zhang returned to the heavyweight elite with the most significant victory of his career.
Official result: Zhilei Zhang defeated Deontay Wilder by KO, round 5, 1:51.
Daniel Dubois fights with Filip Hrgovic
Dubois was trailing on the scorecards, but once again silenced his critics by defeating Hrgovic in the eighth round. Two stern wounds appeared on Hrgovic’s eyebrows, turning the Croatian’s face into a bloody spectacle.
Dubois almost stopped Hrgovic, but the fight was canceled due to Hrgovic’s injury.
Official result: Daniel Dubois defeated Filip Hrgovic by TKO, round 8, 0:57.
Dmitry Bivol vs. Malik Zinad
Bivol scored his first TKO victory in six years, defeating quickly replaced Malik Zinad in the sixth round. Following the victory, Bivol’s undisputed featherlight heavyweight clash with fellow world champion Artur Beterbiev was rescheduled for October 12 in Saudi Arabia.
Official result: Dmitry Bivol defeated Malik Zinad by TKO, round 6, 2:06.
Hamzah Sheeraz vs. Austin Williams
Sheeraz put in a flawless performance, stopping Williams in the 11th round, keeping his impressive TKO streak alive. The victory meant Queensberry secured double points and Sheeraz was named nominated team captain.
Sheeraz remains undefeated in 20 fights and has not required a decision from the judges in six years.
Official result: Hamzah Sheeraz defeated Austin Williams by TKO, round 11, 0:34.
Raymond Ford vs. Nick Ball
In a controversial turn of events, Ball lost his chance to become world champion in his final match. However, this time, despite questionable results, he managed to defeat Ford and win the modern WBA featherweight title.
Ball dominated the first half of the fight, and Ford came back strongly in the later rounds. However, it was Scouser who did enough to secure victory.
Official result: Nick Ball defeated Ray Ford by split decision (113-115, 115-113, 115-113).
Willy Hutchinson vs. Craig Richards
Hutchinson performed impressively over 12 rounds to defeat Richards by unanimous decision, marking a winning start for Queensberry. Despite a sturdy comeback by Richards in the later rounds, he failed to defeat Hutchinson after falling behind on the scorecards.
With this victory, Hutchinson improved his record to 18-1 and expressed his desire to fight for the title again.
Official result: Willy Hutchinson defeated Craig Richards by unanimous decision (116-112, 117-111, 119-109)