If that was it for Deontay Wilder, he went out with a bang – the highly effective proper hand of “Huge Bang’’ Zhilei Zhang.
Zhang knocked out Wilder at 1:51 of the fifth spherical of their heavyweight bout in Saudi Arabia, sending the American boxer to his fourth defeat in his previous 5 fights — in what may need been his final battle.
Earlier than the battle, Wilder known as the bout a make-or-break second and entertained the opportunity of retirement. He regarded damaged when he bought hit by two Zhang rights within the fifth spherical that dropped him to the canvas.
The 6-foot-6 Zhang weighed in at 282 kilos, 68 kilos heavier than Wilder did at 214.
The proof was within the punch.
When Zhang landed the knockout punch, it was with huge drive.
The 6-foot-7 Wilder did land a number of highly effective proper palms earlier within the spherical. However Zhang absorbed them earlier than ending off Wilder.
Wilder had grazed Zhang with a proper hand and gave the impression to be complaining to the referee earlier than he bought hit with the knockout punch. Wilder didn’t take part in an in-ring interview after the battle.
Wilder, 38, fell to 43-4-1. Zhang, the 41-year-old southpaw from China, improved to 27-2-1.
Zhilei Zhang knocks out Deontay Wilder
Deontay Wilder vs. Zhilei Zhang: Spherical 5
Wilder connects with a proper. Follows with one other. Right here comes Wilder! Throwing thunder. Zhang fights again and so they get tousled. Wilder unleashes one other, and he appears to be like like a special fighter now. Properly, DOWN he goes! Zhang flooring Wilder with a HUGE proper. Wilder doesn’t make the depend.
Deontay Wilder vs. Zhilei Zhang: Spherical 4
Wilder scurries away from Zhang, virtually falls to the canvas. These two would possibly set a Compubox report for fewest punches per spherical. To do it, you received’t want your whole fingers and toes. Wilder throws a tough proper, Zhang counters with a left. Zhang 40, Wilder 36.
Deontay Wilder vs. Zhilei Zhang: Spherical 3
Zhang strikes ahead like a battle service. Lands a left and Wilder already appears to be like to be in bother, searching for a protected place. Surprise what occurred to Wilder’s electrical proper hand? Did they lose it at baggage declare? As soon as once more, Wilder within the nook. Zhang lands a few lefts. Zhang 30, Wilder 27.
Deontay Wilder vs. Zhilei Zhang: Spherical 2
Wilder lands a proper, however appears to be like scared. Zhang now unloading as he corners Wilder. Wilder making an attempt to punch his method out. Zhang lets him free, however he’s backing him into the nook once more. Wilder not trying assured in any respect. Wilder lands a proper, however no follow-up as he drifts into the nook once more and takes a tough proper. Zhang 20, Wilder 18.
Deontay Wilder vs. Zhilei Zhang: Spherical 1
Huge Bang Zhang, wow, trying BIG all proper. Particularly as he backs Wilder right into a nook. Wilder slides free. Greater than a minute in, ready on the primary actual punch. Wilder throws a proper, however nothing memorable. Boxers pawing at one another. With that 68-pound weight benefit, Zhang appears to be like just like the pure aggressor. Zhang 10, Wilder 9.
Daniel Dubois def. Filip Hrgovic by TKO
Dubois bloodied Hrgovic and received the heavyweight bout by TKO within the eighth spherical.
The punches had been flying early, and lots of landed on Hrgovic’s face. The battle ended after the ringside doctor inspected cuts over each of Hrgovic’s eyes with a few minute left within the eighth spherical and suggested the referee to cease the fitting.
Dubois, a 26-year-old Brit, received the IBF interim world heavyweight title and improved to 21-2. Hrgovic, a 31-year-old Croatian, fell to 17-1.
Daniel Dubois vs. Filip Hrgovic: Spherical 8
Dubois smothering Hrgovic. Referee is looking within the ringside physician to have a look at Hrgovic’s cuts above each eyes. The battle has been stopped. Dubois by stoppage!
Daniel Dubois vs. Filip Hrgovic: Spherical 7
Dubois costs out behind that left jab. Hrgovic now bleeding over each eyes, and his bloody trunks are going to wish critical Clorox. Dubois ramping up the strain behind a sequence of mixtures. Hrgovic’s tank appears to be like near empty as his bloody face is tagged once more. Dubois 67, Hrgovic 66.
Daniel Dubois vs. Filip Hrgovic: Spherical 6
Fighters tiring, however not too drained to throw efficient punches. With clear KO energy. Dubois 57, Hrgovic 57.
Daniel Dubois vs. Filip Hrgovic: Spherical 5
DAZN reviews the nasty minimize over Hrgovic’s proper eye was attributable to a punch, not by a headbutt. And the punches preserve coming. Hrgovic lands a giant proper, however he’s bleeding and this bout is not going to be received by fancy footwork or protection. Hrgovic bleeding badly and touchdown large. Dubois 48, Hrgovic 47.
Daniel Dubois vs. Filip Hrgovic: Spherical 4
Dubois out aggressive and now each fighters settle into the middle of the ring. And it’s Hrgovic touchdown a few punches as blood drips down from his proper eye. Loads of motion. Dubois 39, Hrgovic 37
Daniel Dubois vs. Filip Hrgovic: Spherical 3
Hrgovic emerges with a wound from Spherical 2. An unintentional headbutt left him minimize over the fitting eye. He’s nonetheless firing punches and absorbing them, too. Hrgovic’s punches now look telegraphed and it’s Dubois scoring. Dubois 29, Hrgovic 28.
Daniel Dubois vs. Filip Hrgovic: Spherical 2
Exchanging large punches early. May not have to fret in regards to the scorecards right here. Hrgovic touchdown large photographs. Dubois counters with two strong stabs that stun Hrgovic. Dubois fires that jab once more and hurts Hrgovic. Hrgovic 19, Dubois 19.
Daniel Dubois vs. Filip Hrgovic: Spherical 1
Boxers swinging early. Hrgovic lands a number of stinging proper crosses. Delivers an uppercut, too, whereas dominating this spherical. Dubois lastly solutions with a tough proper. Hrgovic 10, Dubois 9.
Subsequent battle on Deontay Wilder card
Daniel Dubois vs. Filip Hrgovic in a heavyweight bout.
Dmitry Bivol def. Malik Zinad by TKO
Bivol appeared to be in no hurry earlier than scoring a sixth-round TKO towards Zinad and defending his IBO World Mild Heavyweight title and WBA Tremendous World Mild Heavyweight title.
Greatest identified for his victory over Canelo Alvarez in 2022, Bivol knocked down Zinad within the first spherical. However his efficiency regarded extra methodical than spectacular earlier than he unleashed a flurry of punches that prompted the referee to cease the battle within the sixth spherical.
Bivol, the 33-year-old Russian, improved to 23-0. Zinad, a 30-year-old Libyan, fell to 22-1.
Dmitry Bivol vs. Malik Zinad: Spherical 6
Zinad firing that left jab virtually the moment the spherical begins. However Bivol finds his vary, and the barrage begins! And now the battle is over! Referee waves off the competition with Zinad helpless below a flurry of punches. It’s Bivol by TKO!
Dmitry Bivol vs. Malik Zinad: Spherical 5
Zinad delivers a giant proper to Bivol’s kisser. No lingering worry from that first-round knockdown that I can see. Bivol patiently transferring ahead and searching for openings. However it’s Zinad who’s touchdown punches. Bivol 48, Zinad 46.
Dmitry Bivol vs. Malik Zinad: Spherical 4
Zinad firing the jab repeatedly however with out drive. Bivol someplace between affected person and passive. Bivol lands a few physique blows and Zinad’s bleeding from the nostril once more. However Zinad throwing extra punches after which baits Bivol right into a mini-headbutt because the spherical ends. Bivol 39, Zinad 36.
Dmitry Bivol vs. Malik Zinad: Spherical 3
Bivol comes out trying very managed. No expectation of any brawl breaking out right here earlier than he finds a gap. And he finds them, scoring to the top and defending effectively. Bivol 30, Zinad 26.
Dmitry Bivol vs. Malik Zinad: Spherical 2
Zinad not shirking away, nonetheless firing jabs. However Bivol is discovering his vary with the left jab, too. He’s additionally drawn blood from Zinad’s nostril. Bivol 20, Zinad 17.
Dmitry Bivol vs Malik Zinad: Spherical 1
Zinad comes out surprisingly aggressive. Anyone let this man know he’s a 30-to-1 underdog? They’re mixing it up, and Zinad appears to be like like he belongs. Properly, not so quick as a result of DOWN goes Zinad. Caught by a three-punch combo, however he’s up and combating once more. Bivol 10, Zinad 8.
Subsequent battle
Dmitry Bivol vs. Malik Zinad, for Bivol’s WBA mild heavyweight title
Hamzah Sheeraz def. Austin Williams by TKO
Hamzah Sheeraz took management of the middleweight battle after aggressive early rounds and stopped Austin Williams by TKO within the eleventh.
Sheeraz knocked down Williams on the finish of the tenth spherical and completed him off within the eleventh spherical with a flurry on punches that prompted the referee to name the battle.
Sheeraz, a 25-year-old Brit, improved to 20-0 together with his 14th consecutive knockout. Williams, a 28-year-old American, fell to 16-1.
Spherical-by-round evaluation:
Hamzah Sheeraz vs Austin Williams, middleweight, spherical 10
Now it’s a slugfest, after which comes the ending slug. Sheeraz rocks Williams with a flurry of punches and the referee waves off the battle!
Hamzah Sheeraz vs Austin Williams, middleweight, spherical 9
Williams once more comes out sturdy, charged up with vitality and unleashing physique blows. Williams now following what gave the impression to be the unique recreation plan: muscle his method inside. And identical to that, Sheeraz stuns Williams with a proper. Sheeraz 87, Williams 84.
Hamzah Sheeraz vs Austin Williams, middleweight, spherical 8
Williams asserts himself early, throwing lefts and transferring ahead. Pins Sheeraz on the ropes, and Sheeraz rewards him with two uppercuts. Some brawling ensues, and now Williams is bleeding from the mouth as Sheeraz assaults. Sheeraz 78, Williams 74.
Hamzah Sheeraz vs Austin Williams, middleweight, spherical 7
Williams comes out swinging to the physique and the top, determined to regain some momentum. However Sheeraz responds, touchdown an assortment of punches as Williams’ proper eye swells. Sheeraz 68, Williams 65.
Hamzah Sheeraz vs Austin Williams, middleweight, spherical 6
Sheeraz in stride now, connecting ceaselessly with that left. Williams’ proper eye swelling quick. Sheeraz appears to be like in management as he’s now touchdown lefts and rights. Sheeraz 58, Williams 56.
Hamzah Sheeraz vs Austin Williams, middleweight, spherical 5
Head-snapping exchanges on show. However Williams trying like the simpler goal. Stumbles to his proper after taking a pointy jab to the top. Sheeraz 48, Williams 47.
Hamzah Sheeraz vs Austin Williams, middleweight, spherical 4
Now Williams closes the hole between the 2 fighters and lands some punishing blows. With out distance, Sheeraz is unable to take advantage of his attain benefit. The distinction in kinds continues, with Sheeraz squeaking out the sting in that spherical. Williams 38, Sheeraz 38.
Hamzah Sheeraz vs Austin Williams, middleweight, spherical 3
Sheeraz snaps again Williams’ head with a proper. Lands one other and immediately Williams appears to be like shaken. Shareez capitalizing on his attain benefit and connects with a candy left throughout an assault. Williams 29, Shareez 28.
Hamzah Sheeraz vs Austin Williams, middleweight, spherical 2
Williams delivers one other large hand early within the spherical. Now he’s stalking, however there’s no wobble in Sheeraz’s legs. In reality, Sheeraz connects with a pleasant uppercut earlier than consuming one other left punch. Williams 20, Sheeraz 18.
Hamzah Sheeraz vs Austin Williams, middleweight, spherical 1
Each fighters opening up, and it’s Williams who lands the largest punch early and stays lively. Sheeraz responds with a combo. Skinny pickings for the judges. Williams 10, Sheerez 9.
Nick Ball def. Raymond Ford by cut up resolution
Ball, bloodied however relentless, received the WBA featherweight title with a split-decision victory over Ford of their 12-round battle.
It ended with a spectacular twelfth spherical that featured electrical exchanges.
The judges scored it 113-115, 115-113, 115-113 in Ball’s favor.
Ball, the 27-year-old Brit, improved to 20-0-1. Ford, the 25-year-old American, fell to 15-1-1.
Spherical by spherical:
Raymond Ford vs Nick Ball, featherweight, spherical 12
Ford comes out sturdy. However Ball unleashes a flurry of punches. Ford emerges intact and the fierce exchanges ensue. Leaving all of it within the ring. Ford 115, Ball 113.
Raymond Ford vs Nick Ball, featherweight, spherical 11
Ball nonetheless charging, however Ford touchdown cleaner punches. Blood flowing once more from Ball’s nostril, and but it solely appears to energise him. Ford 106, Ball 103.
Raymond Ford vs Nick Ball, featherweight, spherical 10
Much less brawling and extra boxing right here. Ford doing harm together with his left hand. Ford 96, Ball 94.
Raymond Ford vs Nick Ball, featherweight, spherical 9
Ball again to his greatest self – charging ahead, firing punches and chewing up the gap Ford must be at his greatest. However it’s Ford with the sturdy end. Ford 86, Ball 85.
The bloody nostril has not slowed Ball. However Ford countering, delivers a brutal left. Ball’s face, physique and trunks are splattered with blood. Ball 76, Ford 76.
Raymond Ford vs Nick Ball, featherweight, spherical 7
Extra of the identical, Ball on the assault and now touchdown physique punches. Ford not cowering. However he can’t match Ball’s tempo or energy. Wow. Ford bloodies Ball’s nostril on the transfer. Ball 67, Ford 66.
Ford comes out extra aggressively, however Ball is not going to be denied. Ford scoring, and Ball roughens issues up earlier than the ref intervenes and the punching rapidly commences once more. Ball 58, Ford 56.
Raymond Ford vs Nick Ball, featherweight, spherical 5
Ford’s five-inch peak benefit over Ball appears to be shrinking as Ball continues his relentless assault. And extra of Ball’s punches are getting by now. Ford minimize over each eyes. Ball 48, Ford 47.
Raymond Ford vs Nick Ball, featherweight, spherical 4
Ball combating like a brawler and lands a strong left. Ford’s endurance not paying off as he tries to fend off the relentless Ball. Ford 38, Ball 38.
Raymond Ford vs Nick Ball, featherweight, spherical 3
Ford not freely giving management. He responds to Ball’s aggression together with his personal – capped by correct punches. Ball unleashing punches, however not many touchdown flush. Ford defending, then touchdown. Ford 29, Ball 28.
Raymond Ford vs Nick Ball, featherweight, spherical 2
Ball muscle tissue inside and scores with a wide range of punches. Extra rock ‘em, sock ‘em boxing. However the 5-foot-2 Ball does probably the most sockin’ and rockin’ in that spherical. Ford 19, Ball 19.
Raymond Ford vs Nick Ball, featherweight, spherical 1
Ball costs out, swinging early. A composed Ford stands his floor. Loads of velocity inside this ring. Ball exhibiting his signature strain, however Ford touchdown extra and cleaner punches. Ford 10, Ball 9.
Deontay Wilder on Mike Tyson-Jake Paul battle
Based mostly on current feedback, Deontay Wilder couldn’t have been disillusioned to listen to that the Mike Tyson-Jake Paul has been postponed.
“I don’t want the last thing I remember of him is him getting knocked out by a YouTuber,’’ Wilder told Sportsbook Review last month. “The last thing you do, that’s what people remember you by.”
Wilder directed frustration at the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, which oversees combat sports in Texas and sanctioned the Tyson-Paul fight as a professional bout.
“I think it’s bad the commission has licensed Mike Tyson because he hasn’t been active in 20 years, so they should not just license him because of who he is, that’s how people get hurt – God forbid he gets hurt,” Wilder said. “People can get hit in the wrong place and at the wrong time, there’s lots of examples where guys have been hit into a coma. It’s easy to do. He’s too old for this.
Raymond Ford vs. Nick Ball, for Ford’s WBA featherweight title
Willy Hutchinson def. Craig Richards by unanimous decision
Willy Hutchinson dominated Craig Richards with deft footwork, flair and a barrage of stinging punches in their 12-round light heavyweight fight.
The judges scored it 116-112, 117-111, 119-109.
Hutchinson, a 25-year-old Scotsman, improved his record to 18-1. Richards, a 34-year-old Brit, fell to 18-4-1.
Round-by-round analysis:
Willy Hutchinson vs Craig Richards, light heavyweight, round 12
Hutchinson stays aggressive even though he clearly leads on the scorecards. More clever footwork and head movement, opening up angles to throw, and land, his punches. Richards looks flatfooted. Hutchinson 117, Richards 111.
Willy Hutchinson vs Craig Richards, light heavyweight, round 11
Fierce exchange a minute into the round. Hutchinson looks fatigued, and Richards could use recharged batteries, too. But the punches continue to fly. Hutchinson 107, Richards 102.
Willy Hutchinson vs Craig Richards, light heavyweight, round 10
Richards lands two powerful punches, and Hutchinson answers. It’s now rock ‘em, sock ‘em! Hutchinson, bleeding from the nose, pummels Richards. But Richards cracks back before the bell rings. Hutchinson 98, Richards 92.
Willy Hutchinson vs Craig Richards, light heavyweight, round 9
Hutchinson lands a leaping right – and keeps the punches coming. Hutchinson active, theatrical and dangerous. Richards looks flustered, but finishes the round strong. Hutchinson 88, Richards 83.
Willy Hutchinson vs Craig Richards, light heavyweight, round 8
Richards attacks early and back comes Hutchinson. Voltage in the ring spikes. Hutchinson cleverly picking his spots but tiring. Hutchinson 78, Richards 74.
Richards scoring with his jab early. Hutchinson fires back, and it leads to a nice exchange in a fight that suddenly looks competitive. Richards coming alive. Hutchinson 68, Richards 65.
Hutchinson comes out swingiRound 7: Richards scoring with his jab early. Hutchinson fires back, and it leads a nice exchange in a fight that suddenly looks competitive. Richards coming alive. Hutchinson 68, Richards 65.ng again. Richards now the aggressor, and Hutchinson counterpunches effectively. But Richards landing effective punches, too, in what’s his best round so far. Hutchinson 59, Richards 55.
Willy Hutchinson vs Craig Richards, light heavyweight, round 5
Crisp punches, nimble footwork, flair — Hutchinson showing it all. Now repeatedly tagging Richards, who backpedals as Hutchinson gives chase. Hutchinson 50, Richards 45.
Willy Hutchinson vs Craig Richards, light heavyweight, round 4
Richards comes out showing a little more energy and assertiveness. In return, Hutchinson moves head with some theatrics. Showmanship? He delivers a flurry of big punches. Hutchinson 40, Richards 36.
Willy Hutchinson vs Craig Richards, light heavyweight, round 3
Hutchinson connects with an early combination and reasserts his role as aggressor. Richards is increasing his activity, but Hutchinson still in control. Hutchinson 30, Richards 27.
Willy Hutchinson vs Craig Richards, light heavyweight, round 2
Hutchinson switches stances – southpaw to orthodox — then delivers a notable right. He catches Richards with a strong right cross while establishing control. Hutchinson 20, Richards 18.
Willy Hutchinson vs Craig Richards, light heavyweight, round 1
Hutchinson the aggressor. No serious damage inflicted, but Hutchinson still on the attack. Shows a willingness to throw combos while Richards looks more conservative. Hutchinson 10, Richards 9.
Deontay Wilder fight predictions
George Flood, The Evening Standard: It is a bout between two massive punchers set up for fireworks, with both men carrying serious power capable of knocking out any heavyweight on the planet and changing any given fight in an instant. Prediction: Wilder by KO.
Lee Groves, The Ring: If Zhang lands his lethal left cross on Wilder’s chin, especially early, there will be no opportunity for Wilder to exploit Zhang’s biggest weakness, stamina. Prediction: Zhang by KO, Round 7.
Tom Gray, The Sporting News: The former champ needs to watch what’s coming back at him because Zhang is a murderous hitter himself. Prediction: Wilder KO, Round 4.
John Hansen, SBNation: I just don’t see Wilder magically finding his spark again against a bigger, stronger opponent than the one who froze his hands. Prediction: Zhang, unanimous decision.
What time is Deontay Wilder vs. Zhilei Zhang fight?
- The undercard starts at 2 p.m. The time for the main event has not been confirmed.
How to watch Deontay Wilder vs. Zhilei Zhang fight
DAZN. The pay-per-view fee is $69.99 plus a subscription.
Who did Deontay Wilder lose to?
He lost twice to Tyson Fury and once to Joseph Parker.
Deontay Wilder net worth
Forbes estimated his net worth was $46.5 million in 2020.
Deontay Wilder record
43-3-1 with 42 knockouts
Zhilei Zhang record
26-2-1 with 21 knockouts
How much do Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang weigh?
Weigh-in results had Wilder at 214.6 kilos and Zhang at 282.8 kilos. That places Zhang at 68.2 kilos heavier.
Deontay Wilder vs. Zhilei Zhang undercard
- Daniel Dubois vs. Filip Hrgovic, heavyweight
- Hamzah Sheeraz vs. Austin Williams, middleweight
- Dmitry Bivol vs. Malik Zinad, for Bivol’s WBA mild heavyweight title
- Raymond Ford vs. Nick Ball, for Ford’s WBA featherweight title
- Willy Hutchinson vs. Craig Richards, mild heavyweight