Dmitry Bivol to face Malik Zinad on June 1st

It's hardly Bivols' fault that Beterbiev overtrained and injured himself - and it's not the first time Artur has delayed a fight due to injury.

Assuming Beterbiev makes a recovery we will get Bivol v Beterbiev in Q4 or early 2025 - Zinad is just a stay busy for Bivol till Beterbiev recovers

 

I'm sick of the excuses. He should be fighting Beterbiev not Zinad

 

With two months ahead and all the money involved they could have picked someone who isn't a complete unknown. To watch Bivol outbox some no hoper for 12 long rounds isn't what I call entertainment.

 

I literally said this, verbatim.

 

If Beterbiev is injured and Bivol wants to keep the date, then good for him. You could criticize the choice of opponent, but there probably wasn't a better guy willing to take this on less than a month's notice. I'd rather him stay active if possible.

Zinad's pretty good. Sinewy one-two artist. Objectively good handspeed and jab. The right hand behind it is smooth. Bivol should absolutely win but I think Zinad might well acquit himself will and bag at least a round or two.

 

Rather see Bivol vs Menguia

 

Malik is actually a pretty decent replacement opponent given the lateness. He won't win but he'll give it a good go.

 

I get what you’re saying and not disagree, perhaps Bivol needs some money.. it’s Saudi money after all

 

I know it is a huge letdown, but don’t crap on Zinad.. he’s a good fighter and hungry for a title shot.

 

Good move by Bivol to take an interim fight while he waits.

 

I could be wrong but Bivol strikes me as being someone who would never do such a thing although he could certainly make a bundle and retire rather wealthy..

 

Bivol would be stupid to not take the fight and the money.

 

I get what you are saying but there is precisely no chance Bivol loses to this guy.