Previously, the highly anticipated light heavyweight title fight for the absolute championship has been canceled due to Artur Beterbiev sustaining a meniscus injury, sidelining him until at least September. In response, the event organizer, Turki Alalshikh, quickly initiated a search for Beterbiev's replacement to face Dmitry Bivol in the ring.
An undefeated Libyan boxer, Malik Zinad (22-0, 16 KOs), has been chosen to fill in. This update was provided by well-known insider Michael Coppinger. Zinad is set to challenge Bivol for his WBA light heavyweight title on June 1st in Riyadh. Although Zinad may not be widely recognized, his recent victory over New Zealander Jerome Pampellon has positioned him as the second mandatory contender for the IBF championship title.
In addition to this change, the main event of the evening might also be altered. Originally slated to feature the fight for the absolute championship title, the headline bout might now showcase a heavyweight clash between American Deontay Wilder and Chinese boxer Zhang Zhilei. This matchup is part of the Matchroom-Queensberry 5-on-5 tournament, adding another layer of excitement to the event.
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