WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol's opponent, Malik Zinad, has a chance to make a name for himself even in defeat this Saturday night at the five-on-five event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The Libyan-born Zinad (22-0, 16 KOs) is a relatively unknown contender, but a matchup with the unbeaten Bivol (22-0, 11 KOs) would be a chance for him to show fans his talent. If Zinad is in good form in the loss, it would be a win-win situation for him.
Bivol was scheduled to fight IBF/WBC/WBO light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev in the main event, but was replaced by Zinad due to a knee injury.
Boxing expert Chris Algieri doesn't think Bivol is underestimating Zinada because he isn't the kind of guy he is, but Zinada is a talented boxer and at 30 years old, in the prime of his career, so he'll be a tough opponent for Bivol.
Potential upset?
Bivol has looked tired and worn down over the past two weeks. It's unclear if that's simply the strain of the weight gain or a sign of aging. Either way, Bivol is not in good shape and if he doesn't give 100% in this fight, he could lose.
“Zinad has an opportunity now, don't get me wrong, it's a tough opportunity. Bivol will always be Bivol, but this is a bit of a banana skin fight,” Paulie Malignaggi told Probox TV about this Saturday night's title defense between Dmitry Bivol and Malik Zinad.
For Zinard, it's the perfect situation to emerge from nowhere with no expectation or pressure to upset a tired-looking Bivol.
I would love to see Zinada fight stronger opponents in preparation for this moment in his career. He hasn't fought anyone less well known and it might be too big a jump for Zinada as a contender.
Zinad's last five opponents:
Jerome Pampelone
Michaël Diallo
Ezekiel Maderna
Islam Tefahi
Almir Skryer
“I think Bivol is smarter, and not just because of who he is and what he's done in his career. He's a headstrong guy. He'll work at it no matter what,” boxing expert Chris Algieri said. “He's spent a lot of time outside the ring. It's not his fault. I think he's still got that hunger.”
Bivol wasn't in great form in his last fight against Lyndon Arthur. He let his guard down a bit and got hurt. If he does the same thing against Gina, he might get knocked out because he has a lot of punches.
“The inactivity has really helped him get going again. The Arthur fight was his last,” Algieri said.
“That was a hectic fight and it came back to normal quickly. This fight is the same, but you just look at what kind of fighter Zinada really is. Zinada is 30 years old. He's in his prime. 6'1″, 22-0, 16 knockouts. All those numbers are valid.”
“This is an opportunity for Zinad and I'm sure he understands what it is. It's a huge platform. He's been working on this for a long time. He's had plenty of time to prepare for this. Yes, this is a banana skin, a trap fight. It's a very difficult fight,” Algieri said.
“It's a can't lose situation for Zinada. Whatever happens, Zinada is good enough to play well in this match,” Malignaggi said. “And considering Bivol's mental state, he's not the type to take an opponent lightly.”
“Even if Zinad is the kind of guy who would upset someone, I don't think Bivol is the kind of guy who Zinad would upset.”
“Even if he pushes Bivol aside, this 100% opens the door for him,” Algieri said of Zinad.
