The likes of Dmitry Bivol and Deontay Wilder are in action tonight as Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren go head-to-head in Saudi Arabia.
A highly-anticipated undisputed light-heavyweight world title fight between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev was scheduled to headline the card, but Beterbiev suffered a knee injury during training. Bivol will instead fight Malik Zinad and the co-main event will see Wilder face fellow KO artist Zhilei Zhang.
Daniel Dubois looks to secure himself an all-British fight against Anthony Joshua when he faces long-time mandatory world title challenger Filip Hrgovic. Flyweight champion Raymond Ford defends his belt against Nick Ball whilst unbeaten British prospect Hamzah Sheeraz is also in action. So here's all you need to know about tonight's 5vs5 card...
Full fight card and undercard
Dmitry Bivol vs Malik Zinad
Bivol was scheduled to fight Beterbiev for the undisputed light-heavyweight world titles, but the unified champion was forced out due to injury. Ziyad, an unbeaten Libyan, jumped at the opportunity to replace Beterbiev and is now set for a huge step-up in competition against Bivol.
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Deontay Wilder vs Zhilei Zhang
Wilder took a year away from the ring and looked awful in his return last December against Joseph Parker. The loss ruined Wilder's two-fight deal with Anthony Joshua and he now looks to revive his world title hopes with a win against 'Big Bang' Zhang, who also lost to Parker in his last fight.
Daniel Dubois vs Filip Hrgovic
Dubois and Hrgovic hoped to be fighting for the IBF heavyweight world title tonight, but no decision has been made to strip Oleksandr Usyk after his undisputed win against Tyson Fury. Hrgovic has been the mandatory challenger for almost two years and the interim belt will be on the line against Dubois.
Raymond Ford vs Nick Ball
Ford won his first world title in March when he KO'd Otabek Kholmatov and he defends the belt for the first time against Ball tonight. The Scouser fought to a controversial draw against Rey Vargas three months ago in a fight that should have gone in his favour.
Hamzah Sheeraz vs Austin Williams
None of Sheeraz's last three wins have got past the second round and he takes on fellow unbeaten prospect Williams tonight. Sheeraz hasn't been to the judges scorecards in six years and will look to continue that impressive streak against Williams, who has tried his best to get under the Brit's skin.
Willy Hutchinson vs Craig Richards
Hutchinson is considered one of Scotland's best amateur boxers and he won gold in Youth World Championships before turning over in 2017. Richards has traded words with Hutchinson throughout fight week and will look to become the first man to beat Hutchinson in over three years.
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5vs5 rules
Two points are given for a knockout victory and one point is given for a win decided on the judges’ scorecards. Drawn fights are awarded no points and there is for the captain of each team to score double points. Matchroom's captain is Deontay Wilder whilst Queensberry's captain is Hamzah Sheeraz. The main event between Bivol and Minad is not included in the scoring for the event.
Quotes corner
Eddie Hearn : "The best sport stems from the greatest rivalries. I am confident Matchroom will reign supreme over Queensberry. I have assembled a team of elite world beaters who are ready to do the business. Losing isn’t an option. I’m sure this unprecedented 5vs5 will be the first of many duels with Frank Warren and his team - and may the best man win!"
Frank Warren : "The night of June 1 will mark a thrilling and spectacular return to Riyadh, where the pride and reputation of two companies will be at stake in the 5vs5 concept that neither promoter dares to contemplate losing. We can now look forward to unprecedented events such as this on a regular basis and nights at the Kingdom Arena. Our five selected champions are ready to rule in Riyadh."
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