Queensberry vs. Matchroom: Deontay Wilder vs. Zhilei Zhang Predictions and Betting Odds

Promotional powerhouses Queensberry and Matchroom are pitting some of their best talent against one another in a rare event consistent with the spectacle we’ve come to expect from Saudi Arabian fight influencer Turki Alalshikh.

Even with the loss of a highly anticipated bout between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev, this will likely stand as one of the year’s best events. Between the four top-ranked heavyweights, multiple title belts, and highly regarded prospects, Riyad will host a top-shelf evening of boxing.

Deontay Wilder (43-3-1, 42 KOs) vs. Zhilei Zhang (29-2-1, 21 KOs)

It seems appropriate that Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang will be standing in front of one another. Both men are renowned for devastating power and are trying to get back on the winning track after losing decisions to Joseph Parker.

Considering the fact that neither Wilder nor Zhang are known as cardio machines, it’s unlikely that this fight will hold up in quality if it reaches the later rounds, “if” being the keyword here. Zhang’s southpaw stance along with his sturdier chin should give him just enough of an edge to walk away with the win.

Prediction: Zhang by TKO, Round 5

Dmitry Bivol (22-0, 11 KOs) vs. Malik Zinad (22-0, 16 KOs)

Fans waiting to find out who the best light heavyweight in the world is will have to wait as a knee injury forced Artur Beterbiev to withdraw from a unification bout with Dmitry Bivol. Instead, Bivol will face the undefeated Malik Zinad.

The odds are so heavily stacked against Zinad for good reason. Besides the fact that he has little experience outside of Europe, Bivol is a pound-for-pound talent. Strange things can happen in combat sports but expect this to play out exactly as it should. It’s just a matter of whether Bivol goes for a finish.

Prediction: Bivol by Decision

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Filip Hrgovic (17-0, 14 KOs) vs. Daniel Dubois (20-2, 19 KOs)

Filip Hrgovic and Daniel Dubois were already occupying a critical space for the heavyweight division in another evenly-matched bout. The former sparring partners are trying to get over the hump and into the mainstream recognition that comes with being one of the few elites in the division.

Now with the IBF reportedly stripping Oleksandr Usyk of their belt, what was already a WBC title eliminator takes on bigger meaning. If Hrgovic can establish himself early, he can exploit Dubois’ perceived mental weakness and susceptibility to damage.

Prediction: Hrgovic by TKO, Round 7

Ray Ford (15-0-1, 8 KOs) vs. Nick Ball (19-0-1, 11 KOs)

Featherweight supremacy is on the line as WBA champ Ray Ford makes his first defense against Nick Ball. Ball narrowly missed champ status in a draw with WBC beltholder Rey Vargas while Ford just earned his strap in a grueling 12-round TKO of Otabek Kholmatov.

This is going to be another closely contested fight for two men who’ll likely enter the ring with a noticeable amount of wear and tear. However, if the weight cut to 126 pounds isn’t too taxing on Ford, expect him to keep Ball at bay for extended periods.

Prediction: Ford by Decision

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Hamzah Sheeraz (19-0, 15 KOs) vs. Austin Williams (16-0, 11 KOs)

Regional middleweight champions Hamzah Sheeraz and Austin Williams are paired in a fight that has experts divided evenly. A good case for either man winning is fairly easy to make. Sheeraz’s 6’3” frame and total annihilation of Liam Williams in February look 50/50 against the adaptability and confidence of “Ammo.”

It’s anybody’s guess who walks away with their undefeated record intact. However, Williams’ is slightly more battle-tested and that experience may serve him well here.

Prediction: Williams by Decision

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Willy Hutchinson (17-1, 13 KOs) vs. Craig Richards (18-3-1, 11 KOs)

Light heavyweights on far opposite ends of the personality spectrum, Willy Hutchinson and Craig Richards, will meet to kick off the main card in Riyad.

Hutchinson has resorted to antagonizing Richards in the lead-up. However, the more proven veteran should be able to focus on the task at hand. Look for him to stand firm against the 25-year-old and earn the victory.

Prediction: Richards by Decision

Also Read: Ranking the 10 best MMA fighters of all time, including Anderson Silva

Complete Queensberry vs. Matchroom: Deontay Wilder vs. Zhilei Zhang Picks and Odds

Deontay Wilder (+130) vs. Zhilei Zhang (-163): Zhang by TKO, Round 5
Dmitry Bivol (-2500) vs. Malik Zinad (+1200): Bivol by Decision
Filip Hrgovic (-240) vs. Daniel Dubois (+200): Hrgovic by TKO, Round 7
Ray Ford (-160) vs. Nick Ball (+130): Ford by Decision
Hamzah Sheeraz (-175) vs. Austin Williams (+145): Williams by Decision
Willy Hutchinson (-105) vs. Craig Richards (-125): Richards by Decision