Bivol's new opponent named after canceling fight against Beterbiev

WBA light heavyweight boxing champion Dmitry Bivol will defend his title against Libyan Malik Zinad on June 1 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This was reported by ESPN, citing Turki Alalshih, chairman of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority.

Bivol was expected to fight Artur Beterbiev in a highly anticipated unification bout at the upcoming show, but yesterday it was reported that the latter withdrew from the fight due to a torn meniscus.

It is reported that the new main event of the boxing evening in Riyadh will be the fight of former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder against Zhang Zhilei. "The Bronze Bomber" needs an impressive performance to move on to his scheduled August 3 fight with Jared Anderson in Los Angeles.