Big Upset Steals ‘Day of Reckoning’ Undercard Headlines
RIYADH, Dec. 23 – ‘Day of Reckoning’ is underway at the Kingdom Arena in Saudi Arabia, and half the card has already elapsed. Big Fight Weekend is present at the event to bring you the results so far.
‘Day of Reckoning’ Undercard Recap
Kabayel Dominates Makhmudov en Route to Stoppage Win
Agit Kabayel (24-0, 16 KOs) knocked out the KO monster to win a 10-round heavyweight contest. The German dropped Arslanbek Makhmudov (18-1, 17 KOs) three times in round four to give the Russian his first loss. Kabayel clearly stunned Makhmudov in the third but was unable to drop him. He did not need long as Makhmudov could not deal with the combinations to the body and up top in the next round, causing referee Mark Lyson to wave off the fight. The time of stoppage was 2:03 of the fourth – and was described by Rob Tebbutt as a “big upset.”
Opetaia Stops Zorro With One Hitter Quitter
Jai Opetaia (24-0, 19 KOs) needed only one punch to leave Ellis Zorro (17-1, 7 KOs) sprawled over the canvas. The 12-round cruiserweight fight ended at the 2:56 mark of the opening round. Both fighters pawed at each other until the knockout punch. The former IBF world champion landed an overhand left that sent Zorro flat on the canvas. This immediately forced referee John Latham to wave off the contest.
Hrgović Makes Quick Work of de Mori
Filip Hrgović (17-0, 14 KOs) took only 1:42 to get the victory over Mark De Mori (41-3-2, 36 KOs) in a 10-round heavyweight clash. The Australian took a knee with the first hard shot. “El Animal” showed that De Mori had no business being in the ring with him as he continued to land on “The Viking.” The towel was thrown in – from the corner – and referee Lyson immediately waved off the fight in the opening round.
Sánchez Repeatedly Drops, Stops Fa
In a 10-round heavyweight bout, Frank Sánchez (24-0, 17 KOs, 1 NC) knocked out Junior Fa (20-3, 11 KOs) in the seventh round. The time of stoppage was 2:42.
The New Zealander first went down towards the end of round six from a right hand. “The Cuban Flash” dropped Fa another two times before referee Kevin Parker waved the bout off.
“Day of Reckoning” is part of Riyadh Season, a state-funded entertainment and sports festival. Viewers can catch all the action on DAZN as a PPV, while those in the UK and Ireland can also purchase it on TNT Sports Box Office. ESPN+ will also have the event as a PPV for those in the United States.
Stay with Big Fight Weekend for your recaps on the remaining fights, including Anthony Joshua vs. Otto Wallin and Deontay Wilder vs. Joseph Parker.
Currently writing out of Toronto, Canada, Saadeq first became a boxing fan while living in Doha, Qatar. Looking to become more involved in the sport, he began writing about boxing and has had work published in outlets such as Seconds Out and Boxing Social. He looks forward to continue covering boxing on Big Fight Weekend.
