‘Process of Finalizing a Deal’: Undercard of Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol Set to Host Two Monster Punchers

According to Mike Coppinger from ESPN, the undercard of Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol for June 1 is starting to take shape, with the update mentioning that Deontay Wilder (43-3-1, 42 KOs) and Zhilei Zhang (26-2-1, 21 KOs) “are in the process of finalizing a deal,” to fight on the card.

Deontay Wilder vs. Zhilei Zhang Close

June 1 Card Begins to Take Shape

On January 18, Turki Alalshikh announced an agreement for a historic Queensberry vs. Matchroom promotions 5v5 event had been reached. His Excellency then revealed this intriguing contest would take place on June 1 on the undercard of Beterbiev-Bivol. It now appears Zhang vs. Wilder will also be added to this card. “The Bronze Bomber” is returning to the ring for the first time since his unanimous decision defeat to Joseph Parker on the Day of Reckoning bill. “Big Bang” despite knocking Parker down twice, recently lost by majority decision. 

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A possible matchup between Wilder and the Chinese heavyweight will provide plenty of fireworks while it lasts. It could well be a blink and you miss it moment.

Chris Mannix has also revealed that Saudi officials wanted this fight for March but couldn’t finalize a deal for Wilder. The agreement appears nearer than ever, with the heavyweight division close to getting another intriguing bout.

Beterbiev vs. Bivol Main Event

Beterbiev vs. Bivol is one of the most intriguing matchups in recent years, with the heavy-handed, relentless Beterbiev against the master mover Bivol.

Eddie Hearn has previously spoken on the matchup between Bivol and Beterbiev when he said: “I do believe Dmitry beats him, but it’s a real 50/50 fight.“ He continued: “Bivol‘s movement is outstanding, and I think Beterbiev will really struggle with that, but you have to have the power to hurt him (Beterbiev), and if you don’t your movement has got to be so good and so precise.“ Hearn also said: “Beterbiev’s power is freakish.”

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The main event is a clash of styles that provides plenty of fascination and possibilities. June 1 will arguably give us one of the most stacked cards in boxing history, with Zhang vs. Wilder seemingly close to joining the bill.