Hamzah Sheeraz Shines With Imperious Dmitry Bivol Back in Action

On Saturday, June 1, Hamzah Sheeraz (20-0, 16 KOs) defeated Austin Williams (16-1, 11 KOs) in style, stopping his opponent in round eleven, winning by TKO, to increase the Queensberry lead over Matchroom to 6-0. The fight took place as a part of the 5v5 card at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with the entire card available in a number of regions on DAZN through PPV as well as on TNT Sports.

Following the impressive showing from Sheeraz, we saw the majestic Dmitry Bivol (23-0, 12 KOs) dominate and defeat Malik Zinad (22-1, 16 KOs) winning by sixth round stoppage.

Queensberry vs. Matchroom: Sheeraz Dominant and Bivol Victorious

Queensberry vs. Matchroom: Hamzah Sheeraz vs. Austin Williams Recap

In the opening round, we saw Sheeraz take the centre of the ring and look impressive and dominant when letting 1-2 combinations go. A big left hand in round two shook the Brit, who needed to hang on. The following round saw Sheeraz land numerous heavy shots, hurting the American. It was an impressive round from the Queensberry fighter, who worked brilliantly off his jab.

Round four saw “Ammo” rock Sheeraz once more. The Brit recovered in the fifth and worked impressively off his jab, looking dominant on the front foot. We saw Sheeraz start to break down his American opponent with that ramrod jab and impressive shot selection over the next couple of rounds.

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The Brit was dominating as he continued to land his ram rod jab at will. “Ammo” did enjoy some success on the inside – but was unable to sustain that work as Sheeraz looked dominant behind his lead hand. Williams was having joy in the tenth on the inside and was working well, forcing the pace, and towards the end of the round, the American walked onto a big right hook from Sheeraz, which scored a knockdown. The following round saw the Queensberry man land a big right hand, which he followed up in style with a heavy right-left combination, forcing the referee to wave off the contest.

Post Fight Quotes from Sheeraz

“I knew what I was going into, he’s a puncher, fresh and young,” Sheeraz said after his impressive showing.”

“I knew it wouldn’t be a wipe out victory. We thought we’d break him down in close. I used my jab but I had to slow him down.”

“I was throwing the uppercut but the corner was saying right hook, right hook, I knew the pace I set, I don’t normally set it but I had to in this one.”

When asked if he was ready for a world title shot, the Brit said: “If I’m not ready now I never will be.”

Dmitry Bivol vs. Malik Zinad Recap

The opening round saw Zinad start brightly – but he was soon punished – with a beautifully timed left-right-left combination, which knocked the Libyan-born fighter down. Round two saw Bivol judge the distance brilliantly as he picked his punches against a brave Zinad. Round three saw the challenger use his feet well to avoid a Bivol attack, but the constant pressure from the Russian fighter must have being wearing his opponent down.

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The following two rounds saw Zinad look comfortable working off his jab impressively. The IBO and WBA light heavyweight champion seems to be stalking his opponent, happy to do enough to win these rounds.

Bivol stepped on the gas in round six, landing a big left hand, which he followed up with a vicious barrage of heavy shots, forcing the referee to step in and end the fight. It wasn’t vintage Bivol, but it was an impressive stoppage.

Post Fight Quotes

“Thank you guys for supporting,” said Bivol.

He continued: “Of course, I’m happy that I won.”

Bivol was asked if it was tough to fight Zinad after preparing for Artur Beterbiev: “Professional boxers, we have to change our tactics.”

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Bivol was asked about his power, and he didn’t hesitate in his response: “I believe that my power was every time with me, and I didn’t have doubts.”

Turki Alalshikh also entered the ring and announced Bivol vs. Artur Beterbiev for October 12, and the Russian reacted to the announcement: “I feel great. I need to be in focus.”