Libyan professional boxer Malik Zinad will face titleholder Dmitrii Bivol for the World light-heavyweight championship on June 1 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Zinad will substitute Artur Beterbiev, who withdrew because of an injury.
The news was confirmed for “ESPN” by Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority.
Last month, Zinad secured victory over his New Zealand opponent Jerome Pamploni, clinching the IBF light heavyweight world title.
Zinad emerged as the busier fighter, delivering superior shots to Pamploni, securing a majority decision win, with two scorecards favouring him 117-111, according to New Zealand’s Stuff newspaper.
Throughout the bout, Zinad maintained control, effectively countering Pamploni’s aggressive flurries and handing him his first defeat.
By defeating Pamploni in a gruelling 12-round battle, Malik Zinad has cemented his dominance in the IBF light heavyweight division.
Australian Olympian Harry Garside praised Zinad’s remarkable resilience, hailing his exceptional chin.
Zinad’s persistence ultimately paid dividends, preserving his unbeaten streak, advancing to 22-0, while dealing Pamploni his maiden professional loss.
Jerome Pamploni, a highly-ranked Kiwi light heavyweight, experienced his inaugural defeat in a memorable Sydney showdown, considered a contender for the fight of the year in Australasia.
Despite being ranked fourth by the IBF prior to the match, Pamploni endured cuts over both eyes, potentially affecting his visibility, concluding the bout with an 18-1 record.
Last month, Libyan boxer Saaad Al-Falah secured the World Boxing Association (WBA) African light-heavyweight title by defeating Ivorian contender Adam Koné, who withdrew from the bout.
The exciting boxing match was held on March 1st at the Suleiman Al-Darrat Hall in Benghazi.
The match was attended by boxing legend Mike Tyson, who praised the strength and outstanding performance of the Libyan boxer. Also present was the Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan National Army, Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, who congratulated Al-Falah on his championship victory.
