Matchroom vs Queensberry 5v5 LIVE! Boxing results, updates and reaction after Zhang beats Wilder

Matchroom vs Queensberry 5v5 LIVE!

Queensberry are celebrating a 10-0 whitewash of Matchroom in Saturday night’s unique boxing team event in Saudi Arabia. Eddie Hearn's quintet got off to a disastrous start at Riyadh's Kingdom Arena, with Craig Richards upset by Willy Hutchinson. They then went 2-0 down after Liverpool’s Nick Ball outlasted Raymond Ford in a 12-round war to claim the WBA featherweight world title.

Matchroom later saw Austin 'Ammo' Williams dominated and stopped by Hamzah Sheeraz in a final eliminator for the WBC middleweight strap, with double points successfully claimed by the Queensberry captain. Matchroom could only hope to draw proceedings from there, though saw even those hopes dashed as Filip Hrgovic was beaten by Daniel Dubois in a battle for the IBF interim heavyweight title and a likely Wembley contest with Anthony Joshua in September. The night ended with Matchroom captain Deontay Wilder potentially being pushed into retirement by a brutal fifth-round stoppage by Zhilei Zhang.

Away from the 5v5 action in Riyadh on Saturday, Dmitry Bivol stopped late replacement opponent Malik Zinad in round six before confirmation that his postponed undisputed clash with fellow light-heavyweight world champion Artur Beterbiev will now take place on October 12. Follow reaction from the Matchroom vs Queensberry 5v5 event live below!

Matchroom vs Queensberry 5v5 results

• Zhang knocks out Wilder in brutal fashion

• Dubois beats Hrgovic to claim IBF interim title

• Bivol stops Zinad to retain light-heavyweight belts

• Sheeraz defeats Williams as Queensberry dominate

• Ball outlasts Ford to become featherweight champion

• Hutchinson upsets Richards in opening contest

02:41 , George Flood

Turki Alalshikh jokes that Eddie Hearn should retire after tonight’s whitewash.

He then hints that big plans are afoot for Wembley in September.

Joshua vs Dubois, surely...

02:40 , George Flood

Eddie Hearn says this is just the beginning for this new team concept for boxing.

There have been rumours that we could also see a USA vs Mexico version down the line.

Canelo vs Crawford, anyone?!

02:39 , George Flood

Not a night that Frank Warren will forget in a hurry!

Will Deontay Wilder now retire?

02:38 , George Flood

They did not interview Deontay Wilder in the ring tonight after that brutal knockout by Zhilei Zhang and I haven’t seen any reaction from him at all just yet.

We wait to see if this really is the end of the road for the former long-reigning WBC heavyweight champion.

02:37 , George Flood

And it had been so close to finally coming to fruition before Christmas...

02:35 , George Flood

A very nice £3million is heading Queensberry’s way now after that pre-event bet between Frank Warren and Eddie Hearn.

Matchroom Boxing’s CEO Frank Smith had also agreed to don a French maid’s outfit and become a tea boy for the day at Queensberry’s London offices if they lost tonight.

He will be regretting that offer now!

Queensberry thrash Matchroom 10-0 in 5v5 event

01:36 , George Flood

And with that latest stoppage, Queensberry add another two points to their tally and pitch a shutout in Riyadh with five wins from five.

They take a truly emphatic victory, 10-0 on a dream night for Frank Warren.

A chastening evening for Eddie Hearn and Co!

01:34 , George Flood

Is that the last we see of Deontay Wilder in a boxing ring?

He’s now lost four of his last five fights and drops to 43-4-1, continuing to look an absolute shadow of his former destructive self.

For Zhang, it’s the biggest win on the biggest night of his professional career.

He moves to 27-2-1 with a 22nd knockout and can still have hope of getting into world title contention.

Zhilei Zhang stops Deontay Wilder in round five

01:28 , George Flood

Round 5

Initially a better start to the fifth from Wilder as he lands his first proper right hand of consequence on the night and quickly looks to build on it.

But he’s quickly caught out flush by a couple of monster rights - the second when he had been completely turned around - and goes down really heavy!

He tries to get up but the fight is rightly waved off!

A huge win for Zhilei Zhang!

Deontay Wilder vs Zhilei Zhang

01:26 , George Flood

Round 4

This is not a fight for the purists at the moment.

Not much action at all in the fourth, with Zhang still comfortable but he’s often guilty of taking his foot off the gas in fights.

Wilder needs to find something here...

Deontay Wilder vs Zhilei Zhang

01:21 , George Flood

Round 3

Wilder still notably out-of-sorts and continually retreating to those corners in worrying fashion.

Not the place you want to be against a fellow big-hitter like Zhang.

A big shot buzzes Wilder early in the third.

Zhang doesn’t really build on it, but it’s still clearly another round safely in the bag for the Chinese southpaw.

3-0 Zhang?

Deontay Wilder vs Zhilei Zhang

01:16 , George Flood

Round 2

Wilder is being constantly forced into the corners here as a confident and dominant Zhang rifles in that vicious left and also hurts the Bronze Bomber with a nice right hook on the inside.

This is another very poor display from Wilder so far, as we saw against Joseph Parker in Riyadh just before Christmas.

Can he detonate that fearsome right to turn the tide?

‘Big Bang’ very comfortable so far.

Deontay Wilder vs Zhilei Zhang

01:13 , George Flood

Round 1

A reminder that Wilder is giving up almost 70lbs to the towering Chinese southpaw here.

Not too much action in a cagey first round, with Zhang definitely on the front foot and walking down Wilder.

He looks more confident and feels that his superior boxing skills could win the day, as well as that crunching left hand.

But will he unexpectedly walk onto that devastating right from Wilder?

Deontay Wilder vs Zhilei Zhang

01:09 , George Flood

Off we go in tonight’s heavyweight main event!

With 63 professional knockouts between them, it would be a massive shock to see this go the distance.

Who can pull off an explosive win to effectively save their career?

Deontay Wilder vs Zhilei Zhang

01:05 , George Flood

Both men ring walk for the main event, Zhang first to ‘Eye of the Tiger’ by Survivor.

‘Tellem that Im Comin’ by Lathan Warlick is the ring music of choice for Wilder, who comes out complete with black glittery mask and unusual robe.

He always likes to make a statement entrance!

Deontay Wilder vs Zhilei Zhang

01:03 , George Flood

So the pressure is now totally off both Wilder and Zhang from a team perspective, but this is still such a huge must-win fight for both men on a personal level.

You’ve got to think that another defeat for either heavyweight here could mean retirement, given they are aged 38 and 41 respectively.

Deontay Wilder vs Zhilei Zhang

01:01 , George Flood

So two more points for that Dubois stoppage mean that Queensberry have now taken an unassailable 8-0 lead over Matchroom tonight with four wins from four.

They are now guaranteed victory, with Matchroom only able to claim a maximum of four for a knockout win from captain Deontay Wilder against Zhilei Zhang in the imminent heavyweight main event.

Sunday 2 June 2024 00:49 , George Flood

All eyes are now on the IBF to see what they decide in terms of their full heavyweight title in the next month.

If it’s stripped from undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk as expected, then Dubois could well be upgraded to full champion before that likely showdown with Joshua at Wembley in September.

Unless it stays vacant and they fight for it in that clash.

Sunday 2 June 2024 00:41 , George Flood

After a rocky start, a fine display from Dubois to go through the gears nicely and pick up the IBF interim heavyweight title.

That is the biggest win of his career and a huge all-British showdown with Anthony Joshua now likely awaits at Wembley Stadium in September.

What an occasion that promises to be!

Daniel Dubois beats Filip Hrgovic in round eight

Sunday 2 June 2024 00:39 , George Flood

Round 8

Dubois picks up where he left off with some more heavy punishment at the start of the eighth.

The referee is hovering ready to step in and now they want the ringside doctor to look at those bad cuts around both of Hrgovic’s eyes.

He’s not happy and the fight is waved off!

WHAT A WIN FOR DUBOIS!

Daniel Dubois vs Filip Hrgovic

Sunday 2 June 2024 00:36 , George Flood

Round 7

A huge round for Dynamite Dubois!

He ups the tempo and Hrgovic looks very tired indeed, bothered by the bleeding cuts around both eyes.

The Croatian takes some massive punishment in the seventh, Dubois repeatedly swarming him and letting the powerful punches fly one after the other.

Hrgovic looks like he has no energy left - he’s done well to stay on his feet there.

A completely dominant round for Dubois.

Daniel Dubois vs Filip Hrgovic

Sunday 2 June 2024 00:34 , George Flood

Round 6

A penny for Anthony Joshua’s thoughts, sat at ringside along with Eddie Hearn, Frank Warren and Turki Alalshikh.

He will likely be facing the winner of this contest at Wembley Stadium for the full IBF heavyweight title in September.

Finding this very difficult to score, I must admit.

Still neither man is able to manage much consistency despite really bright moments from both.

Some big shots are still coming from both and now Hrgovic is also cut around his left eye!

Daniel Dubois vs Filip Hrgovic

Sunday 2 June 2024 00:30 , George Flood

Round 5

Several clashes of heads between these two as they both look to drill in some heavy shots at close range - I think that’s what caused the nasty cut to Hrgovic earlier.

This is a tough fight to score so far, with both men having periods of success but lacking that crucial bit of consistency.

When Hrgovic is able to set up that monster right hand off the jab, he looks very dangerous indeed.

When Dubois sits back, ‘El Animal’ looks the better fighter, throwing some heavy shots from range.

But he then frequently looks rattled when Dubois gets on the front foot and lurches forward.

Daniel Dubois vs Filip Hrgovic

Sunday 2 June 2024 00:24 , George Flood

Round 4

A really competitive and close fourth round with both men having some success and landing some big shots.

But we can see just how bad that cut is above the right eye of Hrgovic.

It’s gushing with blood as he returns to his corner and will take a lot of work to keep cleaning up between rounds.

Hopefully it doesn’t call this fight into question.

Daniel Dubois vs Filip Hrgovic

Sunday 2 June 2024 00:21 , George Flood

Round 3

Hrgovic is bleeding from a cut near his right eye.

Suddenly the Croatian is struggling here, Dubois sensing his uncomfortableness and upping the tempo while driving in some powerful straight shots that find their mark.

He’s good at utilising that double jab to set up some stinging punches.

Daniel Dubois vs Filip Hrgovic

Sunday 2 June 2024 00:17 , George Flood

Round 2

A crucial strong finish to the second from Dubois there, finally finding his rhythm with the effective double jab and wincing shot to the body that backed Hrgovic up against the ropes.

Some blood visible on the face of Hrgovic, who had otherwise picked up where he left off by repeatedly setting up that powerful right hand.

He had found his range so well and was controlling the space and tempo.

Can Dubois build on that strong finish to the second?

Daniel Dubois vs Filip Hrgovic

Sunday 2 June 2024 00:14 , George Flood

Dubois’ trainer Don Charles looked to be struggling to get his man to concentrate and listen to him there after a really poor opener.

Dubois looked to be looking outside the ring for answers, not sure who from...

Daniel Dubois vs Filip Hrgovic

Sunday 2 June 2024 00:12 , George Flood

Round 1

A very bright start from Hrgovic, who repeatedly catches a wide open Dubois in the first round.

He’s using the short left jab to set up some looping right hands to great effect.

Dubois has already been tagged with several heavy rights.

The corner are reading him the riot act already.

Daniel Dubois vs Filip Hrgovic

Sunday 2 June 2024 00:08 , George Flood

Underway in this massive heavyweight showdown.

Who will claim the IBF interim belt, likely the full title later this year and set up that money-spinning showdown with Anthony Joshua at Wembley in September?

The stakes are massive here...

Daniel Dubois vs Filip Hrgovic

Sunday 2 June 2024 00:02 , George Flood

Right, back to the 5v5 action in Riyadh and it’s the two huge heavyweight fights now to finish the night.

First up, Daniel Dubois vs Filip Hrgovic.

The IBF interim title is on the line here, with a likely bout with Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium on the cards for the winner in September.

Matchroom badly need this to be a knockout from ‘El Animal’.

Confirmed: Bivol vs Beterbiev rescheduled for October 12

Saturday 1 June 2024 23:51 , George Flood

Huge praise for the resilient Zinad from Turki Alalshikh, who has just announced in the ring that the rescheduled light-heavyweight undisputed bout between Bivol and Beterbiev will now open Riyadh Season on October 12.

Cannot wait for that!

Saturday 1 June 2024 23:49 , George Flood

That is remarkably Bivol’s first stoppage win since March 2018, when he beat Sullivan Barrera at Madison Square Garden.

Before tonight, he had been on a run of nine consecutive stoppage victories.

He’s now 23-0 with 12 KOs.

Like Raymond Ford and Austin Williams before him, Zinad loses his unbeaten record tonight.

He drops to 22-1, but can seriously hold his head up high.

Dmitry Bivol stops Malik Zinad in round six

Saturday 1 June 2024 23:45 , George Flood

And step it up he certainly does!

Zinad perhaps a bit too confident there as he makes one error and Bivol seizes upon it in lightning quick fashion.

He’s suddenly in brutal attack mode, a stiff left jab followed by a crunching left hook starting it off.

Then comes the absolute onslaught, battering the helpless Zinad against the ropes with some spiteful punches with both hands.

A bloodied Zinad tries desperately to fire back, but he’s in big trouble here and referee Howard Foster steps in to wave it off - much to the Libyan’s discontent.

Frightening how quickly Bivol can turn it on!

Dmitry Bivol vs Malik Zinad

Saturday 1 June 2024 23:40 , George Flood

Round 5

Enormous credit to Zinad, who I don’t think is winning these rounds but he’s landing on Bivol and forcing him into a much tougher contest that anyone expected.

He’s got speed, quick hands and a useful jab, and certainly isn’t afraid to throw plenty of punches.

Bivol ahead and mostly in control, but he needs to step it up a bit here.

Dmitry Bivol vs Malik Zinad

Saturday 1 June 2024 23:36 , George Flood

Round 4

A feisty end to the fourth as contact with the head from Zinad upsets the champion.

This fight has settled into a familiar rhythm, with the far more eye-catching work coming from Bivol as you might expect.

But Zinad is certainly not intimidated and is doing his best to make this competitive, throwing plenty of punches and asking questions of Bivol, trying to throw him off his rhythm as much as possible.

Dmitry Bivol vs Malik Zinad

Saturday 1 June 2024 23:32 , George Flood

Round 3

You’ve got to hand it to Zinad - plenty of overmatched late replacement opponents would have utterly wilted there after being floored by such a talented champion in the first round.

But he’s steadied himself and is making it more competitive than we initially expected.

He’s not shy in letting his hands go and peppering Bivol with shots, though they aren’t hurting the Russian.

Bivol is still in control and there’s blood coming from the nose of Zinad.

Dmitry Bivol vs Malik Zinad

Saturday 1 June 2024 23:30 , George Flood

An ominous start from Dmitry Bivol...

Dmitry Bivol vs Malik Zinad

Saturday 1 June 2024 23:29 , George Flood

Round 2

Unsurprisingly, Bivol is bossing this through two.

He’s completely controlling the tempo and is fast and accurate with his work, as ever.

Zinad not completely overwhelmed and a better round, but he hasn’t really got a chance.

Zinad’s British trainer Will Jones is telling someone else in the corner to stop talking as he tries to impart some advice to the Libyan, telling him to keep moving his feet.

Jones feels Zinad did well in that second.

We saw with Tyson Fury in Riyadh a couple of weeks ago the dangers of having too many competing voices in the corner.

Dmitry Bivol vs Malik Zinad

Saturday 1 June 2024 23:25 , George Flood

Round 1

A better start than expected from Zinad, who is trying to utilise his speed from the outset and catch Bivol by surprise early on.

But standing and trading in the middle of the ring with the Russian is only going to end one way and he’s duly floored in the first.

Both men exchange punches in a furious two-way flurry, but Bivol is spiteful and accurate as a lovely counter combination is finished by a short left that drops his opponent.

He gets back up, but this is going to be a very long night indeed.

Dmitry Bivol vs Malik Zinad

Saturday 1 June 2024 23:20 , George Flood

Underway!

Surely a comfortable victory for Bivol incoming...

Dmitry Bivol vs Malik Zinad

Saturday 1 June 2024 23:19 , George Flood

Bivol’s long-held WBA light-heavyweight title is on the line tonight, as is the IBO belt he took with that wide points win over Britain’s Lyndon Arthur in Riyadh in December.

Libyan Zinad - AKA ‘The Trigger’ - is 22-0 as a pro, with 16 knockouts.

He was last seen claiming a decision win over Jerome Pampellone in Sydney just over a month ago.

He faces an absolutely monumental task tonight.

Dmitry Bivol vs Malik Zinad

Saturday 1 June 2024 23:10 , George Flood

Tonight of course was supposed to be headlined by one of the biggest fights in boxing, with Russian duo Bivol and Artur Beterbiev finally scheduled to lock horns to crown an undisputed champion at 175lbs.

However, Beterbiev unfortunately suffered a ruptured meniscus in training last month to lead to the postponement of such a massive showdown, which is expected to take place later this year instead.

That is providing the undefeated, 22-0 Bivol, one of the most skilled fighters on the planet, avoids what would be an absolutely monumental upset in a far more low-key bout against late replacement opponent Malik Zinad.

Dmitry Bivol vs Malik Zinad up next

Saturday 1 June 2024 23:07 , George Flood

Eddie Hearn jokingly asks now if he can include Dmitry Bivol in the 5v5 event.

We’re taking a break from the Matchroom vs Queensberry action next as Bivol defends his WBA light-heavyweight title again against late replacement opponent Malik Zinad.

Hamzah Sheeraz stops Austin Williams in round 11

Saturday 1 June 2024 22:56 , George Flood

It’s all over!

Having floored Williams towards the end of the 10th, Sheeraz goes for it in the penultimate round in search of the stoppage - and finds it.

Williams has nowhere to go as he’s repeatedly hit with a barrage of strong punches from all angles.

Sheeraz was actually backed up against the ropes initially there before letting his hands go with some massive shots that send Williams across the ring and force referee Mark Lyson to stand in and wave it off with nothing coming back.

Emphatic from Sheeraz, what a performance.

Two points for the stoppage doubled to four due to his status as captain, meaning Queensberry take a 6-0 lead after three fights.

Matchroom now need knockout wins from both Filip Hrgovic and captain Deontay Wilder over Daniel Dubois and Zhilei Zhang respectively to avoid an overall defeat tonight.

Matchroom can now only draw this event.

Saturday 1 June 2024 22:56 , George Flood

A dream night this for Frank Warren so far!

A penny for Eddie Hearn’s thoughts...

The stylish Sheeraz moves to 20-0 as a pro with his 16th knockout.

He keeps his WBC Silver middleweight belt and is now the No1 contender for the full WBC title held by Carlos Adames and recently stripped from Jermall Charlo.

Hamzah Sheeraz vs Austin Williams

Saturday 1 June 2024 22:47 , George Flood

Round 10

Williams finds a new burst of energy from somewhere, but he still can’t breach those tight defences of Sheeraz despite a renewed effort in a busy 10th.

Williams down just before the bell!

It’s a smashing, whipped right hand from Sheeraz that does the damage.

Williams crumples but gets up before the 10 count and is relieved to hear the bell.

Hamzah Sheeraz vs Austin Williams

Saturday 1 June 2024 22:44 , George Flood

Round 9

Williams is still trying to keep busy and opens the round with a furious flurry to the body.

But his best-laid attacks are routinely being met with some well-timed and extremely accurate counters from Sheeraz, who punishes Ammo for throwing from too far out and being too square on as he walks him onto some spiteful shots in response - utilising his reach advantage to perfection.

Really thankless stuff this for Williams and it has been for a long while, but he will not give up.

Blood coming from his mouth as he sits down on his stool after the ninth.

Hamzah Sheeraz vs Austin Williams

Saturday 1 June 2024 22:41 , George Flood

Round 8

Williams isn’t giving up here to his credit and he’s trying to go to the body and attempt to slow Sheeraz and open up his staunch defences, but only takes a strong uppercut counter for his troubles - Frank Warren certainly enjoyed that one at ringside.

The right eye of Williams is almost swollen shut as the result of those repeated ramrod jabs.

Williams just cannot avoid it.

Hamzah Sheeraz vs Austin Williams

Saturday 1 June 2024 22:36 , George Flood

Round 7

Williams is out of ideas here as he tries to penetrate the strong defences of Sheeraz, who is still dominating proceedings behind that stiffest of jabs.

He’s landed a few absolutely gorgeous short right counters through the course of this fight too.

Lovely work from Hamzah.

Hamzah Sheeraz vs Austin Williams

Saturday 1 June 2024 22:32 , George Flood

Round 6

Williams’ right eye is closing up as he repeatedly eats those ramrod left jabs from the confident and dominant Queensberry captain.

Sheeraz is consistently raising the level nicely and springing into his attacks off the back of those stiff left jabs, following it up with the crunching straight right hand.

This has long since began to look very ominous indeed for Williams, despite having hurt Sheeraz in the second.

Matchroom need him to hang in there and not get stopped.

Hamzah Sheeraz vs Austin Williams

Saturday 1 June 2024 22:28 , George Flood

Round 5

Williams doesn’t really have a suitable answer to that excellent Sheeraz left jab that he’s utilising to great effect so far.

He’s using it expertly to keep Ammo at bay, wear him down and restrict him to some fairly wild swings from range.

Another round to Sheeraz.

Hamzah Sheeraz vs Austin Williams

Saturday 1 June 2024 22:25 , George Flood

Round 4

A really competitive fourth round with both men doing some eye-catching work.

The towering Sheeraz is still looking to hold centre ring at all times and put together the lethal combinations behind that stiff jab.

Williams has an issue here with the size difference and getting into range without getting heavily tagged, though he is able to land some crisp punches here and there.

Sheeraz the more impressive of the two, though he saw in the second that Ammo certainly possesses the power to make him think.

Hamzah Sheeraz vs Austin Williams

Saturday 1 June 2024 22:19 , George Flood

Round 3

How about that for a fightback from Sheeraz after he was hurt in the second?

He whips in some vicious shots during a one-sided third, creating some lovely angles for a couple of spiteful right hands that hurt Ammo.

He’s back on top. 2-1 to the Queensberry captain.

Hamzah Sheeraz vs Austin Williams

Saturday 1 June 2024 22:14 , George Flood

Round 2

Sheeraz is buzzed early in the second!

A lovely left from Williams landed flush and looked to hurt the Englishman, buckling his legs.

‘Ammo’ tries to build on it, landing some good follow-ups.

Sheeraz manages to shake it off and tries to retake centre ring towards the end of a round that certainly belonged to the Matchroom man.

Hamzah Sheeraz vs Austin Williams

Saturday 1 June 2024 22:11 , George Flood

Round 1

Williams is trying to figure out the much taller Sheeraz in the opening round.

‘Ammo’ is moving from side to side, throwing from range and trying to find an opening as Sheeraz holds centre ring.

Sheeraz ends an authoritative opening round with an incisive flurry that has his opponent scampering.

First round to the Queensberry skipper.

Hamzah Sheeraz vs Austin Williams

Saturday 1 June 2024 22:07 , George Flood

Off and running!

Matchroom could badly use a result here to stop this getting out of hand...

Hamzah Sheeraz vs Austin Williams

Saturday 1 June 2024 22:06 , George Flood

Ilford’s Sheeraz is Commonwealth and WBC Silver middleweight champion and a former holder of the WBO European belt.

He is 19-0 as a pro with 15 knockouts, last seen with that devastating first-round stoppage of Liam Williams at the Copper Box in February.

Houston southpaw ‘Ammo’ is 16-0 with 11 KOs, having stopped Armel Mbumba-Yassa in the seventh round on his last outing in early February.

Saturday 1 June 2024 22:00 , George Flood

So the worst-case scenario for Matchroom here is Williams gets stopped and the double points gives Sheeraz four, which would put Queensberry 6-0 up with only two fights to go.

Unless my maths is wrong, that would leave them only able to draw the night if Filip Hrgovic knocked out Daniel Dubois and captain Deontay Wilder did likewise to Zhilei Zhang for double points.

Hamzah Sheeraz vs Austin Williams coming up

Saturday 1 June 2024 21:54 , George Flood

Real pressure now falls on Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams to get Matchroom off and running tonight, particularly with opponent Hamzah Sheeraz captaining Queensberry and therefore able to win double points for his team.

This is another potentially explosive showdown between two talented and undefeated middleweights contenders.

The WBC Silver title is on the line again, while it’s also a final eliminator for the full WBC middleweight world title currently held by Dominican Carlos Adames.

Saturday 1 June 2024 21:50 , George Flood

Ford will no doubt be after a swift rematch with Vargas as he looks to unify the division.

Warren so proud of his charge after Queensberry go 2-0 up.

Hearn says it was a close fight but he felt Ford did enough to shade it.

A lot of respect between the fighters, with Ford confirming he will now go up to super-feather and 130lbs.

And the new! Nick Ball beats Raymond Ford to become WBA featherweight champion

Saturday 1 June 2024 21:42 , George Flood

It’s a split decision!

115-113 Ford, 115-113 Ball, 115-113 Ball!

Nick Ball is the new WBA featherweight champion of the world!

Fully deserved on tonight’s evidence and his controversial draw with Rey Vargas in March.

He should be the unified champion.

That’s 2-0 to Queensberry after two fights that Eddie Hearn will have been expecting to win.

No pressure, Ammo Williams...

Raymond Ford vs Nick Ball

Saturday 1 June 2024 21:37 , George Flood

Frank Warren with his arms triumphantly raised at ringside.

He thinks Ball did enough...

Raymond Ford vs Nick Ball

Saturday 1 June 2024 21:37 , George Flood

Round 12

A remarkable final round befitting of such an entertaining battle!

Two great fights so far on this 5v5 bill.

Ball gives it his all, swarming Ford all over the place and rattling in some spiteful shots.

The American countered a couple of times smartly, but the sheer pressure again from Ball there may just have won him the fight.

Will this be 2-0 to Queensberry, or are Matchroom off the mark?

These scores will be fascinating...

Raymond Ford vs Nick Ball

Saturday 1 June 2024 21:34 , George Flood

“I’m ahead, aren’t I?” Ford asks his corner.

They tell him that they don’t know...

Raymond Ford vs Nick Ball

Saturday 1 June 2024 21:33 , George Flood

Round 11

Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren are both on the edge of their seats at ringside during another furious round that is so, so tricky to score.

Both men continue to trade and land at close range, the nose doesn’t seem to be bothering Ball any more.

Will Ball’s greater work-rate and volume of punches win the day here?

So many of these rounds could easily go either way, depending on your preferred approach.

The 12th will be explosive...

Raymond Ford vs Nick Ball

Saturday 1 June 2024 21:30 , George Flood

Round 10

Another engrossing three minutes as we enter the championship rounds.

This is a real war as we expected.

It was a tremendous start from Ball, but Ford is dealing so much better with those relentless attacks now.

Raymond Ford vs Nick Ball

Saturday 1 June 2024 21:26 , George Flood

Round 9

Bruising stuff in a close ninth as Ball steps on the gas again, getting inside and letting his hands go in those furious bursts.

He’s been so vulnerable to Ford’s stylish uppercut all night though.

Ford is so smooth and does some really eye-catching work when he’s locked in.

I feel like he’s absorbing these furious attacks from Ball much better now - a few inevitably get through, but a lot of them are deflected.

I will be fascinated to learn how the judges are seeing this. Not an easy fight to score at all.

Raymond Ford vs Nick Ball

Saturday 1 June 2024 21:22 , George Flood

Nick Ball’s face is certainly showing the effects of the power of Ford...

Raymond Ford vs Nick Ball

Saturday 1 June 2024 21:21 , George Flood

Round 8

Some treatment to the nose of Ball before the start of round eight after that crushing left hand from Ford.

Is it broken?

Ford is starting to go through the gears now, he’s upping his work rate and the volume of punches.

He’s landing some lovely shots from the mid-range, keeping the relentless Ball at bay a bit more frequently.

Blood again smeared all over the face and white shorts of Ball.

Raymond Ford vs Nick Ball

Saturday 1 June 2024 21:17 , George Flood

Round 7

The best round of the fight so far from Ford, who finds his range with a powerful looping left hand that lands right on the mark.

He follows it up with another sharp left hand from close range and now there’s blood smeared all over the face of Ball, who clearly felt that.

It doesn’t change his approach, but that will have given the champion a lot of confidence.

Can he build on it or will the indefatigable Ball bounce back quickly?

Raymond Ford vs Nick Ball

Saturday 1 June 2024 21:13 , George Flood

Round 6

The pace is just absolutely relentless from Ball, the conditioning is always extraordinary.

He gets caught with some sharp blows up close in the sixth, but he’s still so ultra-aggressive on the front foot and absolutely swarming Ford at every opportunity.

It’s a great way to keep winning rounds...

Raymond Ford vs Nick Ball

Saturday 1 June 2024 21:08 , George Flood

Round 5

This is really good stuff from Ball now, he’s always forcing the pace and throwing so many punches in a blur of non-stop aggression that is really unsettling the champion.

He’s showing good variety and snap on those plentiful shots, including a lovely left uppercut that buzzes Ford.

3-2 to Ball through five?

Raymond Ford vs Nick Ball

Saturday 1 June 2024 21:05 , George Flood

Round 4

What a left hand from Ball that lands flush upstairs on Ford!

This is such an absorbing clash through four.

Ball ups the tempo again in the fourth, he’s far busier and more aggressive and is wearing down the WBA champion.

Some nice work from Ford so far tonight, but it’s a little inconsistent and he looks a bit rattled when Ball manages to get in close and let his hands fly.

Raymond Ford vs Nick Ball

Saturday 1 June 2024 21:00 , George Flood

Round 3

So many furious close-range exchanges so far in this engrossing contest.

It’s the sort of range Ball always has to fight at given his size.

He has some more success by getting inside and letting the punches fly in bunches, but he’s also caught several times by some classy counters and Ford settles into his rhythm.

Some really nice work from the American to counter those rushes with some accurate long shots.

Raymond Ford vs Nick Ball

Saturday 1 June 2024 20:56 , George Flood

Round 2

An all-action second round - as if anyone expected anything less from this fight.

Ball on the front foot and so aggressive, looking to get inside and inflict a lot of damage to the body of the much bigger Ford.

But some classy work done there by Ford early and in the middle of the round, with a strong finish by Ball as he backs the American up against the ropes and unloads to the body again before the bell.

Raymond Ford vs Nick Ball

Saturday 1 June 2024 20:52 , George Flood

Round 1

Hard not to be distracted by a particularly dazzling pair of trunks being sported by Ford here!

A fast start from the diminutive Ball, who in trademark style looks to get in close and lets his hands go early - backing Ford up against the ropes.

A promising opening round for the man from Liverpool.

Raymond Ford vs Nick Ball

Saturday 1 June 2024 20:47 , George Flood

Here we go then!

Can Matchroom get on the board, or will Queensberry extend their early lead and Nick Ball realise his world title dream at the second time of asking?

This could be an absolute war...

Raymond Ford vs Nick Ball

Saturday 1 June 2024 20:39 , George Flood

This really should have been a unification clash, with Ball controversially denied the WBC featherweight title in a contentious split draw against Mexico’s Rey Vargas on the Anthony Joshua-Francis Ngannou undercard in Riyadh in March.

Ball is 19-0-1 with 11 knockouts.

American Ford has had a superb rise and won the vacant WBA strap with a last-round stoppage of Uzbekistan’s Otabek Kholmatov in New York in March.

He’s 15-0-1 as a pro, having drawn with Aaron Perez in 2021.

Raymond Ford vs Nick Ball up next

Saturday 1 June 2024 20:35 , George Flood

Matchroom need a quick response here after that opening upset, with Ray Ford looking to do the honours in the second fight next up as he defends his WBA world featherweight title for the first time against Liverpool’s Nick Ball.

Saturday 1 June 2024 20:33 , George Flood

A vintage Willy Hutchinson post-fight interview, when he spends much of it talking about how good-looking he is.

He’s certainly a character!

With that WBC Silver belt draped on his shoulder, he moves to 18-1 with his best career win and best win up at 175lbs.

For Richards, a fourth pro defeat as he drops to 18-4. Where does he go after that?

Willy Hutchinson beats Craig Richards to put Queensberry 1-0 up

Saturday 1 June 2024 20:23 , George Flood

116-112, 117-111, 119-109 - all in favour of Willy Hutchinson, who picks up the WBC Silver light-heavyweight title.

That certainly goes down as an upset.

Queensberry go 1-0 up on Matchroom out of the gate!

A big blow for Hearn and Co...

Willy Hutchinson vs Craig Richards

Saturday 1 June 2024 20:21 , George Flood

What an opening fight in Riyadh!

Willy Hutchinson vs Craig Richards

Saturday 1 June 2024 20:20 , George Flood

Round 12

Another great round, with both men feeling the pace after a couple of absolute thrillers.

Richards wants the knockout, but Hutchinson is rightly wary of putting himself in danger so late on.

The final bell sounds and Hutchinson looks very confident that he’s just secured an upset and the biggest victory of his 19-fight professional career to date to put Queensberry 1-0 up.

We await the judges’ scorecards...

Willy Hutchinson vs Craig Richards

Saturday 1 June 2024 20:17 , George Flood

Here we go!

Is there an explosive last-gasp stoppage to come?

Hutchinson must still be ahead on the cards, can he successfully negotiate the final three minutes for a big upset to get Queensberry off and running?

Richards surely needs a knockout. And he’ll definitely go for it...

Willy Hutchinson vs Craig Richards

Saturday 1 June 2024 20:15 , George Flood

Round 11

Captivating, gruelling stuff as both men continue to trade huge punches in the penultimate round.

Richards has a second wind after almost getting knocked down in the 10th, with Hutchinson feeling the pace as he also absorbs some heavy punishment.

You can’t take your eyes off this for a second!

Blood around the nose of Hutchinson now after Richards comes roaring back.

The last round will surely be another cracker.

Remember, a stoppage from either man would secure their team two points to open the night.

It’s one point for a win on the cards and none for a draw.

Willy Hutchinson vs Craig Richards

Saturday 1 June 2024 20:11 , George Flood

Round 10

Brilliant action in the 10th as a firefight develops in the middle of the ring!

Richards is going for it as he seeks a knockout, knowing how far behind he must surely be on the cards.

Hutchinson is matching the aggression with some big bombs of his own in superbly entertaining action.

Richards forces Hutchinson against the ropes before the latter is handed a ticking off by the referee.

He responds by landing some big right hands, but Richards eats them and throws some of his own! Superb stuff.

Hutchinson continues to rain down some huge punches as Richards, who looks out on his feet, just about manages to stay upright.

What a fantastic round. Wow.

Not sure how Richards got through that.

Willy Hutchinson vs Craig Richards

Saturday 1 June 2024 20:06 , George Flood

Round 9

Probably knowing he is behind on the cards, Richards is walking down Hutchinson repeatedly now as he looks to force the pace but is getting peppered with some lovely counters.

Terrific footwork, anticipation and counter-attacking execution from the Scot, who looks so much faster and more agile.

Another Hutchinson round in the bag!

Willy Hutchinson vs Craig Richards

Saturday 1 June 2024 20:03 , George Flood

Round 8

Far more aggressive now from Richards, who has taken so long to get going tonight - maybe not a surprise given his long ring absences in recent years.

A certain degree of rust is inevitable.

He’s walking him down and throwing a lot to the body, trying to sap those energy reserves of ‘Braveheart’.

However, he’s also caught with a lovely counter short left uppercut off the ropes and Hutchinson also has success going to the body.

A close, close round, that and it ends with a bit of an untidy scuffle.

This is getting very interesting!

Willy Hutchinson vs Craig Richards

Saturday 1 June 2024 20:00 , George Flood

Round 7

It looks like a familiar story in the seventh before Richards finally seems to wake up.

He lands a few nice shots and takes probably his first round of the fight, though you could also make an argument that he also shaded the fourth.

Plenty of work yet to do for the Londoner...

Willy Hutchinson vs Craig Richards

Saturday 1 June 2024 19:56 , George Flood

Round 6

Richards steps up his work rate again, but he’s still being outworked and outthought here.

Hutchinson is keeping his focus so well, landing the scoring punches in bunches and piecing the eye-catching combinations together.

Is he 6-0 up here?!

Willy Hutchinson vs Craig Richards

Saturday 1 June 2024 19:52 , George Flood

Round 5

Hutchinson attacks furiously again midway through the fifth, peppering Richards with powerful blows that force him back against the ropes once again.

The Scot is fighting so well at the moment, looking sharp and accurate with excellent variety, not wasting his energy.

Really impressive stuff from the so-called underdog through five.

Richards needs to respond.

Willy Hutchinson vs Craig Richards

Saturday 1 June 2024 19:46 , George Flood

Round 4

Richards finally starts trying to up his own tempo at the start of the fourth, having let those opening three slip away.

He’s jabbing more effectively and now the two men trade blows furiously in the middle of the ring, Richards attacking with that low lead hand but almost walking onto a right hand over the top.

Better from ‘The Spider’, though.

He started way too passively.

Willy Hutchinson vs Craig Richards

Saturday 1 June 2024 19:43 , George Flood

Round 3

Richards is looking a little sluggish and one-dimensional so far, Hutchinson is far more aggressive and sprightly.

Hutchinson pounces again towards the end of the third, digging to the body and then cracking in the right hook upstairs.

It forces Richards back to the ropes and another right hand lands.

Another round for Hutchinson!

Willy Hutchinson vs Craig Richards

Saturday 1 June 2024 19:38 , George Flood

Round 2

Hutchinson with an explosive charge at the start of the second, landing heavy blows with both hands and utilising his speed.

His approach is causing some issues for Richards.

The Scot looking quicker and more explosive so far.

Richards is trying to feel his way into this, move his feet and catch Hutchinson on the counter.

First couple of rounds shaded by the Scot for Queensberry?

Willy Hutchinson vs Craig Richards

Saturday 1 June 2024 19:33 , George Flood

Round 1

Hutchinson on the offensive early on, walking down the older and more experienced Richards.

Both men try to get to work behind the jab, with some notable initial flurries at close range.

Hutchinson switching stances as he looks to bamboozle Richards.

A cagey end to the opening round.

Willy Hutchinson vs Craig Richards

Saturday 1 June 2024 19:31 , George Flood

Seconds out - round one!

Officially underway in this Matchroom vs Queensberry 5v5 event in Riyadh.

Which team will get off to a winning start?

Willy Hutchinson vs Craig Richards

Saturday 1 June 2024 19:25 , George Flood

Here comes Craig Richards!

He is the heavy favourite for this opening bout, having fought at a much higher level than Willy Hutchinson.

But will ring rust play a part after those long absences?

How much does he have left in the tank?

Former highly-rated amateur Hutchinson is a real wildcard who has gone through the weights and would love nothing more than to kick off this unique team event with a big upset for Queensberry.

Can he rise to the occasion on his first real test at light-heavy?

Willy Hutchinson vs Craig Richards

Saturday 1 June 2024 19:19 , George Flood

Tonight’s opening bout is just Craig Richards’ third fight since October 2021.

‘The Spider’ from south London, the former British and WBA Continental light-heavyweight champion, famously gave Dmitry Bivol somewhat of a test when competing for the WBA world title before being outpointed in Manchester in May 2021.

He later stopped Marek Matyja in the same year but was out of the ring until May 2022, when he was edged out by Joshua Buatsi in a gruelling 12-round eliminator war at the O2 Arena.

He then spent nearly two years out of the ring before coming back with a determined seventh-round stoppage of Boris Crighton in February.

Richards recently turned 34 and his record stands at 18-3-1 (11 KOs), with those defeats to Buatsi, Bivol and Frank Buglioni.

Willy Hutchinson vs Craig Richards up first

Saturday 1 June 2024 19:11 , George Flood

Tonight’s card will be underway shortly with Queensberry’s Willy Hutchinson meeting Craig Richards for the WBC Silver light-heavyweight title.

Scottish former youth middleweight world champion Hutchinson is the 17-1 (13 KOs) WBC International title-holder, having knocked out Ezequiel Maderna at York Hall last May and then retained the belt with an early stoppage of Martin Houben at the same venue just over two months ago.

He has reeled off four wins in a row now since his lone professional defeat so far, against Lennox Clarke when competing for the British and Commonwealth super-middleweight titles back in March 2021.

Stage set in Riyadh

Saturday 1 June 2024 19:01 , George Flood

The stage is set at Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena!

Hard to believe it was just two weeks ago at the very same venue that we saw Oleksandr Usyk outpoint Tyson Fury in a delayed heavyweight thriller to become the first undisputed champion of boxing’s glamour division since Lennox Lewis.

Let’s hope for similar fireworks tonight, and not just in our feature heavyweight bouts...

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