Dmitry Bivol v Malik Zinad: Prediction, Tips & Odds

Rob Tebbutt looks ahead to Dmitry Bivol's WBA light-heavyweight title defence against Malik Zinad this weekend and tells us where he feels the betting value can be found.

Dmitry Bivol v Malik Zinad Tips

Dmitry Bivol - By Decision or Technical Decision @ 10/11

The WBA light-heavyweight title will be on the line in Saudi Arabia this weekend in a bout that won't be featuring as part of the Queensberry v Matchroom bill.

Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev were originally scheduled to be topping this weekend's unique fight card with all of the 175lb marbles on the line, but an injury to Beterbiev means fight fans will have to wait a little longer for the hugely-anticipated undisputed showdown.

The somewhat unknown Libyan power-puncher Malik Zinad has stepped in to replace the Russian fighter, as he challenges, unexpectedly, for world honours for the first time.

As we all know, Bivol is one of the best pound-for-pound boxers on the planet; he had that fantastic win over Canelo Alvarez a couple of years ago, but has also shown that he can, at times, stoop to the level of his opponent.

He didn't look at his best against Lyndon Arthur or Craig Richards, and will need to be right on top of his game on Saturday night if he is to avoid what would be, for many, a colossal upset.

Zinad, whilst not known to the masses, is a good fighter who carries plenty of power and did enjoy a good victory on away soil last time out.

Look, this is a fight that Bivol should come through relatively trouble-free, but he will have to be wary of the punching power of Zinad.

Bivol to win the fight via the judges scorecards, at 10/11, will undoubtedly be my play, but if you are an underdog backer, then odds of 12/1 for the tough African to upstage the champion will likely carry appeal.

Dmitry Bivol v Malik Zinad Bet Boosts

Bet Builder
Dmitry Bivol - By KO, TKO or Disqualification
Under 7.5 Rounds
Was 7/2 >> Now 4/1

Round Betting
Dmitry Bivol - To Win in Round 9
Was 11/1 >> Now 12/1

All odds and Bet Boosts were correct and available at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or fluctuation.