My personal pick is gonna have to be Agit Kabayel. That dude is a top, top heavyweight. One of my favorite fighters to emerge from the Riyadh Season cards. I always thought he was a high level European guy but he's about as real as it gets.
Madrimov seemed to do everything that always bothered me about him tonight. Sloppy, wild, over-moved. I was disappointed that Bivol’s Cousin Madrimov was unable to land a single of those overhand hooks
Madrimov’s other cousin ggg would get them in with ease
I like Callum’s determination
Ortiz defense
and Bivol’s combos
Bivol’s Cousin Madrimov played around too much and costed himself the fight
Madrimov seemed to do everything that always bothered me about him tonight. Sloppy, wild, over-moved.
Callum Smith was the only guy who won that I didn't think had a chance to win. I picked against Bivol and Ortiz, but I wasn't at all shocked to see them win.
I thought Smith was completely washed but he came ready for war today.
Yeah, same. I thought Smith was gonna lose again. He deserves another big one next.
Bivol is the one who beat an elite fighter, so it's him.
But Kabayel was the big mover. We know Zhang's stamina deficiencies and it wouldn't have been a surprise to see Agit win late. But to ride out some decent shots and stop Zhang is very impressive. He now passes the test for me - he's a real contender.
That's all doors closed for Zhang now. Bakole can argue a lack of prep but his level was fairly clear too - he's not the boogeyman, just a big lump.
Callum Smith was the only guy who won that I didn't think had a chance to win. I picked against Bivol and Ortiz, but I wasn't at all shocked to see them win.
I thought Smith was completely washed but he came ready for war today.
Kabayel for sure. I did NOT think he'd be willing or able to go toe to toe with the Big Bang, and literally beat the fight out of him in Zhang's most dangerous rounds. I think he might have retired Zhang with that performance. He keeps over performing as the underdog.