Boxing fans are buzzing! The Riad event is set to be the talk of the week, broadcast live on DAZN. However, the Pay-Per-View (PPV) pricing has raised some eyebrows. Let’s dive into the details and see what’s on the cards.
Heavyweight Clash: Itauma vs. Whyte – A Generational Battle
The main event features an intriguing British heavyweight showdown. 20-year-old Moses Itauma (12-0) is generating a lot of hype. Many see him as the future of the heavyweight division. He’s made a name for himself with quick, decisive victories and now aims to defeat a recognized name in the professional ranks.
Enter Dillian Whyte (31-3). He was once a WBC interim world champion. In April 2022, he had his shot at the world title against Tyson Fury (34-2-1) but couldn’t capitalize. Whyte was a legitimate top-10 contender for years, with wins over strong opponents, including Joseph Parker (36-3).
Is this a real test for Itauma? Perhaps, based on name recognition. However, the truth is that Whyte hasn’t impressed in his recent fights. Not much has happened since the Fury loss. At 37, he’s past his prime. In his last fight against Ebenezer Tetteh (23-3) in Gibraltar, he struggled. This suggests that Whyte is now considered past prime, making him a favorable opponent for Itauma.
Whyte: The Perfect Opponent to Fuel the Hype
Everything favors the young British newcomer. Itauma is young, riding a wave of momentum, while Whyte seems to be past his best. Whyte is arguably a bigger name than his current form justifies, perfect for Itauma to make a statement. A knockout victory over the well-known Whyte could further amplify Itauma’s existing hype – and it’s not an unrealistic scenario.
Did you know? Heavyweight boxing often sees a changing of the guard. Young, hungry fighters like Itauma are constantly emerging, seeking to dethrone established names.
Examining the Undercard
A PPV event needs a strong undercard, and this one isn’t bad, although it lacks a true highlight.
Nick Ball (22-0-1) #2 vs. Sam Goodman (20-0) #3, Featherweight: This WBA featherweight title fight is the most compelling bout. Ball, who secured the title against Ford last year, is a regular at Riad events. The small Brit is known as a difficult opponent, very physical and sometimes employing dirty boxing techniques.
On the other side, Goodman is an undefeated Australian fighter who was twice scheduled to fight boxing superstar Naoya Inoue. A cut forced Goodman to withdraw. Now, Goodman steps up and gets his world title chance at featherweight. Goodman should be technically superior. Ball has the qualities to impose his physical style on his opponents. It promises to be an exciting, close fight.
Raymond Ford (17-1-1) #4 vs. Abraham Nova (24-3-1) #60, Super Featherweight: Ford moved up to super featherweight after his loss to Ball and has secured two unchallenged points victories. A fight against the current IBO titleholder Anthony Cacace was planned, but unfortunately, it has been cancelled.
Nova stepped in as a late replacement. The Puerto Rican, with his memorable Howard Eastman-style beard, has had mixed results lately. He’s considered strong in the second tier and nearly became WBC world champion last year, losing narrowly by a split decision. A late opponent change is never ideal, but Nova is a solid replacement for Ford.
Filip Hrgovic (18-1) #15 vs. David Adeleye (14-1) #28, Heavyweight: Another heavyweight match. Hrgovic was expected to achieve great things after a strong amateur career, but he hasn’t fully convinced critics. Many thought he lost to Zhang. Some believe he lacks the best conditioning.
He remains a fighter with much potential and is sometimes judged too harshly. Pictures show Hrgovic in great physical shape. He will demonstrate this against Adeleye, who controversially became British champion after a sixth-round knockout. Adeleye is a Warren protégé. He has two good wins since losing to Wardley and is a hard hitter. It is a legitimate and sensible duel from the second tier, and the winner can aim for the top. Hrgovic is the favorite.
The undercard also features Japanese super featherweight Hayato Tsutsumi (7-0), who is scheduled to fight Brit Qais Ashfaq (13-3-1).
The DAZN PPV Dilemma
Overall, boxing fans can expect an enjoyable event. Two good heavyweight fights and a featherweight world title bout are impressive. Unfortunately, the decision to offer the event as an additional PPV has drawn criticism.
DAZN will broadcast live from Riad, starting at 18:45, and will charge an extra €20 on top of a regular subscription. This seems optimistic for a fight card that isn’t a standout. It would have been more appropriate to include it in the regular subscription.
Pro Tip: Consider the long-term value of PPV events. Are you getting enough high-quality fights to justify the cost, or would a standard subscription offer better value? Evaluate your viewing habits before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What time does the event start?
The DAZN broadcast begins at 18:45.
Is this a Pay-Per-View event?
Yes, it is an additional PPV event on DAZN.
Who is the favorite in the main event?
While Whyte is a known quantity, Itauma is generating a lot of buzz, and many believe he has a strong chance.
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