Arlen Lopez vs. Nikita Zon: Preview, Where to Watch and Betting Odds

Arlen Lopez of Cuba defends his 80kg IBA Pro world championship title against Russia’s Nikita Zon in the main event of the IBA Champions Night in Dubai on December 06. Lopez was scheduled to fight Russia’s Sharabutdin Ataev, but the Russian pulled out due to illness and was replaced by his compatriot Zon, who fought last week. Lopez is unbeaten and is a huge favorite for retaining the title.

BOXING: IBA Pro 80kg

Where to Watch: YouTube

Venue: Agenda Arena, Dubai

Date: 06.12.2024 23:30

The double Olympic champion won gold medals at the 2016 and 2020 Summer Games. An accomplished amateur boxer, Arlen Lopez also won gold medals at the Pan American Games before competing at the 2024 Olympics, even though he had turned professional by then. The 31-year-old turned professional in 2022 and has won all his pro fights, finishing the opponent in three of the four fights. Earlier this year, Lopez became the first 80kg champion by knocking out Luis Antonio Tejada in the first round. Lopez won gold medals at middleweight and light heavyweight at the Olympics.

• Age: 31
• Height: 5’10”
• Reach: N/A
• Weight: 80kg
• Record: 4-0

Russia’s Nikita Zon returns to the ring a few days after scoring a TKO over Odilljon Asionov on November 30. The win brought his record to 8-1-1, with a draw against Asionov earlier in his career. Zon turned pro in 2021 and in ten fights, has lost once, a setback against Bekzard Nurdauletov last year. Nikita Zon is poised to get an upset following a short-notice call-up.

• Age: 31
• Height: 6’1”
• Reach: N/A
• Weight: 80kg
• Record: 8-1-1

Nikita Zon is a 3.51 underdog on 1xBet. The bookmaker prices Yes to the start of round 9 at 1.6 and the No at 2.2 odds. Read more .