The draw pairs two fighters with similar stylistic foundations — yet this is exactly the kind of matchup fans will love.

Both Khamili and Valverde are offensive-minded boxers. Each applies pressure, works his way inside, and looks to capitalize once he gets into close range.

This time, the fighters are nearly identical in size, meaning the path to close quarters — and to frequent exchanges — will be wide open.

Khamili is 25, Valverde 24. The Albanian-born Italian has fought 17 times (16 wins, 1 draw), while the Frenchman holds a perfect 16–0 record. There’s hardly a more even pairing in this round.

Even in the previous stage of the WBC Grand Prix, both faced similar opponents: Khamili beat Troy Nash, and Valverde overcame Yusuf Adenji — both tall, mobile boxers with long reach and a preference for counterpunching.

On average, both threw around 400–430 punches per fight during the Grand Prix, with roughly 24–25% accuracy — solid numbers for such a high-paced, forward-pressing style.

Valverde edges ahead slightly in overall precision, particularly in power punching — averaging 31% compared to 27% for Khamili.

However, Khamili distributes his shots across levels far better — landing 77 body punches compared to Valverde’s 36 in their respective recent bouts.

Both fighters have gone the distance in three six-round fights, continuing the pattern of near symmetry between them.

Khamili’s last outing — a narrow victory over Troy Nash — required an additional judges’ review after the bout was initially ruled a draw, while Valverde’s path was somewhat smoother.

Valverde holds 3 KOs in 13 fights, while Khamili has 7 in 17. Despite Valverde landing more power punches during the Grand Prix, it’s Khamili’s shots that carry greater danger — more focused and heavier, though less precise.

Given both fighters’ pressure-based styles, the matchup poses clear risks — constant offense means more openings for counters.

Still, neither has shown serious issues taking punches in the past. Both have proven capable of absorbing clean shots and continuing to press forward.

The fight in Saudi Arabia won’t favor either man — a Frenchman versus an Albanian representing Italy. Yet with both having fought in Riyadh several times already this year, they’ll likely feel comfortable and confident under the bright lights.

This fight could turn into a short but explosive war. Valverde is the more relentless aggressor, constantly pursuing his rivals. Khamili also likes to press — though he can adapt. In his first tournament bout, he was often forced to back up yet still won convincingly.

That adaptability could be decisive. If Khamili can’t impose pressure, he’s capable of switching to a counter-punching role — and with his power, he can catch an advancing opponent.

Last round, he outboxed Nash, one of the tournament favorites. Valverde presents a different challenge — but can he become the puzzle Khamili won’t be able to solve?