The International Boxing Gala held on Saturday, February 22, 2023, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, showcased some of the most talented fighters and resulted in several title victories, drawing attention from boxing fans worldwide.
Among the highlights of the evening was Callum Smith's unanimous decision victory over Joshua Buatsi for the WBO Interim championship. The judges scored the bout 119-110, 115-113, and 116-113, proving Smith's dominance throughout the match.
Adding to the excitement, German heavyweight Agit Kabaeyl claimed the WBC Interim title by knocking out Zhilei Zhang of China in the sixth round. The fight, which was for the interim championship, saw Kabaeyl take control after some competitive opening rounds. Zhang put Kabaeyl down briefly but could not withstand the German's persistent pressure, leading to the knockout victory.
Vergil Ortiz Jr. also made headlines by defeating Israil Madrimov, winning by unanimous decision and defending his WBC Super Welterweight title with scores of 117-111, 115-113, and 115-113.
Another noteworthy bout featured Carlos Adames, who fought Hamzah Sheeraz to a draw—despite showing superior skills overall. The judges scored the match as follows: 115-114 for Sheeraz, 118-110 for Adames, and 114-114.
Shakur Stevenson successfully defended his WBC Lightweight title, stopping Josh Padley in the ninth round, demonstrating his exceptional skills and athletic prowess.
Not to be overlooked, Joseph Parker knocked out Martin Bakole in the second round, claiming the WBO Interim championship for the heavyweight division.
The main event, showcasing Artur Beterbiev against Dmitry Bivol for the WBA, WBO, WBC, and IBF titles, was highly anticipated but also challenging to predict, with many fans eager to see which champion would emerge victorious.
This gala, described as one of the greatest boxing events, lived up to its billing. Fans had access to the event through the pay-per-view platform DAZN, ensuring widespread viewership and engagement.
Kabaeyl's rise from the European Championship to competing on such high-profile stages reflects his dedication and the impressive fight history he has built over the years. With his notable victories against unbeaten fighters, Kabaeyl's future seems promising as he continues to gain recognition on the international scene.
Boxing enthusiasts eagerly await future events following such exhilarating showdowns, highlighting not only the competitiveness of the fighters but also the growing prominence of boxing events being hosted in Saudi Arabia, capturing the hearts of sports fans globally.