Boxing fans are gearing up for the eagerly anticipated rematch between light heavyweight champions Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, which is set to take place on February 22, 2025, at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This showdown marks the second encounter between the two elite boxers, following their first bout on October 12, 2024, which ended controversially with Beterbiev winning by majority decision, with judges scoring it 116-112, 115-113, and 114-114.
The rematch was officially confirmed soon after the first fight, as discussions about it had taken place even before their initial matchup. Turkish Al-Sheikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia, expressed intentions to arrange this rematch, indicating the strong interest from the Saudi public and boxing fans around the globe.
“I want to thank Turkish Al-Sheikh for making this rematch possible. This is a great opportunity for me,” Bivol said, acknowledging the anticipation surrounding the bout. “I know the fans enjoyed the first fight, and they want to see the second. I want to win not just for the belts but also for redemption.”
Meanwhile, Beterbiev, who maintains the status of the undisputed champion, responded to the challenge with confidence, saying, “It’s a nice feeling to be the absolute champion, and my goal is to keep my belts. I will do my best to retain them.”
Boxing enthusiasts can expect to witness not only Beterbiev versus Bivol II but also several noteworthy bouts during this event. These include IBF heavyweight title clash between Daniel Dubois and Joseph Parker, WBC lightweight title fight featuring Shakur Stevenson against Floyd Schofield, and many more matches across various weight classes, highlighting the significance of this boxing gala.
The World Boxing Council (WBC) has also announced the creation of a commemorative championship belt for the winner of the Beterbiev-Bivol rematch. This design not only features logos of the four major boxing organizations—WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO—but also symbolizes the grandeur of this matchup and the arduous path both boxers took on their way to greatness.
Opinions vary widely among boxing experts and commentators about the outcome of this upcoming rematch. Some believe Beterbiev, who has displayed remarkable consistency and resilience, will once again prevail. “I think this match will be very tight again,” noted top promoter Bob Arum. “Both fighters will come prepared, and the winner will be the one who has learned the most from the first fight.”
Conversely, many maintain faith in Bivol's abilities and believe he can turn the tide this time around. Former light heavyweight champion Teofimo Lopez opined, “Bivol has what it takes to win if he can sustain his energy throughout the match. The first fight showed he possesses the skill, and if he steps up his game, he can emerge victorious.”
For Beterbiev, who recently celebrated his 40th birthday, age could play a significant role; still, he remains fiercely determined to prove his strength against Bivol again. “I feel good, and I want to continue fighting,” he stated, emphasizing his desire to perform even more impressively than last time.
Fans and pundits alike are buzzing with excitement as they await this boxing cataclysm. With Beterbiev and Bivol both being ranked among the top ten pound-for-pound fighters globally, their rematch is not only pivotal for both their careers but also sets the stage for potential future bouts, perhaps even leading to a trilogy if the results warrant it.
The stakes are high, and the boxing world is ready for what promises to be another classic encounter. Mark your calendars for February 22, 2025, as Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol prepare to settle the score once and for all.