The excitement around the boxing world is palpable as unified light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev prepares to face Dmitry Bivol on February 22, 2025, at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Just four months after their first encounter, the two world-class fighters are set to rekindle their rivalry for the undisputed title, and fans are eager to see who will emerge victorious this time.
Beterbiev (21-0, 20 KOs) and Bivol (23-1, 12 KOs) are regarded as the pinnacle of the 175-pound division, but questions remain about the validity of Beterbiev's majority decision win from their first bout. Many speculate whether Bivol can even the score or if Beterbiev will once again prove to be too formidable.
During the first fight, which took place last October, the action was thrilling yet contentious, with two judges scoring it 116-112 and 115-113 for Beterbiev, and one judge utilizing a 114-114 draw. Following the match, Bivol's promoter, Eddie Hearn, labeled the decision as "sickening," stating the judge who provided the 116-112 score should "never work in the sport again". Consequently, Bivol’s camp lodged an official protest against the scoring, leading to the upcoming rematch.
Both fighters have been vocal about their disappointment with the outcome of the first bout. Beterbiev expressed dissatisfaction when he stated, "I wanted to box today with more quality. I don't know why, but I didn't like this fight. But someday I'll be more." On the flip side, Bivol was determined to improve his performance, indicating, "Why not? If I have this opportunity, yes. My dream is to be world champion in an undisputed way. I will prepare myself in the best way physically and mentally." Such comments reflect their strong motivations heading forward.
Speaking of preparations, analysts have weighed in on what to expect from both fighters in this second bout. Many anticipate the clash will mirror their initial encounter, rooted in technical skill rather than dramatic exchanges. Boxing experts, including Scott Christ and Wil Esco, have suggested Beterbiev will have the added edge through relentless pressure, as they analyzed the likelihood of Bivol altering his style. Christ emphasized, "We won’t see many risks taken the first time around. We won’t see many this time, either." Esco agreed, mentioning Bivol's need to increase his output to take the judges' favoritism, but predicted it could lead to more openings for Beterbiev to exploit his power.
Patrick Stumberg expressed doubts about Beterbiev’s capacity to replicate his performance, citing concerns about his advancing age and injuries: "I just don’t think a 40-year-old Beterbiev has it in him to produce the sort of output and nonstop pressure it would take to hunt Bivol down." While John Hansen acknowledged both fighters' talents, he unabashedly leaned toward Bivol this time around, arguing, "Bivol finding the slightest extra something is enough to swing the outcome." This reflection of differing opinions showcases the unpredictability and excitement surrounding the rematch.
Besides the main event, the fight card is packed with notable matchups, featuring seven title bouts, such as the IBF heavyweight title fight between Daniel Dubois and Joseph Parker, and Shakur Stevenson defending his WBC lightweight title against Josh Padley. The card is being heralded as potentially the greatest show ever, with its depth of world-class talent drawing fans from all over.
The card is set to kick off at 11:00 AM ET for U.S. viewers via DAZN PPV, with the main event expected to begin around 6:00 PM ET. It will surely be an electrifying evening for boxing fans across the globe.
With much on the line and questions to be answered, the rematch between Beterbiev and Bivol is expected to capture the attention of boxing enthusiasts everywhere as they witness two extraordinary fighters go head-to-head once more for supremacy over the light heavyweight division.