The boxing world is abuzz as fans prepare for the highly anticipated rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, set to take place on February 22, 2025, at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Touted as one of the biggest events of the year, this fight card, dubbed "The Last Crescendo," features seven title fights, each promising to deliver high-stakes action.
At the center of the event is the much-discussed rematch between Beterbiev, the undisputed light heavyweight champion, and Bivol, who is now on a quest to reclaim his title. The two fighters first met on October 11, 2024, where Beterbiev edged Bivol by the narrowest of margins, winning via majority decision. Judges scored the bout 115-113, 116-112 for Beterbiev, and 114-114, leaving fans and analysts divided about who truly deserved the victory. "This rematch is more than just a title fight—it’s about determining the definitive light heavyweight champion of this era," observers have pointed out.
While the main event garners the most attention, the undercard had originally promised additional excitement. Just recently, heavyweight contender Daniel Dubois was set to defend his IBF heavyweight title against Joseph Parker. Also on the card, Shakur Stevenson was scheduled to put his WBC lightweight belt on the line against the rising star Floyd Schofield. Stevenson, having moved up from the super featherweight division to lightweight, looks to continue his dominant run with another title defense.
Following the announcement of the fight card, fans were eager to see the challenge posed by the undefeated Schofield, who holds a record of 18-0 with 12 knockouts. Unfortunately, the excitement surrounding the undercard took a hit with the news of Bradley Rea, who was to face Constantino Nanga, having to pull out due to his opponent's injury. Rea took to social media to express his disappointment and urged boxing promoter Turki Alalshikh to reschedule their bout. "This was my big chance, and I'm frustrated to have worked so hard only to have it cut short. Sad to miss the opportunity to showcase my skills on this major card," said Rea.
Despite the setback for Rea, fight fans are still optimistic about the night’s line-up. Stevenson’s match against Schofield is especially intriguing, pitting experience against youth, with Stevenson bringing his resume of titles and accolades, including being the 2016 Olympic silver medalist. He had claimed the WBC lightweight belt after back-to-back successes, including defending against Artem Harutyunyan.
Schofield, still young at 22, is determined to make his mark and believes he can upset the champion. He openly addressed Stevenson’s comments about their rivalry during training, reiteratively stating, “He’s no threat to me. I wouldn’t have taken this fight if I didn’t feel confident.” Betting odds place Stevenson as the favorite, opening at -850 and moving to -1200 as the fight nears.
With all eyes on the headline bout, the event promises not only high-caliber boxing but also the thrill of potential upsets, intense rivalries, and the definitive clash for supremacy at 175 pounds. The stakes are undeniably high, as both Beterbiev and Bivol need the victory not only for the title but for legacy—carving their names as giants of the sport. Boxing analysts argue this could very well be "one of the most unforgettable fights of 2025."
While all of these factors converge, key questions loom around timing, preparations, and any last-minute shape-ups to the card leading up to the fight. Months of speculation and training have all led to this, and now the eagerly awaited event is tantalizingly close, with the countdown to February 22 underway.