Riyadh, Saudi Arabia is set to host one of the most anticipated boxing events of the year as Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol prepare to face off again for the undisputed light heavyweight championship. This rematch follows Beterbiev's controversial victory over Bivol last October, where he won by majority decision. The stakes couldn't be higher for both boxers as they step back onto the ring at the Anb Arena, under the Riyadh Season promotional banner.
The boxing event, taking place on February 22, 2025, has been marked as the 'Fight Card of the Century'. The event features seven championship bouts, including Beterbiev's (21-0, 20 KOs) defense of his titles against Bivol (23-1, 12 KOs), who is eager to reclaim his lost status and titles. Beterbiev's win last time was met with mixed reactions due to its contentious nature, making this rematch even more compelling.
Joining them on the card are several other exciting matchups. The co-main event pits former world champion Joseph Parker against the powerful Martin Bakole, who stepped in at the last moment to replace IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois due to illness. Bakole brings his knockout power to the ring, boasting 21 wins including 16 KOs, making him no easy opponent for Parker, who is riding on the momentum of recent victories.
One of the highlights of the night is WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson, who will defend his title against Josh Padley, another last-minute substitute after original opponent Floyd Schofield fell ill. Stevenson's first title defense promises excitement as he faces another undefeated challenger.
Other significant bouts on the card include Carlos Adames taking on Hamzah Sheeraz for the WBC middleweight title, and Vergil Ortiz Jr. clashing with Israil Madrimov for the WBC interim super welterweight title. Zhilei Zhang is also set for his interim heavyweight title fight against Agit Kabayel, and Joshua Buatsi will defend his light heavyweight title against Callum Smith.
This impressive lineup is complemented by the atmosphere of the Riyadh Season, which seeks to position Saudi Arabia as a major player on the international boxing scene. Matchroom's Eddie Hearn, who has been instrumental in bringing such high-profile fights to the kingdom, expressed confidence, stating, "This is not card of the year or decade -- it’s the greatest fight card I’ve ever seen. Not just big names but big names in 50/50 fights." Such enthusiasm underlines the exciting potential of the card and how the money flowing from Saudi promoters has drawn even hesitant fighters to the ring.
Fans will tune in from around the globe through DAZN, with coverage expected to start at 11 a.m. ET, ensuring they won’t miss any of the action. The prelims are set to kick off earlier, providing viewers with engaging matchups before the main card begins. The anticipation surrounding Beterbiev and Bivol's fight looms large, as each fighter looks to solidify their legacy against top-tier competition.
With such high stakes at play, February 22 promises to be more than just another boxing match; it stands as a pivotal moment for both fighters as they not only contend for titles but for their places among boxing’s elite. Undoubtedly, the result of their rematch could reshape the light heavyweight division and influence their career trajectories moving forward.
What remains clear is the impact of events like these on the sport of boxing, with Riyadh establishing itself as the new hub for major bouts. The challenges of traditional boxing strongholds, like Las Vegas, seem overshadowed by Saudi Arabia's increasingly prominent role as the new epicenter for boxing events. Fans and fighters alike are eager to see how this evolution will influence the future of the sport.
The night's event is not just about who wins or loses; it's also about the atmosphere, the money being pumped, and the grand appearances, making it clear Riyadh is here to stay as the new home of boxing.