Riyadh is set to host one of the most exciting weekends of boxing as top contenders prepare to face off at the much-anticipated event, "The Last Crescendo," scheduled for February 22, 2025. With the spotlight on Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, as well as Joseph Parker taking to the ring against Martin Bakole, fight enthusiasts are ready for a night filled with intense action.
The main event features the rematch between undefeated light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev (21-0, 20 KOs) and Dmitry Bivol (23-1, 12 KOs). Their first encounter was tightly contested, where two of the judges scored the fight for Beterbiev, reflecting just how close the action was. This rematch offers Bivol another shot at claiming the undisputed championship title, and he is fully aware of the weight of this opportunity. "It’s great to have a second chance. The people like the fight they saw the first time, and they want to see it again," Bivol said, expressing his eagerness to rise back to the top.
Fans will be tuning in eagerly as they await the clash of titans starting approximately at 23:30 MEZ on fight night. Prior to this electrifying main event, Joseph Parker was originally scheduled to face Daniel Dubois for the IBF heavyweight title. Yet, due to Dubois's illness, he has now been replaced by Martin Bakole (21-1, 14 KOs). Parker (35-3, 23 KOs), who is known for his resilience and tactical fighting style, is making the most of this switch. "I was supposed to fight Daniel Dubois, but he is sick. Now I will fight Martin Bakole instead," Parker stated confidently, embracing the new challenge.
Taking place at the Kingdom Arena, which has the capacity to host 26,000 fans, the event promises to be one for the history books. It isn’t just the main fights drawing attention; the evening boasts seven title fights, with each bout offering its unique storyline. The excitement doesn’t end there; DAZN will broadcast all the action live as part of its pay-per-view offering, allowing fans from multiple countries like Germany, Austria, and Switzerland access to the event.
DAZN is the home to satisfy boxing fans' cravings, allowing access to their fights around the world. They offer different subscription packages, including their Super Sports and Unlimited tiers, which fans can integrate with the buy-in for this marquee night. The extensive offering means fans can choose how they want to view the fights, tailoring their experience on fight night.
Fans are encouraged to catch all the action from Martin Bakole’s encounter with Joseph Parker where both fighters bring impressive stats to the table. Bakole stands at 1.98 meters with 21 wins under his belt, 20 by KO, whereas Parker, standing at 1.93 meters, aims to bolster his already impressive tally of 35 victories, emphasizing his force as well as his experience.
What makes this event even more intriguing is the lineup of prominent fighters alongside Beterbiev and Bivol. The fight card includes Shakur Stevenson, Vergil Ortiz Jr., and rising stars, ensuring a wide array of bouts to watch. Matchups like Zhilei Zhang against Agit Kabayel and Joshua Buatsi facing Callum Smith add to the overall excitement, showcasing the versatility and depth of talent across weight classes.
Beterbiev himself has spoken passionately about the expected atmosphere and intensity of the championship bout. He noted hardly any fighters get the chance for rematches, and it adds to the thrill of the competition: "When it’s your turn, you want to hit as hard as you can. So, I don’t want to shake your hand. But afterwards, then I will give it to you."
Overall, this night is positioned to be defining for many fighters with major titles on the line. The stakes couldn’t be higher as both Beterbiev and Bivol look to secure their place among the elite, and Parker tries to reclaim his championship quest against confident newcomer Bakole. Everything is set for a showcase of boxing talent, and the anticipation is palpable.