Upcoming heavyweight boxing enthusiasts have much to look forward to as February 22, 2025, marks the date for two major fights featuring formidable contenders Agit Kabayel and Zhilei Zhang, alongside former champion Joseph Parker battling it out with Martin Bakola. The event will take place at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, under the umbrella of DAZN's Pay-per-View service.
The spotlight will shine bright on Agit Kabayel as he makes his return to the ring against the experienced Zhilei Zhang for the WBC interim heavyweight title. Kabayel, hailing from Germany, sees this match as not just another challenge but as the opportunity of his lifetime. According to DAZN, "Agit Kabayel will make his return to the ring against Chinese heavyweight Zhilei Zhang on February 22 for the WBC interim title." Having last fought 9 months prior, Kabayel quickly rose to prominence, clinching victory over the previously unbeaten Frank Sanchez, making his mark on the heavyweight division.
Now, against Zhang, who famously knocked out former world champion Deontay Wilder last summer, Kabayel faces what is deemed the most significant test of his career. Zhang, now at the age of 41, has accumulated considerable experience and skill throughout his boxing tenure. DAZN emphasizes, "This is Kabayel's chance to solidify his status among heavyweight contenders after his victory over Frank Sanchez." With both boxers ranked closely—Zhang at number four and Kabayel at number five by Ring Magazine—this fight holds great weight.
Meanwhile, the event will not just be about Kabayel and Zhang. Joseph Parker was initially set to face Daniel Dubois but had to withdraw due to illness. His opponent, Martin Bakola, now steps up to fill the void. This fight is poised to be equally enthralling as it is included under the same electrifying fight card, which reportedly showcases ten high-stakes bouts. They certainly have their work cut out for them as they aim to grab the attention of boxing fans worldwide.
The event is spearheaded by the much-anticipated rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, both ranked top-tier fighters within their weight category. The interesting twist is how Bakola, stepping up as the underdog, will hold his own against the veteran Parker. Fans can expect Parker to come back strong and fight with everything he has to maintain his relevance and reputation within the heavyweight scene.
DAZN has committed to broadcasting the entire event live, emphasizing its significance not just for the individual fighters but to the sport of boxing as well. The DAZN stream will commence at 4:30 PM local time, just prior to the eagerly awaited matchup initiations. According to the service, "Fans can watch the event live on DAZN starting at 4:30 PM on the event day." Starting off with preliminary fights, audiences will have the chance to witness the build-up to the main events, ensuring they don’t miss any action.
The Kabayel vs. Zhang fight is projected to start around 6:15 PM. DAZN encourages boxing enthusiasts to tune their devices accordingly, capitalizing on the legendary nature of the night. The anticipation builds as boxing fans across the globe prepare to catch every jab, hook, and knockout on this electrifying fight night.
With this lineup of heavyweight bouts, which also includes exciting match-ups from various divisions, the event plans to continue Saudi Arabia’s initiative of rejuvenation within the boxing world. With ambitious infrastructure changes led by Turki Al-Sheikh—who is dedicated to bringing high-caliber bouts to the forefront—the Kingdom has quickly become a prominent location for major boxing events.
The fighters will have to take center stage, with everyone’s eyes on them. Enormous stakes ride on these matches encompassing prestige, rankings, and tremendous excitement. Fans are left with questions about who will rise to the top—each bout promising its own surprises and excitement, compelling fans to keep glued to their screens.
After this fight night, whether Kabayel claims the interim title or Parker reestablishes himself as a heavyweight force, each contender has everything to fight for. Boxing is stepping out from under the radar, with these matches aiming to restore its prominence. Don’t miss the gravitational pull of combatants battling to solidify their legacies. Keep your calendars marked for February 22—the world of boxing eagerly awaits the outcomes!