The highly anticipated rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol is on the horizon, set for February 22 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This event promises to be monumental, highlighting one of the greatest boxing cards ever assembled. Beterbiev previously defeated Bivol via majority decision in a closely contested match last month, post which Saudi power broker Turki Alalshikh expressed his belief that Bivol deserved to win, indicating that a rematch would be organized. With significant stakes involved, the rematch also garners excitement from boxing purists, who anticipate another thrilling encounter coupled with an impressive undercard rich with notable fights.
The event is being dubbed “The Last Crescendo,” with an undercard that includes diverse matchups appealing to boxing aficionados. The co-main event features IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois defending his title against Joseph Parker. Dubois has seen a meteoric rise, having recently achieved a stunning fifth-round knockout victory over Anthony Joshua. Meanwhile, Parker has been on a winning streak, having secured five consecutive victories following his heartbreaking loss to Joe Joyce. This heavyweight clash sets the stage for a riveting contest that could significantly impact the careers of both fighters before a passionate audience.
Among the highlighted bouts on the card is an intriguing matchup between Shakur Stevenson and Floyd Schofield. Stevenson is a prominent pound-for-pound contender recognized for his speed and defensive skills, whilst Schofield, despite his youth, has shown promise as an undefeated fighter. However, the fight raises eyebrows given Stevenson’s recent hand injury which sidelined him for a substantial part of 2024. As a need to establish himself post-injury, this bout offers Stevenson a pivotal opportunity against a rising star, while also positioning him for bigger fights in the future.
Another significant matchup positions WBC middleweight champion Carlos Adames against the unblemished Hamzah Sheeraz. Adames, a seasoned boxer, boasts an impressive record since suffering his sole career defeat in 2019. He has since bounced back, winning six fights in succession, during which he secured the WBC title. However, Sheeraz is not one to underestimate; with 21 victories and 17 knockouts under his belt, he’s regarded as a rising threat in the middleweight division. This bout could act as a defining moment for both fighters, and if Sheeraz succeeds, he could become one of the new champions in the 160-pound class.
The potential matchup between Vergil Ortiz Jr. and Israil Madrimov adds further intrigue to the card. Currently, Madrimov is scheduled to face Serhii Bohachuk in December. Should he face defeat, then the highly anticipated pairing with Ortiz may not materialize. This situation raises concerns for the Riyadh event organizers as they must consider alternatives quickly should Madrimov withdraw. Fans are left wondering if a bout between Ortiz and rising star Xander Zayas could be on the table if Madrimov is unable to proceed, as Zayas has previously shown eagerness to take on Ortiz.
Lastly, the heavyweight fight between unbeaten Agit Kabayel and Zhilei Zhang is poised to determine the vacant WBC interim heavyweight title, with the winner likely to challenge for the championship in their next bout. In addition, British rising star Joshua Buatsi is slated to face veteran Callum Smith, a crucial test for Buatsi that could lead him closer to a title shot against the victor of Beterbiev-Bivol 2. The outcomes of these highly contentious bouts will have rippling effects throughout the heavyweight and middleweight divisions, potentially setting the stage for future title challenges and shaping the landscape of boxing in 2024.
