The Last Crescendo: A Weekend of Boxing’s Elite
"The Last Crescendo" has been building anticipation as one of the most significant boxing cards in recent history, despite some setbacks. The event, taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, features a plethora of high-stakes fights, with the main event being a highly anticipated rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol. While the original lineup boasted several exciting matchups, including a fight between WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson and Floyd Schofield (now replaced by Josh Padley) and a heavyweight clash between Joseph Parker and Daniel Dubois (now replaced by Martin Bakole due to Dubois’ illness), the essence of the event remains intact. MMA Fighting’s Alexander K. Lee and Jed Meshew have weighed in, offering their insights and predictions for what promises to be a thrilling night of combat.
Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol 2: A Battle of Titans
Jed Meshew expresses his genuine excitement for the rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol. The first encounter in October was a nail-biter, with the judges scoring it in Beterbiev’s favor, a decision that sparked considerable controversy. This fight is a classic example of two vastly different boxing styles clashing: Beterbiev, a force of nature known for his overwhelming physicality, and Bivol, a smooth technician with impeccable footwork and a sharp jab.
In the initial bout, Bivol’s superior footwork and jab allowed him to establish an early lead, effectively manipulating Beterbiev’s movements. However, as the rounds progressed, Beterbiev’s physical prowess began to take a toll. Beterbiev’s power shots, even when partially blocked, were enough to physically move Bivol, a testament to his raw strength and punching power. Bivol, in turn, adjusted by committing to his own power shots, creating a back-and-forth battle that kept the audience on the edge of their seats. Meshew scored the first fight as a draw at 114-114, but he predicts that the rematch will likely not end in a draw. Given Beterbiev’s physical advantages, Meshew believes Beterbiev will edge out another close victory, though it will be a hard-fought one.
Alexander K. Lee’s Take on Beterbiev vs. Bivol 2
Alexander K. Lee shares a similar enthusiasm for the rematch, emphasizing the dynamic clash of styles that made the first fight so compelling. Beterbiev’s raw power and aggressive style are expected to once again be the defining factors. Lee notes that Bivol’s ability to use his footwork and size to walk Beterbiev down was effective in the first fight, and he expects Bivol to employ the same strategy. However, the key difference will be Beterbiev’s ability to land his heavier punches in rhythm. When Beterbiev is able to string together combinations and time his telegraphed haymakers, he becomes a formidable threat, even to an aggressive fighter like Bivol.
Lee is more bullish on Beterbiev’s chances, predicting not just a win but a knockout. He believes Beterbiev will drop a few rounds early as he patiently works to figure out Bivol’s timing. Once Beterbiev finds his rhythm, Lee sees him dropping Bivol in one of the middle frames and securing the win before the tenth round. Both experts agree that the rematch will be an intense, back-and-forth affair, with the slightest edge tipping the scales in Beterbiev’s favor.
Joseph Parker vs. Martin Bakole: A New Challenge
The heavyweight division has seen some last-minute changes, with Martin Bakole stepping in to face Joseph Parker after Daniel Dubois withdrew due to illness. While this substitution might seem like a blow to the card’s prestige, it adds an intriguing element of unpredictability. Alexander K. Lee acknowledges that Bakole hasn’t faced the most illustrious opponents to date, but he praises the fight promoters for finding a replacement who can still make the bout exciting.
Lee predicts that Parker, a seasoned veteran with notable wins over Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang, will control much of the action. Bakole’s aggressive style and desire for a knockout might make for some exciting moments, but Lee believes Parker’s technical prowess and experience will ultimately prevail. The fight will likely be decided by a unanimous decision, though Parker may face some hairy moments, especially given his history of slipping up against powerful punchers. This bout offers a chance for Parker to solidify his position in the heavyweight division and potentially set up a future title fight with Oleksandr Usyk.
Jed Meshew’s Perspective on Parker vs. Bakole
Jed Meshew agrees that the last-minute change to Bakole is a mixed bag. Parker has been steadily rising through the ranks with impressive victories, and a win over Dubois would have secured him a shot at the IBF heavyweight title. However, Bakole is not a pushover. His power and willingness to engage in a high-stakes knockout quest make him a dangerous opponent, especially under these wild circumstances.
Meshew notes that Bakole’s power is the great equalizer in any heavyweight fight, but he questions Bakole’s readiness to go the full 10 rounds. Parker’s speed and technical skills should give him the upper hand, but Meshew warns that Parker must avoid any early slip-ups. If Parker can navigate the early rounds without taking significant damage, Meshew expects him to wear Bakole down and secure a late-round stoppage. This fight will be a test of Parker’s composure and his ability to adapt to an unconventional opponent, but the odds still favor the New Zealand heavyweight.
The Event’s Resilience and Excitement
Despite the setbacks, "The Last Crescendo" remains a must-watch event for boxing enthusiasts. The resilience shown by the promoters in finding last-minute replacements like Josh Padley and Martin Bakole demonstrates the event’s commitment to delivering top-tier action. These changes might alter the narrative of the night, but they do not diminish the quality of the fights. The main event, Beterbiev vs. Bivol 2, is a rematch that promises to be just as intense and competitive as the first. Both fighters have shown they can adjust and evolve, making the outcome highly unpredictable.
The heavyweight fight between Parker and Bakole, while not the originally planned matchup, still holds significant intrigue. Bakole’s power and Parker’s technical skills create a fascinating contrast, and the potential for a knockout adds an extra layer of excitement. For fans, this event offers a chance to witness some of the best boxers in the world going head-to-head in a series of high-stakes fights. Whether you’re rooting for the experienced veteran or the underdog, "The Last Crescendo" is shaping up to be a memorable night of boxing.
Final Thoughts and Predictions
In the end, both Meshew and Lee are confident in their predictions, but they acknowledge the inherent unpredictability of boxing. Beterbiev’s physical advantages and relentless pressure are expected to secure him another close win against Bivol, potentially with a knockout. Meanwhile, Parker’s technical abilities and experience should see him through a tough fight against Bakole, likely by late-round stoppage.
For those tuning in, the atmosphere in Riyadh is expected to be electric. The resilience of the event in the face of last-minute changes and the quality of the fights on the card make "The Last Crescendo" a can’t-miss event. Whether Beterbiev and Parker can make good on the hype and deliver statement victories to kick off their 2025 campaigns remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the action will be intense, and the outcomes are anything but guaranteed.
