The Battle of Riyadh: Beterbiev vs. Bivol 2
Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol are on the brink of a historic rematch, set to ignite the ring in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday. The stakes couldn’t be higher as Beterbiev, the undisputed champion, defends his WBC, IBF, WBA, WBO, and The Ring light heavyweight titles against the formidable Bivol. Both fighters had their eyes on the prize at Friday’s weigh-ins, with Beterbiev clocking in at 175 pounds and Bivol just a shade lighter at 174.1 pounds. The pair’s first encounter, which took place in Riyadh last October, saw Beterbiev emerge victorious after a grueling 12-round contest. This rematch promises to be a thrilling display of skill, strategy, and sheer determination.
A Closer Look at the Rematch
The build-up to this rematch has been intense, with both fighters demonstrating a blend of confidence and respect for their opponent. Beterbiev, known for his knockout prowess and relentless pressure, has been hailed as one of the most dangerous fighters in the sport. Bivol, on the other hand, is a technical master who thrives on precision and strategy. Their previous bout was a masterclass in boxing, and the rematch is expected to be just as compelling. The undisputed title is on the line, and both fighters are determined to leave their mark on boxing history.
Shake-ups and Substitutions
The undercard for this star-studded event has seen some unexpected changes. Shakur Stevenson and Joseph Parker, two of the main undercard fighters, lost their originally scheduled opponents, Floyd Schofield and Daniel Dubois, respectively. Josh Padley steps in for Schofield to challenge Stevenson for the WBC lightweight title, adding an element of unpredictability to the proceedings. Meanwhile, heavyweight Martin Bakole faced the daunting task of replacing Dubois on just two days’ notice. As of this writing, Bakole is still en route to the event, leading to some playful banter between Parker and Queesberry Promotions boss Frank Warren during the weigh-in ceremony.
The Weight-In Drama
Despite the substituted opponents, the weigh-ins for the main event and other title fights went smoothly, with all fighters hitting their marks. Beterbiev and Bivol were both in excellent form, exuding confidence and intensity. The weigh-in for the main card fighters included Carlos Adames and Hamzah Sheeraz for the WBA junior middleweight title, Vergil Ortiz Jr. and Israil Madrimov for the WBO junior welterweight title, Zhilei Zhang and Agit Kabayel for the interim WBA heavyweight title, and Joshua Buatsi and Callum Smith for the WBA light heavyweight title. The preliminary card also saw successful weigh-ins, ensuring that the fight night promises to be action-packed from start to finish.
The Full Lineup
The night’s main event, Beterbiev vs. Bivol, is undoubtedly the highlight, but the undercard is just as impressive. Here’s a quick rundown of the main card:
- Artur Beterbiev (175.0 lbs) vs. Dmitry Bivol (174.1 lbs): The undisputed light heavyweight title on the line.
- Martin Bakole (still en route) vs. Joseph Parker (267 lbs): A heavyweight clash with Bakole stepping in on short notice.
- Shakur Stevenson (134.1 lbs) vs. Josh Padley (134.0 lbs): WBC lightweight title on the line.
- Carlos Adames (158.1 lbs) vs. Hamzah Sheeraz (159.0 lbs): WBA junior middleweight title up for grabs.
- Vergil Ortiz Jr. (153.1 lbs) vs. Israil Madrimov (152.1 lbs): WBO junior welterweight title on the line.
- Zhilei Zhang (287.5 lbs) vs. Agit Kabayel (241 lbs): Interim WBA heavyweight title up for grabs.
- Joshua Buatsi (175.0 lbs) vs. Callum Smith (174.1 lbs): WBA light heavyweight title on the line.
The preliminary card features promising prospects Ziyad Almaayouf and Jonatas Oliveira in a lightweight bout, and Mohammed Alakel and Engel Gomez in a super featherweight contest.
The Road Ahead
As the weigh-ins wrap up and the fighters prepare for the big night, the anticipation is palpable. Beterbiev and Bivol will step into the ring on Saturday, each with a clear goal in mind. For Beterbiev, it’s about solidifying his legacy as the undisputed champion. For Bivol, it’s about proving that he belongs in the same category as Beterbiev. The supporting cast of fighters adds an extra layer of excitement, with each bout promising to deliver its own unique moments of drama and skill. Saturday night in Riyadh is shaping up to be a night to remember in the annals of boxing history.
