In two and a half months, we will witness a stellar event in Riyadh! After days of rumors, denials, speculation, and intense negotiations, the boxing card for February 22 has finally been made official by Saudi official Turki Alalshiskh, and boxing fans are already on edge with excitement. Seven incredible bouts will feature some of the most renowned and talented stars in international boxing, culminating in the main event of the evening: the highly anticipated rematch between the two best light heavyweights on the planet: Artur Beterbiev and Dmitrii Bivol. Here’s the full program!
Zhilei Zhang vs. Agit Kabayel – Interim WBC Heavyweight Title
Both contenders in this fascinating clash of titans opted out of facing Congolese fighter Martin Bakole in an IBF eliminator, instead choosing to go head-to-head for the Interim WBC title. According to some reports, Bakole’s high financial demands led him to exclude himself from the event, prompting Zhang and Kabayel to take an alternative path. Will the German powerhouse overcome the firepower of the Chinese bomber and force him into a grueling close-range battle?
Joshua Buatsi vs. Callum Smith – Interim WBO Light Heavyweight Title
After contemplating retirement following a devastating loss to Artur Beterbiev, lanky British fighter Callum Smith has decided to give himself another shot at competing at the world’s highest level. Facing him will be his rugged compatriot Joshua Buatsi, still undefeated as a professional and fresh off a bloody battle against Willy Hutchinson, whom he subdued with two knockdowns during the Riyadh Season event at Wembley on September 21. Buatsi is the paper favorite, but beware of “Mundo” Smith’s lethal left hook!
Vergil Ortiz Jr. vs. Israel Madrimov – Interim WBC Super Welterweight Title
After welterweight champion Jaron Ennis decided not to move up in weight to face him and after tentative talks with rising prospect Xander Zayas, Vergil Ortiz has chosen Uzbekistan’s dangerous Israel Madrimov as his next opponent. The announcement came as a surprise since Madrimov is already scheduled to face relentless Ukrainian puncher Serhii Bohachuk on December 21, a fight that might now be canceled. Ortiz and Madrimov promise a thrilling clash of contrasting styles: the former’s fearless aggression against the latter’s tactical brilliance and counterpunching.
Carlos Adames vs. Hamzah Sheeraz – WBC Middleweight World Title
Having relinquished his WBO mandatory status, which could have led to a showdown with Kazakhstan’s renowned Zhanibek Alimkhanuly, British knockout artist Hamzah Sheeraz has set his sights on the WBC middleweight belt currently held by Dominican Carlos Adames. To retain his title, Adames will need to employ a “hit-and-run” strategy, using his agility and footwork to stay out of close exchanges. In terms of raw power and durability, Sheeraz appears to have the upper hand and will undoubtedly look to capitalize on it in February.
Shakur Stevenson vs. Floyd Schofield – WBC Lightweight World Title
In an era when many elite fighters shy away from lucrative and prestigious opportunities for fear of losing their undefeated records, 22-year-old Floyd Schofield deserves praise for stepping into the ring with one of the two best lightweights of this era. Given Stevenson’s superior experience and exceptional technical skills, it’s hard to imagine Schofield, who struggled more than expected in his last bout against Rene Tellez Giron, posing a significant challenge. Nevertheless, it will be intriguing to see how the champion handles his young rival’s relentless pressure.
Daniel Dubois vs Joseph Parker – IBF Heavyweight World Title
After the peculiar attempt to convince former world champion Wladimir Klitschko to make a sensational comeback to the ring, Daniel Dubois has decided to grant the title shot to the most deserving contender: New Zealand’s Joseph Parker. The Oceanic fighter is enjoying a golden period, having recently achieved two sensational victories that overturned pre-fight predictions: first Deontay Wilder and then Zhilei Zhang were defeated on points. However, Parker will now face a fighter in his prime, who is also riding an impressive winning streak. While Daniel Dubois enters as the favorite, underestimating Joseph Parker would be a grave mistake!
Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitrii Bivol – WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO Light Heavyweight World Titles
After their epic encounter on October 12, the entire world has been clamoring for a rematch between these two outstanding Russian light heavyweights. The first fight featured technical brilliance from Bivol in the opening rounds, brutal shots from Beterbiev in the middle rounds, Bivol’s resurgence in the eighth and ninth, and a frantic finish by Beterbiev. The final verdict left some fans unconvinced. Now, these two extraordinary fighters—who could have competed at the highest levels in any boxing era—will have the chance to settle the score once and for all. And we can’t wait to find out who will prevail!