February 22 Showdown: Beterbiev vs Bivol to Battle for Undisputed Glory in Saudi Arabia

Mark your calendars: on February 22, 2025, two of boxing’s best will square off once again. Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol are set to headline an electrifying night of championship boxing in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. As part of the Riyadh Season series, this rematch promises to bring closure to their razor-thin battle from October and crown the undisputed light heavyweight king.

Titled “The Last Crescendo,” the event isn’t just about the main event. The undercard is stacked with marquee matchups that span multiple weight classes, showcasing some of the biggest names and rising stars in boxing today.

A Rivalry Renewed: Beterbiev vs. Bivol

The main event is all about unfinished business. Back in October, these two warriors went toe-to-toe in a fight that had fans on the edge of their seats. Beterbiev, known for his devastating power, edged Bivol via majority decision to unify the light heavyweight belts. It was the first time the 39-year-old knockout artist (21-0, 20 KOs) went the full 12 rounds in his professional career.

Bivol (23-1, 12 KOs), at 33, suffered his first career defeat in that fight. Despite outlanding Beterbiev 142-134 in total punches, according to CompuBox, his efforts fell just short. Beterbiev’s advantage in power punches—landing 90 to Bivol’s 84—was enough to sway the judges. Now, the rematch offers Bivol a chance at redemption and Beterbiev the opportunity to prove he’s the undisputed king of the division.

A Night Full of Championship Bouts

The excitement doesn’t stop with Beterbiev and Bivol. The undercard is packed with fights that could headline events on their own, including heavyweight battles, title defenses, and a few career-defining clashes.

Daniel Dubois vs. Joseph Parker
In the co-main event, IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois will defend his title against former champ Joseph Parker. Dubois, a 27-year-old knockout artist from the UK (22-2, 21 KOs), is riding a wave of confidence after a stunning knockout victory over Anthony Joshua earlier this year. Parker (35-3, 23 KOs), at 32, has been on a tear recently, racking up five consecutive wins, including victories over Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang. Both men are hungry to make a statement in a division stacked with talent.

Shakur Stevenson vs. Floyd Schofield
WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson (22-0, 10 KOs) will take on 22-year-old up-and-comer Floyd Schofield (18-0, 12 KOs). Known as “Kid Austin,” Schofield earned his shot by calling out Stevenson after his latest win. Stevenson, at 27, is one of the most technically gifted fighters in the sport today. The question is: can Schofield rise to the occasion, or will Stevenson’s experience and skill prove too much?

Carlos Adames vs. Hamzah Sheeraz
The WBC middleweight title will be on the line as Carlos Adames (24-1, 18 KOs) defends against Hamzah Sheeraz (21-0, 17 KOs). Adames, a 30-year-old veteran based in Las Vegas, hasn’t been the most active fighter in recent years but has been dominant when he does step into the ring. Sheeraz, a 25-year-old British contender, has been on a meteoric rise and will be looking to make his mark on the global stage.

Source: Beterbiev vs Bivol set for February 22

Junior Middleweight Showdown: Ortiz vs. Madrimov

The WBC interim junior middleweight title fight between Vergil Ortiz Jr. and Israil Madrimov is shaping up to be one of the more intriguing fights of the night. Ortiz (22-0, 21 KOs) is coming off a hard-fought win over Serhii Bohachuk in August, a fight where he was knocked down twice but ultimately prevailed. Madrimov (10-1-1, 7 KOs), on the other hand, recently lost to Terence Crawford in August. What’s raising eyebrows is Madrimov’s decision to take a fight against Bohachuk in December before facing Ortiz just two months later. It’s a bold move, and fans are wondering if Madrimov will be ready for such a quick turnaround.

Buatsi vs. Smith: A Light Heavyweight Clash

Joshua Buatsi (19-0, 13 KOs) will put his WBO interim light heavyweight title on the line against former champion Callum Smith (30-2, 22 KOs). Buatsi, a 2016 Olympic bronze medalist, has been steadily climbing the ranks and gaining experience. Smith, a seasoned pro, is looking to bounce back after a stoppage loss to Beterbiev. This fight is crucial for both men as they look to position themselves for future opportunities in the division.

Opening the Show: Zhang vs. Kabayel

The event will kick off with a heavyweight showdown between Zhilei Zhang and Agit Kabayel for the WBC interim title. Zhang (27-2-1, 22 KOs), at 41, has had a rollercoaster of a year. After back-to-back wins over Joe Joyce, he suffered a loss to Parker but rebounded with a dramatic knockout of Deontay Wilder. Kabayel (25-0, 17 KOs), an undefeated German fighter, is stepping up after impressive wins against Frank Sanchez and Arslanbek Makhmudov. This clash could set the tone for an unforgettable night.

Riyadh Season: A Global Stage for Boxing

Saudi Arabia has become a major player in hosting international sports events, and this boxing card is another feather in its cap. The Riyadh Season series has already delivered incredible spectacles in sports and entertainment, and this night promises to be no different. With world-class fighters, intriguing matchups, and high stakes, February 22 will be a date that boxing fans won’t want to miss.

What’s on the Line?

For Beterbiev and Bivol, this rematch is about legacy. Both men are already considered greats in the light heavyweight division, but this fight will determine who truly reigns supreme. For the rest of the fighters, the stakes are just as high—whether it’s Dubois and Parker battling for heavyweight supremacy, Stevenson looking to cement his lightweight dominance, or rising stars like Schofield and Sheeraz aiming to announce themselves to the world.

The Countdown Begins

With less than three months to go, anticipation is building for what promises to be a night of unforgettable action. From the main event showdown between Beterbiev and Bivol to the stacked undercard featuring top talent and intriguing matchups, this event has something for every boxing fan. Riyadh is set to shine as the world watches, and when the dust settles, careers could be changed forever.

Read More: Bohachuk vs Madrimov: A Clash That Could Surpass Ortiz Thriller