On February 22, 2025, the boxing world will turn its eyes to the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for one of the most anticipated matchups of the year. The event, broadcast live on DAZN, features the highly awaited rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, a clash poised to determine the undisputed light heavyweight champion of the world. Both fighters enter the ring carrying not just their records, but the weight of their respective narratives—Beterbiev with his unblemished 21-0 streak (20 KOs) and Bivol, who, after tasting defeat for the first time in their previous encounter, seeks redemption.
Artur Beterbiev is not just a titleholder; he has emerged as a dominant force in the light heavyweight division. His knockout power is a formidable asset, and as he prepares to defend his championship, he embodies the spirit and tenacity of a champion. The knockout ratio speaks volumes, but it is Beterbiev’s tactical prowess and composure under pressure that truly define him. As the reigning champion, his understanding of the ring and ability to adapt to his opponent’s style could play a pivotal role in this fight.
On the other side of the ring, Dmitry Bivol is on a quest for vengeance. After suffering a loss to Beterbiev in 2024, he has undoubtedly spent considerable time analyzing that bout, strategizing every potential advantage he could exploit. With a professional record of 21-1 and 11 KOs, Bivol knows he cannot rely solely on past successes. This rematch is a chance for him to showcase his resilience and determination, and the stakes could not be higher for this crafty fighter looking to reclaim his standing.
Complementing the marquee matchup, the co-feature bout will see British knockout artist Daniel Dubois defending his IBF heavyweight title against former champion Joseph Parker. After stunning the boxing community with a thunderous victory over Anthony Joshua, Dubois (22-2, 21 KOs) is eager not just to prove his win was no fluke but to solidify his place in heavyweight history. In contrast, Joseph Parker brings a wealth of experience and a recent five-fight win streak into the ring. With 35 wins (23 KOs) to his name, Parker aims to reclaim glory and reestablish himself as a top contender in the heavyweight landscape.
Additional fights on the card, including Carlos Adames vs. Hamzah Sheeraz for the WBC Middleweight Title and Vergil Ortiz Jr. vs. Israil Madrimov for the Interim Super Welterweight Title, highlight the depth of talent showcased at this event. This diverse lineup underscores a significant aspect of the evening—the global stage that Saudi Arabia continues to cultivate for boxing. With local talents like Ziyad Almaayouf and Mohammed Alaqel featuring in the lineup, the event promises to not only showcase elite-level boxing but also foster local engagement with the sport.
As Pete Oliver, CEO of Growth Markets at DAZN, noted, this fight night encapsulates the best spirit of boxing—champions and contenders going head-to-head. All signs point to an electrifying evening filled with high stakes, thrilling competition, and the echoes of history in the making, making it a must-watch event for boxing enthusiasts around the world.
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