In a blockbuster announcement that has sent shockwaves through the boxing world, it has been confirmed that Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol are set to clash in a light heavyweight title rematch on February 22 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The bout, which will see all four major 175-pound titles on the line, headlines an absolutely stacked pay-per-view card that features several other high-stakes matchups.
Beterbiev Seeks to Solidify Dominance
Beterbiev, the hard-hitting Russian who currently holds the WBC, WBO, and IBF light heavyweight straps, will look to further cement his status as the division’s king in the rematch with Bivol. In their first meeting last October, also in Riyadh, Beterbiev emerged with a controversial majority decision victory to claim undisputed status. However, many observers felt that Bivol had done enough to earn the nod, setting the stage for an epic rematch.
Bivol on a Mission
For Bivol, the February 22 clash represents a chance to avenge his lone professional defeat and reclaim his place atop the light heavyweight mountain. The skilled boxer-puncher, who still holds the WBA title, will undoubtedly be laser-focused on turning the tables on Beterbiev in their second go-round.
I know I won that first fight, and I’m going to prove it was no fluke in the rematch. I’m coming to take back what’s mine.
Dmitry Bivol said in a statement
A PPV Worthy of the Price Tag
As if the main event weren’t enough, the undercard for this pay-per-view is absolutely packed with big names and compelling matchups. In the chief support bout, newly crowned IBF heavyweight titlist Daniel Dubois will make his first defense against former WBO champ Joseph Parker in a battle of top-5 big men.
At lightweight, rising star Shakur Stevenson puts his WBC strap on the line against unbeaten prospect Floyd Schofield. Junior middleweight contenders Vergil Ortiz and Israil Madrimov are also set to clash in a bout that could determine the division’s next title challenger.
Additional title fights on the undercard include Carlos Adames vs. Hamzah Sheeraz for the WBC middleweight belt, and a WBC interim heavyweight title tilt between Zhilei Zhang and Agit Kabayel. The PPV opener will see top light heavyweight contenders Joshua Buatsi and Callum Smith jockey for position in a crowded title picture.
High Stakes in the Desert
With so much elite talent on one card, February 22 is shaping up to be a can’t-miss event for boxing fans. The stakes couldn’t be higher in the Beterbiev-Bivol main event, with the winner achieving a rare level of dominance in the talent-rich light heavyweight division.
Will Beterbiev’s thudding power prove too much once again, or can Bivol solve the puzzle and exorcise the demons of their controversial first fight? The entire boxing world will be watching with bated breath when these two modern masters clash under the bright lights in Riyadh.
