The boxing world is buzzing with anticipation as two of the game’s elite gentle heavyweights, Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, put together to sq. off of their extremely awaited rematch this Saturday, February 22, on the Kingdom Area in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia—a metropolis shortly establishing itself as the brand new epicenter of big-time prizefighting.
Beterbiev, the reigning WBC, IBF, WBO, and WBA Tremendous Champion, will look to reaffirm his dominance, whereas Bivol, hungry for redemption, is decided to reclaim the belts he misplaced of their first encounter on October 12, 2024. That battle resulted in a hotly contested majority determination with scorecards studying 115-113, 116-112, and 114-114—a verdict that sparked debate amongst followers and analysts alike.
In that bout, Bivol entered because the undefeated WBA Tremendous Champion, having held the belt for seven years with 11 profitable defenses and an unblemished 23-0 report with 12 knockouts. By means of the primary eight rounds, he gave the impression to be cruising towards one other determination victory, utilizing his superior footwork and precision punching. However Beterbiev, a relentless strain fighter with an astounding 20 knockouts in as many fights, turned the tide within the championship rounds. Focusing on Bivol’s midsection with thudding pictures, he pressured the often composed Russian into survival mode, limiting his offensive output.
The 26,000 followers in attendance reacted with boos and combined feelings when the choice was introduced, with many believing Bivol had achieved sufficient to win. Nevertheless, the battle was razor-close—a tactical chess match the place each spherical was up for grabs. This set the stage for one of the vital anticipated rematches in current boxing historical past.
A TOUGH FIGHT TO PREDICT
Given how the primary battle performed out, many anticipate a equally intense, tactical battle, although each fighters will possible make key changes. Bivol, who cemented his standing as an elite fighter by outclassing Canelo Álvarez in Could 2022, will look to impose his high-guard, lateral motion, and sharp counterpunching in opposition to Beterbiev’s relentless strain and punishing energy.
CompuBox stats from their first encounter present Bivol landed 142 punches to Beterbiev’s 137, together with a 58-47 benefit in jabs. Nevertheless, Beterbiev landed the extra damaging pictures, holding a 90-84 edge in energy punches, which can have influenced the judges’ determination.
Bookmakers have Beterbiev as a slight favourite, because of his excellent knockout ratio and fight-altering energy. His vicious left hook stays his deadliest weapon. Nevertheless, some analysts consider Bivol’s age benefit (34 vs. 40) may play an element, although Beterbiev has proven no indicators of slowing down.
The consensus? Too near name. Some lean towards Bivol’s precision and youth, others favor Beterbiev’s ferocity and ending means. The most secure wager? “We’ll see when the solar rises.”
STACKED UNDERCARD
This blockbuster occasion, promoted by High Rank and streamed stay on DAZN, is overseen by Turki Alalshikh, Saudi Arabia’s rising energy dealer in international boxing.
The undercard incorporates a stacked lineup of world-class matchups, together with:
Daniel Dubois (UK) vs. Joseph Parker (New Zealand) – IBF Heavyweight Title
Shakur Stevenson (USA) vs. Floyd Schofield (USA) – WBC Light-weight Title
Carlos Adames (Dominican Republic) vs. Hamzah Sheeraz (UK) – WBC Middleweight Title
Vergil Ortiz Jr. (USA) vs. Israil Madrimov (Uzbekistan) – WBC Interim Tremendous Welterweight Title
Zhilei Zhang (China) vs. Agit Kabayel (Germany) – WBC Interim Heavyweight Title
Joshua Buatsi (UK) vs. Callum Smith (UK) – WBO Interim Gentle Heavyweight Title
With an evening loaded with championship motion, all eyes will probably be on Riyadh as Beterbiev and Bivol settle their unfinished enterprise in a battle that might outline their legacies.
