On Saturday, February 22, Riyadh will host a boxing event that is unique in its dimensions. Never before has a fight card been put together with such a large number of top-class fights.
A total of seven world-class duels will be held at the Kingdom Arena next Saturday – four world championship fights and three interim world championship fights. Saudi boxing impresario Turki Al-Sheikh has put together a fight card that has the potential to go down in the annals of boxing as the best in history.
Beterbiev vs. Bivol II – The ultimate rematch
The highlight of the evening is the eagerly awaited unification rematch between Artur Beterbiev (21-0) and Dmitry Bivol (23-1). After Beterbiev won the first duel by a close and controversial points decision, Bivol returns with the aim of regaining his world titles. Both fighters are among the best of their generation, with Bivol regarded as a technically brilliant boxer, while Beterbiev impresses with unrelenting pressure and knockout power. We have checked out who has the edge in this duel in a detailed analysis !
IBF World Heavyweight Championship: Dubois vs. Parker
Although a heavyweight world title is at stake, the fight between Daniel Dubois (22-2) and Joseph Parker (35-3) is not even the main event – a sign of the exceptional depth of the fight card. Dubois, who fought his way back from setbacks against Joe Joyce and Oleksandr Usyk and most recently won the IBF world title against compatriot Anthony Joshua, meets the in-form Parker, who revitalized his career with wins over Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang. Dubois’ uncompromising offense meets Parker’s tactical cleverness – a fight that has everything it takes to be a heavyweight thriller.
WBC Middleweight World Championship: Adames vs. Sheeraz
Another highlight is the WBC middleweight world championship between Carlos Adames (24-1) and Hamzah Sheeraz (21-0). While Adames is known for his aggressive fighting style, Sheeraz impresses with his exceptional physicality and precision. At 1.91 meters, the Englishman has a considerable superior reach, which could give him a strategic advantage. A real touchstone for both fighters – and possibly the breakthrough for Sheeraz as an upcoming superstar.
Ortiz Jr. vs. Madrimov: Interim World Championship in the semis
Vergil Ortiz Jr. (22-0) and Israil Madrimov (10-1-1) will face each other for the WBC interim title in the middleweight division. Ortiz Jr, a hard-hitting pressure fighter, is looking to finally establish himself as a future world champion after a controversial points win over Serhii Bohachuk. Madrimov, on the other hand, has already proven against Terence Crawford that he is technically one of the best. This fight promises to be a spectacle, as neither fighter is afraid to go into an open exchange of blows.
Kabayel vs. Zhang: The big test for the “Liver King”
From a German perspective, the main focus is on Agit Kabayel (25-0), who fights for the WBC interim heavyweight title against the powerful Zhilei Zhang (27-2-1). Kabayel qualified as a mandatory challenger for Usyk with his win over Frank Sanchez, but instead of waiting, he is taking another big risk. In Zhang he faces a dangerous colossus in the limit whose knockout power is undisputed. But at 41, the Chinese fighter’s stamina could become Kabayel’s advantage. A victory would finally establish the German as a legitimate world championship contender.
Buatsi vs. Smith: British boxing duel to kick things off
The main card opens with the fight for the WBO interim light heavyweight title between Joshua Buatsi (19-0) and Callum Smith (30-2). While Buatsi is regarded as a great talent, Smith has already paid his dues against Canelo Alvarez and Artur Beterbiev. For Buatsi, a win could pave the way to a world title fight – for Smith, a defeat would be a major setback and perhaps even the end of his career.
Replacement opponent for WBC champ Shakur Stevenson
Shakur Stevenson (22-0) was actually supposed to defend his WBC lightweight title against Floyd Schofield. However, Schofield had to cancel due to illness, so a replacement opponent was sought at short notice. Among the possible names circulating are Moussa Gholam (22-1) and Josh Padley (15-0). Stevenson is known for his defensive style, which does not always go down well with the fans. Whether his replacement opponent can deliver a more exciting fight remains to be seen.
Text by Robin Josten