Turki Alalshikh the new godfather of boxing has once again put together a fantastic card. As usual, the card will be taking place in Saudi Arabia as part of Riyadh season and will take place February 22nd 2025 and is something. The card is being headlined by Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol who will be rematching after their close-fought contest for undisputed. In the co-main event, young lion Daniel Dubois looking to defend his IBF crown against contender Joseph Parker. The undercard is also looking great with many high-level fights between elite fighters.
Beterbiev vs Bivol 2
After claiming undisputed in his last fight Artur Beterbiev will now defend that status in a rematch against Dmitry Bivol. The first fight was a very competitive and tight-knit affair deserving of a rematch. Beterbiev would consistently outwork Bivol throwing more shots and landing more shots. However, Bivol would defend very well taking most of the shots on the gloves. Bivol would land flurries of quality shots. Typically most rounds Bivol would start strong however as the round went on Beterbiev would have more success.
That was also the story of the fight where Beterbiev would have more success as the fight went on Bivol struggled with the pressure. Ultimately Beterbiev got the decision but there is also a good argument for Bivol winning the fight. Many fans believe Bivol won however to claim robbery would be an overstatement. As a result, this rematch is highly warranted to hopefully have a more decisive winner.
Dubois vs Parker
For the 2nd time in a row, Daniel Dubois will be headlining a Saudi show and his 3rd time fighting on a Saudi show. Previously, Dubois regained his mojo by withstanding the pressure of Jarrell Miller knocking him out in round 10. Dubois would then stop Filip Hrgovic in 8 rounds for the interim IBF belt. And then most notably he would be elevated to champion and demolish Anthony Joshua in 5 rounds. To say Dubois has been in good form would be an understatement he has had an excellent run.
Following his emphatic win over Joshua many expected a rematch with Eddie Hearn making it clear a rematch clause was in the contract. However, it would seem as if Team Joshua has opted out of the rematch which makes sense. Instead, Dubois will face Joseph Parker a former world champion and a contender who has been on a great run. Parker has secured decision wins over former champion Deontay Wilder and fellow impressive contender Zhilei Zhang.
Parker is a very interesting test for the new champion being a skilled technician who can crack. Although Parker is not as skilled or quick as someone like Usyk he does have the ability to give Dubois problems. And vice versa this new confident Dubois can give Parker a lot of problems with his athleticism, power, and that piston-like jab. Whoever wins will have big things ahead with a potential fight against the Usyk vs Fury winner. Or the winner may end up facing boogeyman Martin Bakole. Bakole will likely be fighting in an IBF final eliminator against Efe Ajagba. Zhang and Kabayel were ordered to fight him but declined. Bakole can give Dubois, Parker and the whole division problems.
Beterbiev vs Bivol Undercard
Not only do we have Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol 2 and Daniel Dubois vs Joseph Parker but also an excellent undercard. For chief support will be a middleweight title clash between WBC champion Carlos Adames and defending contender Hamzah Sheeraz. Adames has been a decent champion with a rough and rugged style but this is Sheeraz’s moment to shine. Sheeraz has gone through a tear in the division with his size and power having the ability to fight both at close and long range. He has been causing problems for a while and will now get his shot at a world title.
Interestingly Sheeraz has the opportunity to fight unified champion Janibek Alimkhanuly as he was his mandatory. However, it would seem Sheeraz opted for the easier fight against Adames. Not to say Adames is easy money however he is not the same challenge Alimkhanuly is. The winner of this bout likely will face Alimkhanuly or Erislandy Lara the current WBA champion.
Another WBC world title fight is taking place at 135lbs between Shakur Stevenson and Floyd Schofield. Stevenson is a backfoot counterpuncher who although isn’t the most entertaining to watch finds ways to win. And his opponent is the up-and-coming Schofield an undefeated contender. This is by far the least compelling match-up on the card.
Interim Belt Central
Another excellent heavyweight clash is happening on this card between Zhilei Zhang and Agit Kabayel. This bout will be for the WBC interim title meaning the winner will be mandatory for the WBC belt. Both men have only recently made names for themselves. Zhang has shown himself to be a sharpshooting southpaw with massive power and Kabayel an excellent body puncher. This fight is guaranteed fireworks and someone will be finished.
This card also contains another fight for an interim WBC belt in the super welterweight division. Former 147lb Vergil Ortiz Jr will fight former 154lb champion Israil Madrimov. Ortiz is known for his aggressive front-foot pressure style and vicious body shots. Meanwhile, Madrimov is known as a master technician who gave Terence Crawford a run for his money. Madrimov was meant to fight Serhii Bohachuk on the Usyk vs Fury card however had to pull out due to issues relating to bronchitis. Ortiz has been on the comeback trail after coming back from major health issues and looks to establish his name in a new division.
Last but not least is another interim title fight however is for the WBO interim belt at 175lbs. Joshua Buatsi will fight Callum Smith with the winner of this fight becoming mandatory for the WBO title of the winner of Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol. Buatsi is a refined power puncher who in recent times has looked to improve his boxing skills. Smith is a former 168lb champion and is a long-range fighter but has a nasty left hook.
Overall this looks to be another excellent card and we will look forward to watching it come fight night.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
