Beterbiev Bivol 2 will take place for the the 2nd time with undisputed gold on the line February 22nd In Riyadh.
Beterbiev vs Bivol 2 will take place in Riyadh Saudi Arabia.
Bivol will look to return to the win column and capture back his belts after losing for the very first time against Beterbiev. Bivol lost the fight via a razor close decision. The Russian has had a stellar career going 23-1 beating the likes of Canelo and Gilberto Ramirez. Bivol will look to take down Beterbiev and avenge his only loss of his career.
Beterbiev on the other hand will attempt to make it 2-0 vs Bivol after being on the right side of the close first fight. The Canadian national has been a monster in his career knocking out 20 of his 21 opponents with Bivol being his first decision victory. Beterbiev has also had a unbelievable career and a almost equally good resume beating Callum Smith and Anthony Yarde.
The two will face off for all the belts at Light Heavyweight for the 2nd time in as many fights and will headline the bill.
Beterbiev Bivol 2 Undercard-
The undercard is just as stacked as the main event even overshadowing the headliner at times this week.
Joseph Parker and Martin Bakole is the new co headline after a chaotic last 48 hours saw Daniel Dubois ruled out with illness and Bakole step in on late notice.
Shakur Stevenson Vs Josh Padley received similar treatment after Floyd Schofield fell ill earlier in the week causing current full time electrician Padley to take off the work boots and put on the boxing gloves. They will now both face off for the WBC Lightweight title.
Carlos Adames will face off against Hamzah Sheeraz in a WBC Middleweight championship. Sheeraz destroyed Ammo Williams and Tyler Denny on route to a world title opportunity. Adames will be defending his full WBC title for the first time after previously fighting twice for the interim title.
World Championships All Around-
Vergil Ortiz Jr takes on Israil Madrimov in an interim WBC Welterweight fight. Ortiz is 22-0 with 21 knockout victories and will look to take another step into stardom by beating his Uzbekistan opponent. Madrimov will look to bounce back after giving some trouble to Terrance Crawford in a loss back in 2024. Both will have a eye on current champion Sebastian Fundora for a next bout.
Agit Kabayel enters the ring to take Zheili Zhang for a WBC interim title. Kabayel has been a boogeyman for the Heavyweight division beating Frank Sanchez and Arslanbek Makhmudov on his way to becoming 25-0. Zhang on the other side will try and contunioe his notorious ‘Big Bang Zhang’ nickname after brutally knocking out Deontay Wilder.
The OPENING bout for this card sees Callum Smith attempt to make his way back to the pinnacle of the Light Heavyweight division after losing to Beterbiev January last year. He takes on Josh Buatsi who has been on the hunt for his first world title shot beating Willy Hutchinson last time out on the Joshua Dubois undercard.
Beterbiev vs Bivol 2 Official Running Order-
Artur Beterbiev (21-0) Vs Demitry Bivol (23-1) WBC, WBO, WBA, IBF and Ring Magazine Light Heavyweight title- Bivol Via Majority Decision
Joseph Parker (35-3) Vs Martin Bakole (21-1) WBO ‘Interim’ World Heavyweight Title- Joseph Parker Via Knockout Round 2
Shakur Stevenson (22-0) Vs Josh Padley (15-0) WBC World Lightweight Title- Shakur Stevenson Via Corner Stoppage
Carlos Adames (24-1) Vs Hamzah Sheeraz (21-0) WBC World Middleweight Title- Ends Via Split Draw
Vergil Ortiz Jr (22-0) Vs Israil Madrimov (10-1-1) WBC ‘Interim’ World Super-Welterweight Title- Vergil Ortiz Jr Via Unanimous Decision
Zheili Zhang (27-2-1) Vs Agit Kabayel (25-0-0) WBC ‘Interim’ World Heavyweight Title- Agit Kabayel Via Technical Knockout In Round 6 (Body Shots)
Callum Smith (30-2) Vs Joshua Buatsi (19-0) WBO ‘Interim’ Light-Heavyweight Title- Callum Smith Via Unanimous Decision
Prelims Results-
Ziyad Almayoof Defeats Jontas de Oliveira Via Unanimous Decision
Mohamed Alkael Defeats Engel Gomes Via Unanimous Decision
Live Results-
Bivol Defeats Beterbiev Via Majority Decision-
Bivol Defeats Bivol Via Majority Decision. Exactly the same scores as the first in reverse. Both putting it on the line again, Beterbiev putting it on Bivol early winning the rounds but seemed to wain as it went on. Bivol traded really well throwing some brilliant combination punches which led to his victory.
Bivol says he was dealing with some injuries going into the using anti inflammatories all camp.
Beterbiev says its now his time to comeback but said it wasn’t his choice to take the 2nd fight but he said he will accept a 3rd.
Beterbiev refused to shake Bivol’s hand post fight.
114-114, 116-112 and 115-113.
Round 12-
Beterbiev keeps firing forward knowing he need this last round to keep it close. He has cut the eye of Bivol with Beterbiev putting his all into this final round.
Round 11-
The pace really getting to Beterbiev and Bivol’s combinations are the key to his success so far.
Round 10-
Beterbiev coming out with more pressure early in the round but seems to wain the further the round goes on. Bivol really put pressure on Beterbiev with his huge combinations.
Round 9-
Beterbiev came out this round looking to place pressure on Bivol but Bivol fires back with a combination. Bivol continues this work for the remainder of the round landing some great combinations.
Round 8-
Bivol starting to bring the pace landing a big right hook. Beterbiev seems to be feeling the pace of his early pressure.
Round 7-
The pace of the fight has slowed slightly with neither landing too much some good work from Bivol to end it off.
Round 6-
As the halfway hits there is nothing to separate the two in this round, Bivol with some of the cleaner shots countering with some great combinations but Beterbiev comes back with some big right hooks.
Round 5-
Beterbiev controlling the ring albeit without as much pressure as the last two rounds but Bivol caught Beterbiev with a big right hand backing him off. Beterbiev ended the round off with some great right hand shots.
Round 4-
Beterbiev starting to find a rhythm with his unwavering pressure, Bivol struggling this round to get any momentum. Beterbiev really looking to let the right hand go.
Round 3-
It’s heating up. Bivol excellent with his counter punch every time Beterbiev stops his pressure. Beterbiev catching a few power shots towards the end of the round.
Round 2-
Beterbiev starting the round fast pressuring Bivol with his jab. Tense affair starting to loosen up with both landing some decent shots. Combinations working well for Bivol but Beterbiev responding with his jab.
Round 1-
Both attempting to establish a lead hand but neither really landing nor taking control of the round but both staying within punching range of each other.
Joseph Parker Defeats Martin Bakole Via Knockout In Round 2-
Joseph Parker caught Bakole with a massive overhand right to the top of Bakole’s head. Bakole got up but was all over the place with his equilibrium gone, the corner and referee both on the same page ending the fight in the 2nd.
Joseph Parker needs to fight for a world title next after taking any and every challenge possible.
Respect to Bakole for taking this fight but his fitness and potential punch resistance was a massive issue causing his downfall.
Round 2-
Joseph Parker throws a killer overhand right hand stunning Martin Bakole causing him to crash to the ground and be counted out.
A lot more movement from both with the two trading in the pocket.
Round 1-
Bakole looks very slow, Parker takes advantage going to the body well and popping in and out of range. Bakole catches Parker with a right hand but just clips him with minimal damage.
Shakur Stevenson Defeats Josh Padley Via Corner Stoppage-
Josh Padley does himself and the English people proud fighting right to the end of the fight with his body just giving up on him. Hopefully Padley with his payday can go full time and really show what he’s made of. Padley’s stock has only risen due to this fight and we can hope one of the big promoters take note.
Stevenson did exactly what he needed to smashing Padley but the showboating after the fight was met with boos all around.
Shakur Stevenson couldn’t quite steal the show like expected unfortunately due to the late nature of Padley’s replacement.
Round 9-
Padley goes down to a body shot and bats the ground in frustration. Stevenson putting massive pressure on but Padley goes down again with another body shot. Looks like the end for Padley with his corner clear with intentions to pull him but Padley goes down for the third time and the towel goes in.
Round 8-
More and more combinations landed for Stevenson but Padley just won’t go away firing back shots.
Round 7-
Padley having some success in this round, probably his best, but Stevenson still teeing off the Englishman.
Round 6-
Again Padley hurt in the middle of the round but Padley fired back pushing Stevenson back and not letting the American have it easy.
Round 5-
Stevenson really putting the pressure on Padley hurting the Electrician at the end of the round but Padley threw back.
Round 4-
Padley boxing well but losing the early rounds here due to Stevensons speed but Padley hasn’t been completely blown away.
Round 3-
Shakur Stevenson cutting the ring off from Padley and going to work on Padley who is responding and not covering up. Padley had some success at the end of the round but got caught with a massive shot.
Round 2-
Stevenson starting to find a rhythm but Padley holding his own for now. Stevenson just looking a bit quicker and sharper.
Round 1-
Stevenson showing a sharper fight so far but Padley coming in a catching a little bit making it hard work for Stevenson.
Carlos Adames Vs Hamzah Sheeraz Ends Via Split Draw-
115-114- Sheeraz 118-110- Adames 114-114- Draw
Sheeraz manages a draw after most saw the fight going to Carlos Adames, very split across the judges but a hard fight to score. Seemed like Sheeraz cruised the first 6 rounds but Adames took over for the remainder of the fight. Very close fight ending in a Draw Decision.
Round 12-
Adames showing real champion mentality not resting on his great last few rounds really coming out to finish Sheeraz. Despite Sheeraz catching Adames strong it looks like Adames will retain.
Round 11-
A better round from Sheeraz but not throwing the power shots which could be need but in the final 40 seconds Sheeraz catches Adames with some big headshots with his right hand.
Sheeraz’s corner says a knockout is what he needs to become world champion.
Round 10-
Adames does exactly what he’s done for the previous 4/5 rounds keeping his shots clean and avoiding Sheeraz who’s hesitant to let his hands go.
Sheeraz corner “this is what champions are made of” urging Sheeraz to throw.
Round 9-
Adames throws low to Sheeraz and is warned by the referee but has had success with many body shots. Frank Warren has moved from his seat and is screaming at the corner of Sheeraz to throw the uppercut.
Round 8-
Adames catches Sheeraz with a big overhand right pushing the Essex man back. Sheeraz snaps Adames head back but Adames with no reaction keeping his forward movement.
Round 7-
Adames gaining confidence over the last few rounds which has seemed to put a stop to Sheeraz’s early dominance. Adames slipping shots well and catching the body.
Round 6-
Sheeraz opting to trade with Adames but hasn’t thrown his hands as much as he could. Adames landing to the body well.
Round 5-
Adames starting to put the pace on Sheeraz but looks a bit impatient opening some chances for Sheeraz. End of the round sees Sheeraz really fire and open up but with little success.
Round 4-
Sheeraz now starting to let his hands go a bit more catching Adames with some right straight shots. Sheeraz very patient and economical with his shots.
Round 3-
Both with a rather unassuming round neither landing much. Hard round to score. The jab being used to keep Adames at distance.
Round 2-
Adames the obvious aggressor following Sheeraz around the ring but Hamzah really finding the head of Adames with his jab.
Round 1-
Rather quiet in the first Sheeraz establishing his jab on Adames. Both look like they have cement like power in there hands coming out with some heavy shots but none landing clean.
Vergil Ortiz Jr Defeats Israil Madrimov Via Unanimous Decision
117-111, 115-113 x2
Vergil Ortiz Jr has beaten Israil Madrimov Via Unanimous Decision. Ortiz looks very powerful and the judges thought his power shots were better than Israil Madrimov’s tempo. Both put on a great show and wouldn’t be against seeing Madrimov in another top contender fight.
Round 12-
Both exchanging some really powerful shots when in the pocket. Not much to separate the two but Israil Madrimov gets warned again for leading with his head.
Madrimov catches Ortiz with some great right hand shots but the last round bell rings and we go to the score cards.
Round 11-
Both come straight to the centre of the ring and exchanging some massive shots. Ortiz looking for a stoppage finish but Madrimov holding on knowing he needs something massive to win this fight.
Madrimov having a lot more success catching Ortiz with a huge left hook. Final round could be a decisive one after a huge round from Israil Madrimov.
Round 10-
Ortiz has smelled blood finding some massive combinations starting with the big body shots. Ortiz really showing his power and size but Madrimov firing back but leaving himself vulnerable.
Madrimov gets another talking too threatening a point deduction.
Round 9-
Ortiz starting to unload when he can get Madrimov into the corners and the fists of fury are really starting to show. Madrimov can’t seem to get back to the movement which has caused his success. Some huge body shots to end the round for Ortiz.
Round 8-
Both opening up at times but neither able to land anything clean. A very uncomfortable round which both fighters struggling to find success.
Round 7-
Ortiz really starting to put the pressure on with the jab landing consistently. Madrimov attempting to get back to the movement which won him the earlier rounds.
Round 6-
Ortiz catches Madrimov with a big body shot which takes the wind out of Madrimov for a second. Israil getting a talking to about throwing the shoulder at Ortiz. Ortiz starting to get into his rhythm pinning the Uzbekistan man.
Round 5-
Both starting to open up and trade shots. Ortiz getting the better of Madrimov when they stand and trade but blood starting to trickle from the nose of Ortiz. The uppercut seems to be working for the Texan.
Round 4-
Better work from Vergil Ortiz really starting to get behind his jab well but Madrimov’s movement still causing issues throughout.
Round 3-
Similar round again Madrimov keeps Ortiz at bay keeping his movement up.
Round 2-
Madrimov really sticking to a great game plan nullifying anything Ortiz has. Ortiz really needs to cut the ring off and try corner Madrimov.
Round 1-
Very chess like with Madrimov moving around Ortiz avoiding any heavy shots but neither landing much.
Agit Kabayel Beats Zheili Zhang Via Technical Knockout In Round 6-
Round 6-
Agit Kabayel Beats Zhang Via Technical Knockout with some giant body shots causing Zhang to be counted out.
Kabayel hurts Zhang with some heavy body shots almost knocking down the giant Chinese Heavyweight. Zhang then hit back with some massive shots reminding Kabayel of his power.
Round 5-
Zhang knocks down Kabayel out of nowhere after the German walked onto a huge counter left hook from Zhang. Dominance from Kabayel up until that knockdown and despite Zhang looking tired his hands look lighting fast.
Round 4-
Another great round from Kabayel who seems to be taking out the energy from Zhang leaving him to take short shots not using his superior length. Kabayel using body shots really well and slowly starting to take to the head.
Round 3-
Kabayel really finding the body well annoying the massive Zhang who has had trouble with his gas tank before.
Round 2-
Great body work from Kabayel but Zhang cashing the biggest shots but both putting a strong pace on at the moment.
Round 1-
Zhang starts the fight really well imposing his size advantage over Kabayel and using some quick hands to catch Kabayel in the body and head.
Callum Smith Defeats Josh Buatsi Via Unanimous Decision
Scorecards- 119-110, 115-113, 116-112
WHAT A FIGHT ! The card starts with an absolute banger, Both Buatsi and Smith have put on a potential fight of the night performance with a great back and forth 12 round war.
No matter the result both fighters will be proud and in a great position for the future.
Round 12-
Smith catches Buatsi early with a huge hook but Josh Buatsi has kept coming forward. This fight has really been a battle. Buatsi came back with similar shots causing his own mouthpiece to dislodge. Both going back and forth with their own massive shots right until the end.
Round 11-
Buatsi puts it on Smith with a huge right hook backing Smith up and hurting him. Buatsi really coming back into this fight.
Round 10-
A bit more of a 50/50 round both finding success in matches. Buatsi caught Smith with a huge uppercut and body shot putting Smith onto the ropes, Smith then fires back off the ropes with a huge right hook.
Chris Mannix has it 95-95 in going into round 11.
Round 9-
Smith really put the pressure on with some great shots and catches Buatsi with a huge right hand twice but can’t follow up due to the pace of the fight. Buatsi showing a lot with the jab but can’t keep up with Smith. Buatsi trainer Vergil Hunter says you need a knockout to win this fight.
Round 8-
Buatsi ends the round with a combination snapping the head of Smith back but Smith finding the cleaner shots.
Round 7-
Both seem to be feeling the pace taking the round slower but still catching each other.
At the Half Way Point-
Smith seems to be leading and warming up a lot with some great shots to the body but Buatsi has had success mostly when punching with Smith. Round number 6 saw Buatsi hurt badly but Smith couldn’t finish him despite throwing the kitchen sink at him and Buatsi caught Smith at the end of the round rocking him.
58-56 from Chris Mannix.
Official Result Mohamed Alkael Defeats Engel Gomes Via Unanimous Decision-
Alkael dominated with some very strong sharpshooting shots which led to his eventual victory via Unanimous decisions.
Official Result Ziyad Almayoof Defeats Jontas de Oliveira Via Unanimous Decision-
Almayoof wins a complete dominant decision against Oliveira showing much improvement since his last bout which ended in draw.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
