By Olu Allen
Today, the boxing world turns its gaze to Riyadh for a spectacle billed as a potential “greatest card of all time.” At its heart lies the explosive rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, a clash dripping with legacy-defining stakes.
But the drama doesn’t stop there: a star-studded undercard, late substitutions, and British contenders hungry for glory threaten to steal the spotlight. Can Bivol avenge his sole career loss? Will rising stars like Hamzah Sheeraz cement their place among the elites? Buckle up—this is boxing at its most electrifying.
Main Event: A Legacy Forged in Fire
Unbeaten wrecking ball Artur Beterbiev (20-0, 20 KOs) defends his undisputed light-heavyweight crown against Dmitry Bivol (22-1, 11 KOs) in a sequel five years in the making. Their first encounter saw Bivol outboxed and outgunned, a rare blemish on his otherwise pristine résumé.
Now, the Russian technician vows revenge, but Beterbiev’s iron chin and 100% knockout rate loom large. “This isn’t just about titles,” analysts note. “It’s about whose name echoes through history.”
Co-Main Chaos: Bakole Steps Into the Breach
Late drama struck when Daniel Dubois withdrew due to illness, thrusting Martin Bakole (20-1, 15 KOs) into a high-risk showdown with Joseph Parker (34-3, 23 KOs). Bakole, a hulking replacement with dynamite in his fists, could derail Parker’s resurgence after the New Zealander’s stunning win over Deontay Wilder.
For Parker, this non-title bout is a golden chance to solidify heavyweight relevance—if he survives Bakole’s ambush.
Undercard Gems:
- Shakur Stevenson (21-0, 10 KOs)** defends his WBC lightweight title against late replacement Josh Padley (15-1, 4 KOs), who replaces the injured Schofield Jr. Can the Brit upset boxing’s defensive maestro?
- Carlos Adames (23-1, 18 KOs) risks his WBC middleweight strap against Hamzah Sheeraz (19-0, 15 KOs), the UK phenom chasing his first world crown in a career-defining test.
- Vergil Ortiz Jr. (20-0, 20 KOs) collides with Israil Madrimov (10-0-1, 7 KOs) in a light-middleweight thriller pitting relentless power against technical brilliance.
- Heavyweight Heat Chinese juggernaut Zhilei Zhang (26-2-1, 21 KOs) faces Agit Kabayel (24-0, 16 KOs), while Joshua Buatsi (18-0, 13 KOs) and Callum Smith (29-2, 21 KOs) battle in a light-heavyweight eliminator dripping with British bragging rights.
British Invasion:
All eyes are on Hamzah Sheeraz, whose meteoric rise faces its sternest test against Adames. Meanwhile, Josh Padley steps into a career-high opportunity against Stevenson, and domestic rivals Buatsi and Smith vie for a shot at the division’s elite.
“This card could redefine British boxing’s global standing,” insiders suggest.
Will Riyadh Rewrite Boxing Lore?
Can Bivol solve the Beterbiev puzzle? Will Sheeraz seize his moment under the Middle Eastern lights? And which heavyweight will emerge as the division’s dark horse? Questions abound, but one truth remains: February 22 isn’t just a fight night—it’s a collision of destiny. Don’t blink.
