For the past decade, Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol was hailed as the greatest fight boxing had to offer. In October, the two pound-for-pound elites finally collided in a showcase of the sport at the highest level, with Beterbiev edging out Bivol by majority decision to become the Undisputed Light Heavyweight champion.
Now, just 133 days later, the rivalry reignites in Riyadh as they meet once again with all the gold at 175lbs on the line once more. And the undercard? Simply put – it’s the greatest of all time.
Since 2023, when Turki Alalshikh and Riyadh Season began their quest into boxing, the sport has been well and truly revitalized. Thanks to substantial economic might, Saudi investment has seen super fights that had long alluded fans, finally come to fruition.
But this February 22nd card has taken matters to new heights! Tonight, the biggest boxing event of a generation takes place at the Kingdom Arena, Saudi Arabia! As legendary MC, Michael Buffer put it at Friday’s weigh-in – this is, “considered to be, from top to bottom, one of the greatest cards – if not the greatest card in the history of the sport!”
Is it the best card of all time?
Is it the best card of all time?
“There isn’t a fight on the card that wouldn’t headline its own event, in any market!”
Promoter, Eddie Hearn
Certainly, in my lifetime! Although pundits have made reference to Don King’s mega cards in the late 80s and 90s, when you really analyse them… Firstly from top to bottom they weren’t as deep as what we have here, also while there were some iconic names on display; some of these fighters were still on their journey to stardom – not at the time the legendary names that they would go on to become, and even if they were a big name – their opponent tended to be lesser known.
However, today, we have at least five genuine 50/50 fights; involving some of the biggest names in the sport today! When speaking on the magnitude of this event, Promoter, Eddie Hearn said, “There isn’t a fight on the card that wouldn’t headline its own event, in any market!”
Although, regrettably, the distinct lack of Women’s bouts has been an unfortunate trend and one of the few criticisms of Riyadh season. Sadly – this hasn’t changed for this card. With an event of such scale and exposure, it is such a shame that there is no fight to display the sizable contribution and talents that female fighters bring to the sport.
But if you’re new to the sport, then make sure to stay tuned for a world championship night of boxing, just around the corner on March 7th, for an All-Women’s Boxing event at the Royal Albert Hall – headlined by Natasha Jonas vs. Lauran Price in a unification bout for the WBC, WBA , IBF and Ring Magazine Welterweight titles.
Fight week drama…
Fight week drama…
We can never have nice things in Boxing! As always, it’s not only in the ring that drama ensues, and this fight week has been no exception. The card fans were expecting on Monday is not the one they’ll see on fight night…
On Tuesday, WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson lost his opponent, Floyd Schofield, after illness forced him to withdraw from their all-American clash. This was the only fight with a consensus favorite, in Stevenson, so as disappointing as the news was – it didn’t upset fans too much.
But just two days later, lightning struck twice, as news broke that IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois was ruled out of his highly anticipated co-main event against Joseph Parker, again through illness. The phrase on everyone’s lips? “It was always too good to be true.”
Yet, on both occasions Turki Alalshikh picked up the phone, and to the rescue came #12 WBC ranked contender Josh Padley for Shakur Stevenson, and for Joseph Parker… ‘the most avoided man in the heavyweight division’- Martin Bakole!
Ultimately, the card has fallen from a 10/10 to a 9.9/10!
Let’s break it all down here:
“The Best Fight in Boxing: The Sequel”
“The Best Fight in Boxing: The Sequel”
Artur Beterbiev (21-0 20KO) vs. Dimitri Bivol (23-1 12KO)2 – Undisputed World Light Heavyweight Championship
Could there be a more befitting fight to headline such a card?
Number #1 and #2 in the Light Heavyweight division; two of the top 8 pound for pound boxers on the planet squaring off once more for supremacy at 175lbs.
This fight is a perfect dichotomy of power versus precision. But for me, what separates the two is the fact that whilst Bivol is probably the more masterful ‘pure boxer’, the disparity in skill is not as great as the disparity in power between the two, which is the advantage Beterbiev has over Bivol. To spell it out, Beterbiev is closer to being as good of a boxer as Bivol, than Bivol is to being as devastating a puncher as Beterbiev. And I believe it was Bivol’s fixation on negating Beterbiev’s punch power that was a dictating factor in how the first fight played out. Bivol absolutely fought a great fight, built on the foundations of lateral movement in order to prevent Beterbiev from setting his feet to throw power shots. Consequently, in the opening half of the fight, Beterbiev did start the contest slowly and Bivol boxed himself into a good lead. The best moments and technique came from Bivol; however, the 34-year-old couldn’t maintain it through twelve rounds and as Bivol’s output massively decreased, his best work was reduced to 30 second spurts.
After six rounds, Beterbiev had won no more than two rounds but going into the second half, he warmed into the fight. He began to frequently steal rounds by shading the final minute. Critically, Beterbiev decisively won the championship rounds (ten, eleven and twelve), which for me won him the fight by two rounds.
Ultimately, I think Bivol aimed to start fast to bank rounds on the scorecards and then survive to a decision victory. Rounds like Round 11 validate this idea, as he quite clearly took the round off, which indicated to me that he thought he had already bagged enough rounds to win the fight – and in fairness there’s a whole heap of people who would agree; thinking Bivol had done enough to win a decision. It was an ultracompetitive, close fight but for me Beterbiev deservedly got the nod.
On the cards, it was 114-114 and then 115-113, 116-112 both in favor of Beterbiev. With that, Bivol was the first opponent in Beterbiev’s 21 fight professional career to hear the final bell, which speaks to the caliber of Bivol.
Critically, despite being 40 years of age, this time around Beterbiev will be much closer to 100%, considering the bout in October came only five months after reconstructive knee surgery – that forced him to pull out of their initial June date. Thus, as opposed to easing himself into the fight, I expect Beterbiev to make a much quicker start and find it much easier to cut off the ring to prevent Bivol from finding his rhythm as quickly as he did last time.
For Bivol, if the same game plan can maintain its level for just a few more rounds it could very feasibly see him win a decision. But fresh off the back of his first professional defeat and being his first time as a challenger in ten years, Bivol’s tone in the build-up to this fight leads me to believe that the 34-year-old is going to make some subtle but impactful adjustments. He’s spoken about “taking more risks” and getting “revenge”, which could see him look to be more assertive with his lead hand and to be more willing to fight fire with against Beterbiev. Whilst I have no doubt that these will be educated risks taken by Bivol, I believe over the cause of 36 minutes, that he will leave himself open to Beterbiev – ultimately suffering a stoppage defeat in the later rounds, after potentially being up in the fight.
Prediction: Beterbiev by stoppage – Rounds 8 to 12
“Risk vs Risk: Parker Accepts the Boogeyman, Bakole Answers the Call”
“Risk vs Risk: Parker Accepts the Boogeyman, Bakole Answers the Call”
Joseph Parker (35-3 23KO) vs. Martin Bakole (21-1 16KO) – WBO Interim Heavyweight Championship
It’s a funny old game, boxing!
From the moment Dubois pulled out of the fight, before Thursday’s press conference. It would’ve been very easy for Joseph Parker to have then dropped down the card to fight someone below his level or not fight entirely. After all, the New Zealander was just two days away from fighting for the world championship; having worked his way back to a mandatory position, 7 years after losing his WBO strap to Anthony Joshua. Yet, on Saturday night, he now risks his mandatory position to fight the ‘most avoided’ boxer in the sport, Martin Bakole – dubbed the ‘second coming of George Foreman’.
When news first broke about Dubois falling ill, the first person to take to social media was Bakole’s trainer, Billy Nelson. “We have instructed our promoter to tell the appropriate people that @MartinBakole01 is ready to fly to Saudi Arabia to fight Joseph Parker, no problem whatsoever!”
In a matter of hours, the fight was made!
There is every chance that Bakole could do the unthinkable.
UK broadcasters promoted this card as a dual headline – with heavy emphasis on world champion Brit- Dubois, but fans shouldn’t now turn their heads. This fight is equally intriguing.
Styles make fights, and the way Joe Joyce stopped Parker back in 2022 will instill Bakole with confidence that he could do the same. Bakole is a vicious puncher, who puts his shots together incredibly well for such a big man. In his last outing Bakole defeated American prospect Jared Anderson in a one-sided, five round beatdown. Other wins on his resume include the likes of former Olympic gold medalist Tony Yoka and veteran Carlos Takam.
As impressive as Bakole has looked, a lot of the hype surrounding him is predicated on sparring stories; in reality his record lacks evidence of a world-class name. Bakole has struggled to secure big fights, largely because he is a huge risk with little reward for the much bigger names in the division. But Anderson was a high-profile win and since the rhetoric has amplified about Bakole being the most avoided man in the division and there are some, who go as far as saying the African may even be the best heavy weight in the world.
But ultimately, Bakole is untested as the elite level. And in the 3 years since losing to Joyce, Parker comes into this contest as arguably the most form man in the division. Whatsmore, Bakole is not indestructible. The Congolese did suffer a stoppage defeat to Michael Hunter, albeit back in 2018.
On a full training camp, Bakole would probably have started as the favorite in the fight. Yet, as Parker weighed in a career-highest 267lbs, Bakole was still travelling from his native, The Democratic Republic of Congo. Only unofficially weighing in late during the early hours of the morning at a staggering and likewise career-heaviest 315lbs, 48lbs heavier than Parker.
Against Anderson, Bakole weighed in a monstrous 284.5lbs. So, now 30.5lbs heavier, it is impossible to imagine Bakole is anywhere near fighting fit. However, Bakole was scheduled to fight Nigerian, Efe Ajagba in an IBF final eliminator on the first Ring Magazine USA card coming up in May. But it is unlikely that his preparations for that bout had begun. Regardless, since landing in Riyadh Bakole has vowed to“ shock the world!” claiming that “I will knock him [Parker]out!”
Smart money is probably on Parker to negate Bakole’s efforts to stop him early and go on to wear the 33-year-old down to late stoppage or points victory. Parker is fresh off the back of a full-training camp, likely bringing to the ring a certain sharpness that a potentially jet-lagged Bakole won’t be able to match on two days’ notice.
Nonetheless, I expect this fight to be full of drama, especially in the opening half of the fight, there is every chance that Bakole could do the unthinkable. I’ll even go as far to predict that Bakole will hurt Parker within the opening four rounds. Parker canf be hurt, he’s been dropped and stopped in his career, and I give the African the opening six rounds to get Parker out of there. Neither man will walk in completely blind as the pair are somewhat familiar with each other considering they sparred before.
Regardless, both fighters deserve huge amounts of credit for taking the fight on such short notice. Whatever happens, the result will have significant ramifications for the title picture in the heavyweight division.
Prediction: Parker by late stoppage or Unanimous Decision
Domestic dust-up at 175lbs
Domestic dust-up at 175lbs
Joshua Buatsi (19-0 13KO) vs. Callum Smith (30-2 22KO) – WBO Interim Light Heavyweight Championship
The fact that this bout is opening the card says everything about the depth of this fight card.
Joshua Buatsi was a highly touted amateur, a part of the illustrious GB set up. In 2016, Buatsi medaled with a Bronze at the Rio Olympics. Big things were expected when he stepped up to the pro ranks. But now at 31, promotional disputes and inactivity have prevented Buatsi from making the mark that both his talent and potential would expect. He remains undefeated but his best wins have come only at domestic level against Craig Richards, Dan Azeez and most recently against Willy Hutchinson. And while this is yet another domestic affair, Callum Smith (at least on paper) will be by far the best opponent Buatsi has faced thus far.
But for me, the big question going into this fight is, which version of Callum Smith are we going to get? Smith was formerly the WBA and Ring Magazine world champion at 168lbs; holding a victory over former champion Geroge Groves in the World Boxing Super Series final. The 34-year-old is also a fighter with pedigree; possessing a good ability to box and punch.
Smith does have two defeats, both by stoppage, but they came at the highest level: Canelo at Super Middleweight and then to Beterbiev when he stepped up to 175lbs.
Certainly, I think there is a path to victory for Smith, Buatsi has showed he is very hittable, and Smith possesses thunderous punching power. But I question how much ‘want’ the Liverpudlian still has if the fight gets grueling. Buatsi is a skilled boxer but loves to brawl and has a strong chin that allows him to do so. Smith has already been to the pinnacle of the sport and Buatsi is a younger fighter still on the ascension to world honors.
Ultimately, the momentum and trajectory do lie with Buatsi and I fancy him to outwork Smith to a decision, but I think Smith will cause him problems to begin with.
Although there is a chance that the winner could go on to face the winner of the main event, I believe it is more likely that we’ll see them in a ‘best in Britain’ bout against Anthony Yarde.
Prediction: Buatsi via Unanimous Decision
Pound for Pound Great on Display
Pound for Pound Great on Display
Shakur Stevenson (22-0 10KO) vs. Josh Padley (15-0 4KO)
WBC World Lightweight Championship
An Electrician from Doncaster is fighting the best lightweight in the world. Yes, you read that correctly. On Tuesday, Josh Padley was fitting solar panels in Sheffield when he got the call to step in and fight Shakur Stevenson for the WBC World Lightweight Championship.
Padley secured an upset victory over Mark Chamberlin on September 21, which has now earned him an opportunity to cause what would be one of the biggest upsets in recent history.
However, there isn’t a fighter in the world – except Tank Davis- that I would pick to beat Stevenson. Padley is a decent fighter but his boxing IQ is nowhere near comparable to that of Stevenson. Unfortunately for Padley, he also doesn’t possess the punching power to level the disparity in skill, with only 4 stoppage victories to his name.
At only 27, Stevenson is already a three-weight world champion, and he was quick to refute any suggestions that such a late replacement could cause him any problems, “In the amateurs you fight any and everybody, on different days. This is nothing new for me!”
Hailing from Newark, New Jersey, Stevenson already has a high-profile Stateside, but the blockbuster fights have evaded him thus far. His new promotional deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom hopes to change that and brings him to Saudi Arabia on a global stage. Steveson will be eager to out to put on a show and beckon the big names in his division.
Padley has taken this fight with “everything to gain” , but it’s a huge ask to upset a pound for pound star. I think he’ll get thoroughly outclassed but show a noble account of himself to take Stevenson – who isn’t known for his knockout power – to the final bell.
Prediction: Stevenson via Unanimous decision
King in the Making: Britain’s Star Goes for Gold
King in the Making: Britain’s Star Goes for Gold
Carlos Adames (24-1 18KO) vs. Hamzah Sheeraz (21-0 17KO) – WBC Middleweight Championship
Since its inception, Hamzah Sheeraz has been one of the poster boys of Riyadh season. At just 25, the Brit has every quality needed to become a superstar in the sport. However, be under no allusion. This is a tougher task than what I feel is being suggested by some. Champion Carlos Adames is by far the highest-level operator Sheeraz has come up against.
However, Sheeraz has matured massively since his controversial win against Bradley Skeete. The Londoner is on a 15 fight KO streak but as impressive as the he has been, the disparity between Sheeraz’s best wins and the level of Adames is apparent.
Even for those in the industry, Adames is somewhat of an unknown quantity. The Dominican brings an aggressive and explosive style to the ring. Interestingly, this will be Adames’ first fight outside of US or his native, the Dominican Republic, whereas Sheeraz has fought in Riyadh multiple times now. Further, at 6’3, Adames has equally never faced someone like Sheeraz. The Brit is massive at the middleweight limit of 160lbs and he appeared to make the weight comfortably.
Sheeraz pairs big punching ability with a great boxing brain, capable of fighting on the inside and at range. A susceptibility in this bout could be his tendency to get caught by Adames’ straight left. But I am inclined to be a part of the Sheeraz hype train, and I believe he will have enough tools to dethrone Adames. He may even force the knockout if the Dominican gets overly aggressive.
Undoutably, Sheeraz is absolutely the truth if he manages to come through here, but it’s certainly not a given.
Prediction: Sheeraz via Unanimous decision or late stoppage
The Definition of a 50/50
The Definition of a 50/50
Vergil Ortiz Jr (23-0 22KO) vs. Israil Madrimov (10-1-1 7KO) – WBC Interim Welterweight Championship
This is a lot of people’s prediction for fight of the night. Honestly, it’s a true ‘pick’em’ fight. In August, Madrimov looked excellent in defeat to arguably the pound for pound king in Terence Crawford, some even had him winning the contest.
In the other corner, Vergil Ortiz Jr is one of the biggest prospects coming out of the US; undefeated in his 23 bouts with a remarkable 22 wins coming by stoppage. But it was in his last fight against Serhii Bohachuk, where defensive frailties were perhaps exposed. Ortiz Jr was dropped twice but battled through to a decision victory.
I’m cautioisly taking Madrimov on the basis that he looked better in defeat than Ortiz Jr did in victory, and while Bohacuhuk is no slouch, I believe that contest showed that Mardimov could be slightly too multifaceted for Ortiz Jr.
Prediction: Madrimov via Majority Decision
Heavyweight Battle for a Title Shot
Zhilei Zhang (27-1-2 22KO) vs. Agit Kabayel (25-0 17KO)- Vacant WBC Interim Heavyweight Championship
Another bout that has divided the boxing fraternity. Although it is somewhat black and white. The longer the fight goes, the more I favour Agit Kabayel. But whether the German can take the fight to the later rounds, is another question.
Zhang is known as ‘Big Bang’ for a reason, the 6’6 giant is arguably, the hardest hitting fighter in the division. Furthermore, at the weigh in, Zhang came in 46lbs heavier than Kabayel.
In recent times, Zhang put a thunderous end to the rise of Joe Joyce, stopping the Brit twice and in devastating fashion in the rematch back in September of 2023. In his last fight, Zhang knocked out former WBC King Deontay Wilder in the 5th round, with his signature southpaw right hook. However, in between the Joyce and Wilder victories. Zhang lost a majority decision to Joseph Parker in March 2024 despite dropping the Kiwi twice. Very clearly, Zhang’s biggest weakness is his engine, now 41, he frequently slows as the fights go on.
With that being said, Kabayel is on an impressive run of victories, against previously unbeaten fighters Arslanbek Makhmudov and Frank Sanchez, two bouts the German went into as the underdog. On both occasions, Kabayel produced relentless output, constantly on the chest of his opponent, slowly and methodically breaking them down to the body and the head.
If Kabayel can evade Zhang’s ‘Chinese power’ for the opening half of the fight, I would fancy Kabayel’s work rate and body onslaughts to wear the 41-year-old down.
Prediction: Kabayel via Unanimous Decision or late stoppage
