On February 22, 2025, the boxing world will turn its gaze to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where a mega event promises to deliver an unforgettable night of fights. Turki Alalshikh, a prominent figure in sports promotion, has officially announced a stacked seven-fight card that features some of the biggest names in the sport, headlined by the highly anticipated rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol.
One of the greatest cards ever on February 22 in Riyadh 🥊🔥#BigTime#RiyadhSeason pic.twitter.com/4jQEowMXvD
— TURKI ALALSHIKH (@Turki_alalshikh) December 2, 2024
The Main Event: Beterbiev vs. Bivol 2
The main event showcases the rematch between Artur Beterbiev (21-0, 20 KOs), the undisputed light heavyweight champion, and Dmitry Bivol (23-1, 12 KOs). Their first encounter in October 2024 ended with a controversial majority decision in favor of Beterbiev, leaving many fans clamoring for a second bout to settle the score definitively. This rematch is not just about titles; it’s a clash of styles between two of boxing’s elite pound-for-pound fighters.
An Impressive Undercard
The fight card is brimming with talent and includes several title fights that could easily headline their own events. Among the highlights:
Shakur Stevenson vs. Floyd Schofield: Stevenson will defend his WBC lightweight title against rising star Schofield. Initially slated to face William Zepeda, Stevenson now faces a young contender who has shown resilience and skill in his recent bouts.
Vergil Ortiz Jr. vs. Israil Madrimov: Ortiz defends his WBC interim super welterweight title against Madrimov, who is looking to bounce back after a narrow loss to Terence Crawford. This matchup promises high stakes as both fighters aim to solidify their standings in a competitive division.
Zhilei Zhang vs. Agit Kabayel: This bout for the vacant interim WBC heavyweight title features Zhang, who aims to capitalize on his recent knockout victory over Deontay Wilder, against Kabayel, an undefeated fighter coming off significant wins against top contenders.
Joshua Buatsi vs. Callum Smith: In another intriguing matchup for the interim WBO light heavyweight title, Buatsi looks to extend his unbeaten streak against Smith, who is eager for redemption after a previous loss to Beterbiev.
Turki Alalshikh’s vision for this event goes beyond just the fights; he aims to elevate boxing’s profile globally. By pricing pay-per-view access at $25.99 in the U.S., he hopes to make this blockbuster event accessible to a wider audience while showcasing Saudi Arabia as a new hub for major boxing events. Alalshikh has stated his commitment to “make boxing great again,” and this card certainly reflects that ambition.
As February 22 approaches, excitement builds around what could be one of the most significant nights in recent boxing history. With high-stakes matchups and elite fighters taking center stage, fans are eager to see if Beterbiev can once again best Bivol or if the latter will reclaim his stature among boxing’s elite.
This event not only promises thrilling action but also signifies a pivotal moment for boxing as it seeks to engage a global audience and foster new talent. The stakes are high, and the world will be watching as Riyadh hosts what many are calling one of the greatest boxing cards ever assembled.
