Beterbiev vs. Bivol 2: Main Card Bouts Ranked
Read Time:6 Minute, 5 Second
The greatest boxing event ever assembled goes down on February 22nd inside Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The highly-anticipated rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol for the undisputed light heavyweight world title headlines the card. It also features massive names like Shakur Stevenson, Vergil Ortiz Jr., Zhilei Zhang, and many other championship-level fighters.
1. Undisputed Light Heavyweight Title
Artur Beterbiev (C) vs. Dmitry Bivol 2
This is easily the best fight on this illustrious card. The world’s best light heavyweights, Artur Beterbiev (21-0-0) and Dmitry Bivol (23-1-0), ignite a rematch for undisputed status. The two entered the initial meeting as undefeated champions. However, Beterbiev received the nod on the judges’ scorecards via majority decision (114-114, 115-113, 116-112).
Fans can expect a similar showing to their first fight. Bivol, 34, started strong in the fight’s first half. He utilized his persistent jab and his footwork was magnificent. The slick outside boxer had to respect Beterbiev’s shear punching power. He maintained active movement throughout the entire fight. Bivol aimed to disrupt Beterbiev’s rhythm with superb combination punches to the body and head. He combined this with fluid circling the ring.
Beterbiev, 40, was tasked with chasing down the supremely talented Bivol. The knockout artist consistently applied pressure as he looked to wear down the less powerful puncher. This pressure started to pay dividends late in the fight. Beterbiev had his most substantial rounds in the final three. Beterbiev piled his constant pressure with devastating punches through Bivol’s tight guard.
This rematch is sure to go down in the history books.
2. WBC Interim World Super Welterweight Title
Vergil Ortiz Jr. (IC) vs. Israil Madrimov
This high-octane interim world title clash features Vergil Ortiz Jr. (22-0-0), Golden Boy promotion’s top dog. He is the undefeated interim WBC world super welterweight champion. Ortiz Jr. is defending his belt against the supremely skilled Uzbekistanian, Israil Madrimov (10-1-1).
Fans are in for a treat with this excellent matchup. Both talented fighters have chips on their shoulders as they come into this fight. Ortiz Jr., 26, is coming off a razor-close majority decision win over Ukraine’s Serhii Bohachuk back on August 10th. The undefeated interim champion suffered knockdowns in rounds one and eight in this hard-fought bout. Madrimov, 30, is coming off a controversial unanimous decision against boxing’s pound-for-pound king Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford back on August 3rd.
This stylistic clash will highlight the fighter’s combination of punching ability and will to win.
3. WBC Interim World Heavyweight Title
Zhilei Zhang vs. Agit Kabayel
Two of the heavyweight division’s dark horses are on a collision course. Chinese Olympic silver medalist Zhilei ‘Big Bang’ Zhang (27-2-1) faces Germany’s undefeated Agit Kabayel (25-0-0). They will compete for the interim WBC World Heavyweight title.
The heavyweight division in boxing is experiencing a turning of tides. New contenders are looking to punch their ticket to a world title. Zhang, 41, has already faced big names like Deontay Wilder, Joe Joyce, and Joseph Parker. However, he has never held a world title. He is coming off an emphatic fifth-round knockout over Deontay Wilder back on June 1st. Kabayel, 32, is fresh in the division with plenty to give.
The undefeated German’s three biggest wins as a professional have come against Frank Sanchez, Arslanbek Makhmudov, and Derek Chisora. He now faces the toughest test of his career in the Olympic silver medalist Zhang.
4. WBO Interim World Heavyweight Title
Joseph Parker (IC) vs. Martin Bakole
The co-main event of the evening features the WBO interim World Heavyweight champion Joseph Parker (35-3-0). He puts his title against the surging Congolese goliath Martin Bakole (21-1-0). The challenger, Bakole, remarkably stepped in on two days’ notice. He salvaged the fight after IBF World Heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois withdrew due to illness.
A battle of heavyweight dark horses is set to go down. The battle-tested interim world champion, Joseph Parker, will face the short-notice replacement, Martin Bakole. This is a daunting challenge for Parker. He possesses serious knockout power. Both men are coming off impressive wins. Parker, 33, recently defeated Zhilei Zhang via majority decision on March 8th. Bakole, 33, has recently achieved the most significant career win. He scored a devastating fifth-round knockout over then-undefeated Jared Anderson on August 3rd.
This matchup will boil down to whether Parker can weather the gigantic knockout artist’s early storm.
5. WBC World Middleweight Title
Carlos Adames (C) vs. Hamzah Sheeraz
A star could emerge from this WBC world middleweight title fight. The Dominican Republic’s defending champion, Carlos Adames (24-1-0), will cross paths with the undefeated rising star, Hamzah Sheeraz (21-0-0).
Sheeraz, 25, has the opportunity to expand upon his potential stardom as a young champion. If he can emerge victorious over the skilled champion Adames, there is no limit to his potential. Sheeraz is riding a 15-fight stoppage streak. The rising star’s most significant victory came over then-undefeated Austin Williams on the loaded Queensberry vs. Matchroom event.
Adames, 30, has his hands full in this title defense. The Dominican champion has conquered names like Terrell Gausha, Julian Williams, and Sergiy Derevyanchenko. That said, Sheeraz is the toughest test of his professional career.
6. WBO Interim World Light Heavyweight Title
Joshua Buatsi (IC) vs. Callum Smith
Undefeated interim WBO world light heavyweight champion Joshua Buatsi (19-0-0) faces Callum Smith. Smith is the experienced former WBA super middleweight champion with a record of 30-2-0.
Buatsi, 31, has yet to face elite competition, but that all changes with his fight against Smith. Buatsi’s biggest career wins have come over Craig Richards, Dan Azeez, and Willy Hutchinson. Smith is easily the most decorated opponent of Buatsi’s career. He has shared the ring with Artur Beterbiev and Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.
Smith, 34, is determined to return to the title picture. He aims to rebuild after suffering a devastating seventh-round stoppage loss to Beterbiev on January 13, 2024. The Liverpool native last appeared in the ring against Carlos Galvan on November 30, when he scored a fifth-round stoppage victory.
7. WBC World Lightweight Title
Shakur Stevenson (C) vs. Josh Padley
Undefeated WBC world lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson (22-0-0) puts his belt on the line. He faces a short-notice replacement, the undefeated Josh Padley (15-0-0). This replacement came after Stevenson’s initial opponent, Floyd Schofield Jr., was forced to withdraw from the bout after falling severely ill, according to Schofield Jr.’s father and team.
On paper, this is an apparent mismatch that heavily benefits the defending champion. Padley, 29, has never faced an opponent even close to Stevenson’s skill level. Yorkshire’s Padley has only scored four stoppages throughout his 15 professional bouts. His last appearance came against Mark Chamberlain on September 21st where Padley defeated Chamberlain via unanimous decision.
Stevenson, 27, has everything to lose in this last-minute matchup. The supremely talented outside boxer has already defeated Jamel Herring. He has also defeated Oscar Valdez. Robson Conceicao and Edwin De Los Santos are among those he has bested. Therefore, a loss to the untested Padley would shock most fans and pundits.
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
100 %
About Post Author
Average Rating