By Maestro Amílcar Barnett M., The Bronx, NY, USA-
On February 22, 2025, the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is set to host one of the most anticipated boxing events of the year. This electrifying night of fights will air live on DAZN Pay-Per-View, bringing fans from around the globe into the heart of a thrilling championship atmosphere. The event kicks off at 7:00 PM KSA (4:00 PM GMT, 11:00 AM ET, 8:00 AM PT), with the marquee match-ups drawing attention from boxing enthusiasts across multiple continents.
At the forefront of the night’s agenda is a pivotal rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, as they vie for the undisputed light heavyweight title. Beterbiev enters the ring with an unblemished record of 21 wins and 20 knockouts, showcasing his formidable punching power and consistency as the reigning champion. His knockout ratio speaks volumes about his capability to finish fights, which he will seek to leverage against Bivol to affirm his supremacy in the division.
Conversely, Bivol, boasting a record of 21-1 with 11 KOs, is eager to avenge the sole blemish on his professional record – a loss to Beterbiev in their initial clash in 2024. With a strategic game plan aimed at dethroning the powerful champion, Bivol approaches this rematch fueled by a blend of experience and a fire to reclaim his standing amongst boxing’s elite.
The Co-Main Event: A Heavyweight Clash
Another match of significant interest is the heavyweight bout featuring Daniel Dubois, who is defending his IBF title against seasoned contender Joseph Parker. Dubois, with a record of 22 wins and 21 knockouts, recently made waves in the boxing world by delivering a shocking knockout to Anthony Joshua. This victory not only solidified his reputation but also elevated expectations for his next fight as he aims to secure his legacy further.
In contrast, Joseph Parker, a former WBO champion with 35 wins and 23 KOs under his belt, is currently riding a five-fight win streak. With extensive experience in high-pressure matches, Parker looks to turn the tables on Dubois, viewing this bout as his golden opportunity to reclaim heavyweight glory.
Supporting Fights to Watch
The card is packed with high-stakes contests that promise to entertain boxing aficionados. Among these bouts is the WBC Middleweight title fight featuring Carlos Adames vs. Hamzah Sheeraz. Additionally, Zhilei Zhang will square off against Agit Kabayel for the WBC Interim Heavyweight title, while up-and-coming stars like Vergil Ortiz Jr. and Shakur Stevenson are set to take on Israil Madrimov and Floyd Schofield, respectively.
Saudi talents Ziyad Almaayouf and Mohammed Alaqel will also showcase their skills, further highlighting the depth of boxing talent present on this remarkable night.
As Pete Oliver, CEO of Growth Markets at DAZN, aptly stated, this event represents a confluence of boxing excellence. “This is a night that truly encapsulates the spirit of boxing – the best fighting the best on a global stage.” The excitement that surrounds February 22nd is palpable, positioning Riyadh as a vibrant hub for boxing fans worldwide. With fierce rivalries and potential title shifts on the line, this event will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on the sport and its enthusiasts.
Leave a Reply