A Highly Anticipated Rematch in Saudi Arabia
The boxing world is set for another thrilling showdown as Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol prepare to clash in a high-stakes rematch for the undisputed light heavyweight championship. The bout, scheduled for Saturday at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, promises to be an electrifying contest following their controversial first encounter. In October 2024, Beterbiev edged out Bivol via a narrow majority decision, handing Bivol his first career defeat. Now, with both fighters eager to solidify their legacies, the rematch is set to deliver fireworks. The event will be broadcast live on DAZN PPV, with fight fans around the world eagerly awaiting the final chapter of this rivalry.
Beterbiev’s Dominance and Bivol’s Redemption Quest
Beterbiev, boasting a flawless 21-0 record with 20 knockouts, has been a force in the light heavyweight division for over seven years. However, his last fight against Bivol marked the first time he went the distance, ending his streak of consecutive stoppage victories. Despite securing the win, Beterbiev admitted he was unsatisfied with his performance, vowing to be even better this time. On the other side, Bivol, with a 23-1 record, believes he did enough to win the first fight, landing more punches and demonstrating superior accuracy. Now, with a second chance at redemption, Bivol is determined to reclaim his standing as one of boxing’s elite champions.
Key Statistics That Could Shape the Rematch
The first fight between Beterbiev and Bivol was a tactical battle, with statistics highlighting Bivol’s efficiency. Bivol landed 50% of his power punches compared to Beterbiev’s 29%, showcasing his precision and defensive prowess. Additionally, Bivol’s ability to limit his opponents’ landing percentage to just 13.8% makes him one of the toughest fighters to hit in the sport. However, Beterbiev’s relentless pressure and superior conditioning allowed him to dominate the later rounds, out-landing Bivol in power punches as the fight progressed. With both fighters making adjustments, the rematch could see a shift in strategy, potentially leading to a different outcome.
A Stacked Fight Card Featuring Heavyweight Powerhouses
Beyond the main event, the “Last Crescendo” fight card boasts an impressive lineup of elite matchups. In the co-main event, Joseph Parker will face Martin Bakole in a crucial heavyweight showdown after IBF champion Daniel Dubois was forced to withdraw due to illness. Parker, a former WBO heavyweight champion, is on a five-fight winning streak, including a statement victory over Deontay Wilder. Meanwhile, Bakole has been on a tear, winning 10 consecutive fights and stopping eight of his opponents. The winner of this bout could find themselves in the mix for an undisputed heavyweight clash against Oleksandr Usyk.
How to Watch and Final Fight Schedule
Fight fans can catch all the action live on DAZN and PPV.com, with the event kicking off at 11:45 a.m. ET. The highly anticipated Beterbiev vs. Bivol 2 ring walks are scheduled for approximately 6:00 p.m. ET. Other key fights on the card include Shakur Stevenson vs. Josh Padley for the WBC lightweight title, Carlos Adames vs. Hamzah Sheeraz for the WBC middleweight championship, and Zhilei Zhang vs. Agit Kabayel in an interim heavyweight clash. With seven fights lined up, the event promises to be one of the biggest nights in boxing history.
A Legacy-Defining Moment for Both Fighters
As the rematch draws near, the stakes couldn’t be higher for Beterbiev and Bivol. A victory for Beterbiev would cement his status as one of the most dominant light heavyweight champions of all time, while Bivol has the opportunity to rewrite history and reclaim his undefeated status. With both fighters making strategic adjustments, boxing fans can expect an intense and technical battle where every punch counts. Whether it ends in another decision or a dramatic knockout, Beterbiev vs. Bivol 2 is a fight that could define the future of the light heavyweight division.
