Last Updated on: 22nd February 2025, 04:00 pm
Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena is gearing up to host one of boxing’s most anticipated rematches this Saturday, February 22, as Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol square off in a bid to unify the IBF, IBO, WBC, and WBO light heavyweight titles. More than just a showdown in the ring, the event highlights Saudi Arabia’s ambitious strategy to become a global sports powerhouse. Below is BusinessMole.com’s in-depth look at the stakes, logistics, and economic forces fueling what’s being hailed as the fight of the year.
Beterbiev vs. Bivol 2: Riyadh’s Redemption Battle
Set for Saturday, February 22 at the state-of-the-art Kingdom Arena—the same venue that hosted their first clash—this rematch promises high drama with all four major light heavyweight belts on the line. In their debut encounter, Beterbiev narrowly secured a majority decision in a fiercely contested bout. Despite a dominant finish by Beterbiev, the fight sparked controversy: one judge even scored it a draw, while the other two awarded the victory to Beterbiev (one by a four-round margin). That win not only crowned the Montreal fighter as the first undisputed light heavyweight champion since Roy Jones Jr. in 2002 but also left unresolved questions that both competitors now look to settle.
Event Details
- Date: Saturday, February 22
- Location: Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Broadcast Schedule:
- PPV Start Times: 7 PM GMT, 2 PM ET, and 10 PM Arabia Standard Time
- Main Event Walkouts: Approximately 11 PM GMT, 6 PM ET, and 2 AM AST (Sunday)
Opened in 2023, the Kingdom Arena has quickly established itself as a premier destination for world-class sporting events. It has previously witnessed the inaugural Beterbiev vs. Bivol bout and Dmitry Bivol’s December 2023 triumph over Lyndon Arthur for the IBO title. The arena has also staged heavyweight spectacles like Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk and regularly hosts Saudi Pro League matches, accommodating up to 30,000 fans in its football configuration.
How to Watch
- United Kingdom:
Fans can access the fight via DAZN PPV, Sky Sports Box Office, or TNT Sports Box Office—with DAZN pricing the event at £19.99. Live streaming options include the DAZN app, discovery+, and the Sky Sports Box Office app. - United States:
The rematch is available worldwide on DAZN PPV for $25.99.
Rivalry Renewed
Both fighters have personal scores to settle. Dmitry Bivol is on a mission to reclaim his IBO title and restore his undefeated record, while Artur Beterbiev is determined to silence critics who questioned his authority after he couldn’t secure a stoppage in their first encounter. Their renewed rivalry is set to light up the ring, with both athletes eager to solidify their legacies in the light heavyweight division.
Fight Card Highlights
World Title Contests:
- Middleweight (WBC title): Carlos Adames vs. Hamzah Sheeraz
- Lightweight (WBC title): Shakur Stevenson vs. Floyd Schofield
Interim Title Opportunities:
- Vergil Ortiz Jr vs. Israil Madrimov
- Zhilei Zhang vs. Agit Kabayel
- Joshua Buatsi vs. Callum Smith
Note: The IBF heavyweight title bout between Daniel Dubois and Joseph Parker has been cancelled due to Dubois falling ill during fight week.
Full Fight Card Overview:
- Light Heavyweight (IBF, IBO, WBC & WBO titles): Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol
- Middleweight (WBC title): Carlos Adames vs. Hamzah Sheeraz
- Lightweight (WBC title): Shakur Stevenson vs. Floyd Schofield
- Heavyweight: Martin Bakole vs. Joseph Parker
- Super Welterweight: Vergil Ortiz Jr vs. Israil Madrimov
- Heavyweight: Zhilei Zhang vs. Agit Kabayel
- Light Heavyweight: Joshua Buatsi vs. Callum Smith
Fighter Profiles
Artur Beterbiev
- Age: 39
- Height: 6’0″ (182 cm)
- Reach: 72.8″ (185 cm)
- Record: 21–0, with an impressive 95% of wins by KO/TKO
Dmitry Bivol
- Age: 33
- Height: 6’0″ (183 cm)
- Reach: 72″ (183 cm)
- Record: 22–1, with 50% of his wins coming by KO/TKO
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