Riyadh Gears Up for Historic Boxing Event: ‘The Last Crescendo’
On Saturday, February 22, 2025, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, will host one of the most significant boxing events in recent history, dubbed “The Last Crescendo.” This event is part of the Riyadh Season series, organized by the Saudi General Entertainment Authority under Chairman Turki Al-Sheikh. With a stacked fight card featuring world champions and elite contenders, the event is expected to be one of the biggest nights in modern boxing history. The centerpiece of the evening is the highly anticipated rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol for the undisputed light heavyweight championship.
Main Event: Beterbiev vs. Bivol II
Artur Beterbiev (21-0, 20 KOs) and Dmitry Bivol (23-1, 12 KOs) first clashed four months ago in a thrilling battle that ended with Beterbiev securing a narrow majority decision victory to unify the light heavyweight titles. Their first encounter was a tactical masterclass, with both fighters showcasing their elite skill sets, durability, and championship mentality.
Bivol, determined to avenge his sole career defeat, has been vocal about his readiness for the rematch. He has promised to make the necessary adjustments to reclaim his lost titles, stating, “This time, I will leave no doubts.” Meanwhile, Beterbiev, known for his devastating knockout power, has expressed confidence in his ability to dominate once again.
Both fighters successfully made weight, with Beterbiev weighing in at 175 lbs and Bivol at 174.1 lbs. This highly anticipated showdown is expected to be an all-out war, as both men aim to leave a lasting legacy in the division.
A Star-Studded Undercard
The event boasts a lineup that has been described by promoter Eddie Hearn as “the greatest fight card I’ve ever seen.” With multiple world title fights and high-stakes clashes, fans are in for an electrifying night of action.
- Joseph Parker vs. Martin Bakole: Originally set to face Daniel Dubois, Parker will now defend his WBO interim heavyweight title against Bakole after Dubois withdrew due to illness. Parker, coming off an impressive victory over Deontay Wilder, is eager to continue his climb back to the heavyweight throne. Meanwhile, Bakole has been making waves in the division, and a win over Parker could propel him into title contention.
- Shakur Stevenson vs. Josh Padley: Stevenson was originally slated to defend his WBC lightweight title against Floyd Schofield. However, Schofield’s withdrawal due to illness led to Padley stepping in as the challenger. Stevenson, an undefeated multi-division champion, will look to make a statement with a dominant performance.
- Carlos Adames vs. Hamzah Sheeraz: This WBC middleweight title clash pits two highly skilled fighters against each other. Adames, the reigning champion, will be facing the undefeated British contender Sheeraz in what promises to be an explosive encounter.
- Vergil Ortiz Jr. vs. Israil Madrimov: Competing for the WBC interim super welterweight title, both fighters are known for their aggressive styles and knockout power. This fight is expected to be a fan-friendly showdown with plenty of fireworks.
- Zhilei Zhang vs. Agit Kabayel: Fighting for the vacant WBC interim heavyweight title, Zhang and Kabayel are two of the division’s most dangerous fighters. Zhang, a Chinese powerhouse, has gained a reputation for his devastating punching power, while Kabayel, a former European champion, is looking to make a name for himself on the global stage.
- Joshua Buatsi vs. Callum Smith: This WBO interim light heavyweight title fight adds even more depth to an already stacked card. Buatsi, an Olympic bronze medalist, faces former world champion Callum Smith in a fight that could determine the next challenger for the undisputed title.
Global Impact and Broadcast Details
Saudi Arabia’s investment in hosting such high-profile boxing events signifies its growing influence in the world of combat sports. In recent years, the Kingdom has become a major player in boxing, hosting marquee events featuring superstars such as Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Oleksandr Usyk. Promoter Eddie Hearn emphasized this shift, stating, “Right now, you’d have to say that Riyadh is really the home of boxing. The level of investment, the quality of the cards—there’s nowhere else like it right now.”
For fans worldwide, the event will be broadcast live on DAZN pay-per-view. The main card is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. ET (6 p.m. GMT), with the main event expected around 6 p.m. ET (11 p.m. GMT). Given the caliber of the fights and the significance of the matchups, millions of viewers are expected to tune in from around the globe.
Inaugural WBC Boxing Grand Prix Announcement
Adding to the excitement, WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman announced the launch of the Riyadh Season WBC Boxing Grand Prix during the pre-fight press conference. This groundbreaking tournament, envisioned as the first-ever Boxing World Cup, aims to discover and showcase the next generation of boxing talent.
The Grand Prix will feature four weight categories—Featherweight, Super Lightweight, Middleweight, and Heavyweight—with 128 athletes from 41 countries competing across five events in Saudi Arabia. The initiative underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to growing the sport and providing a global platform for emerging boxing stars.
Anticipation Builds
As the boxing world turns its attention to Riyadh, anticipation for “The Last Crescendo” continues to build. With a lineup of elite fighters, multiple world title bouts, and a high-stakes main event, the night promises to be a landmark moment in boxing history. The significance of this event extends beyond the ring, marking another milestone in Saudi Arabia’s quest to establish itself as a premier destination for combat sports.
Fans and analysts alike are eager to see whether Bivol can reclaim his title or if Beterbiev will further cement his dominance as the undisputed light heavyweight champion. With a night full of action-packed matchups and historic implications, “The Last Crescendo” is set to be an unforgettable event for boxing enthusiasts worldwide.
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