Artur Beterbiev v Dmitry Bivol: undisputed mild heavyweight championship – stay

Hi there and welcome to Riyadh’s Kingdom Area for tonight’s light-heavyweight blockbuster. The stage is about for one of many greatest rematches in latest boxing historical past as Artur Beterbiev (21-0, 20 KOs) defends all 4 main mild heavyweight titles towards Dmitry Bivol (23-1, 12 KOs). Each males are right here to type out unfinished enterprise after their thrilling October showdown, which noticed Beterbiev shade a majority determination to unify the WBA, WBO, WBC and IBF belts at 175lb.

That first encounter lived as much as the sky-high expectations that preceded it. Beterbiev, recognized for his brutal knockout energy, managed to narrowly get by on factors, however the scorecards (114-114, 115-113, and 116-112) left loads of room for debate with each fighters believing they’d executed sufficient to win. 4 months later and with every part again on the road, the rematch affords each males an opportunity to settle the rating for good.

For Beterbiev, tonight’s combat is about proving that his win wasn’t a matter of fine fortune or favorable judging. Unbeaten in 21 outings with 20 wins coming by knockout, the Russian-Canadian is certainly one of boxing’s most feared punchers. His technique would seem like easy: apply relentless strain, minimize off the ring and land these devastating energy pictures. “I wish to defend my belts,” Beterbiev stated in a relaxed, businesslike tone in the course of the pre-fight press convention. Regardless of the controversy round their first conflict, he stays unfazed by critics questioning the result. His mission tonight? Go away little doubt by delivering a extra decisive victory.

Within the different nook, Bivol carries the starvation of a person who feels robbed of his rightful place on the high. Famend for his defensive talent and ring IQ – ask Canelo Álvarez – the 34-year-old Russian is set to regulate his recreation plan and reclaim the WBA title he misplaced so narrowly. “Thanks to Beterbiev for giving me a rematch,” Bivol stated, including that his drive to win burns brighter than ever. Identified for his technical brilliance and sharp combos, Bivol believes small tactical modifications may tip the steadiness in his favor this time.

Within the co-main occasion, a shake-up has added some recent intrigue. Initially set to problem Daniel Dubois for the IBF interim heavyweight title, Joseph Parker (35-3, 23 KOs) will now face Martin Bakole (21-1, 16 KOs) after Dubois withdrew as a consequence of sickness. In keeping with the WBO, the winner of this bout will turn into the obligatory challenger for Oleksandr Usyk’s heavyweight championship – elevating the stakes considerably for each fighters. Bakole, stepping in on brief discover, brings uncooked energy and momentum, whereas Parker seems to proceed re-establishing himself as a reliable title contender.

The principle occasion ought to kick off in somewhat greater than an hour’s time. Lots extra to return between every now and then.