Boxing’s Biggest Night: A Closer Look at the Riyadh Showdown

Boxing’s Biggest Night: A Closer Look at the Riyadh Showdown

Saturday’s boxing extravaganza in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is being touted as the best card the sport has ever seen, and it’s not hard to see why. Boxing promoters are often accused of exaggeration, but this time, the hype seems justified. The seven fights scheduled at the Kingdom Arena are each worthy of headlining sold-out arenas. Let’s dive into the details of this historic night and explore why it’s generating so much buzz.

The main event is a rematch for the undisputed light heavyweight title between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, two of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. With four world titles and three interim titles on the line, this might be the biggest night of boxing in 2025. Here’s a breakdown of the top fights, why you should watch them, and who the experts are picking to win.

1. Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol, 12 rounds, for Beterbiev’s undisputed light heavyweight championship

Artur Beterbiev stunned Dmitry Bivol via majority decision to become the undisputed champ in their last encounter. Beterbiev, now 40, showed no signs of slowing down in that high-quality clash. However, the question remains: how much did that epic battle take out of him? Bivol, who is 34, is driven by a sense of injustice from the previous fight, which many thought he won. If Bivol can maintain his intensity throughout, he might edge out another fierce fight. Bivol’s work rate dropped in their first fight, allowing Beterbiev to claim the last three rounds on all three judges’ scorecards. Bivol is the more versatile boxer, but Beterbiev, a knockout specialist, needs only one opening to end a fight he could be losing. A third encounter seems inevitable if this one is close or if Bivol evens the score.

2. Daniel Dubois vs. Joseph Parker, 12 rounds, for Dubois’ IBF heavyweight title

Many boxing pundits and fighters expect Parker to dethrone Dubois, who is coming off a stunning fifth-round knockout of former champion Anthony Joshua. Despite Dubois’ impressive victory, some, including contender Martin Bakole and promoter Eddie Hearn, are backing Parker. Parker needs to replicate the strategy he used to dominate former WBC champion Deontay Wilder. Dubois will be dangerous with his powerful punches, but the longer the fight goes, it plays into Parker’s hands.

3. Vergil Ortiz Jr. vs. Ismail Madrimov, 12 rounds, for the vacant WBC junior middleweight interim title

This fight promises to be an absolute cracker. Ortiz, who had to get off the canvas twice to outpoint Serhii Bohachuk, needs to be almost perfect against Madrimov. Madrimov, from Uzbekistan, is a similar fighter to Bohachuk but arguably a slightly better version. Ortiz could capitalize on any hesitancy from Madrimov, and both fighters know each other from previous sparring sessions, suggesting a quick escalation into an all-out brawl.

4. Joshua Buatsi vs. Callum Smith, 12 rounds, for Buatsi’s WBO light heavyweight interim title

This encounter could have filled a large venue in the U.K. on its own. Smith, a former WBC super middleweight champion, has more experience, but Buatsi, who has looked slick in recent wins, might have more energy and appetite. The winner will likely face the victor of the Beterbiev-Bivol main event.

5. Carlos Adames vs. Hamzah Sheeraz, 12 rounds, for Adames’ WBC middleweight title

Sheeraz is on a roll with 15 consecutive knockout victories. Although Adames will be a step up, Sheeraz’s momentum is hard to ignore. Adames has not been as active, and Sheeraz could overwhelm him, putting the middleweight division on notice.

6. Agit Kabayel vs. Zhilei Zhang, 12 rounds, heavyweight

This fight promises thrills and spills. Kabayel will look to outwork Zhang, but Zhang’s deceptive southpaw power has ruined fighters before. The WBC interim title is on the line, and the winner will be in a good position for a shot at champion Oleksandr Usyk.

7. Shakur Stevenson vs. Floyd Schofield, 12 rounds, for Stevenson’s WBC lightweight title

Stevenson has not dazzled in his last two decision wins, but that could change in this title defense. Schofield likes to come forward, which suits Stevenson’s counter-punching skills. Should Stevenson win, expect him to call for a fight with Gervonta “Tank” Davis.