The highly anticipated rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol for the undisputed light-heavyweight title is set to take place on February 22, 2025, at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The bout follows their controversial first meeting, where Bivol edged out a split-decision victory. With both fighters bringing undefeated records and championship belts into the ring, this event is poised to be one of the biggest boxing matches of the year.
The Road to the Rematch
In their first bout, Dmitry Bivol (22-0, 11 KOs) retained his WBA light-heavyweight title while handing Artur Beterbiev (19-1, 19 KOs) his first professional defeat, despite Beterbiev being the WBC, IBF, and WBO titleholder at the time.
Bivol’s sharp technical skills, defensive movements, and counterpunching gave him the edge over Beterbiev’s renowned knockout power and relentless pressure. However, many fans and analysts felt the fight was too close to call, leading to demand for an immediate rematch.
Now, with both fighters prepared to settle the score, the rematch has been sanctioned for the undisputed light-heavyweight championship.
What’s at Stake?
This rematch carries massive implications for the boxing world:
Undisputed Champion: The winner will unify all four major light-heavyweight belts (WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO).
Legacy Defining Fight: Both fighters seek to solidify their place as the best light-heavyweight of this era.
Path to Heavyweight?: The victor may move up to the heavyweight division, where big-money fights await.
Fighter Profiles & Key Strengths
Artur Beterbiev (19-1, 19 KOs)
WBC, IBF, WBO Light-Heavyweight Champion
Knockout Power: All 19 of Beterbiev’s wins have come by KO.
Relentless Pressure: Known for his ability to break opponents down with non-stop aggression.
Experience & Grit: Olympic background and years of dominance in the division.
Dmitry Bivol (22-0, 11 KOs)
WBA Super Light-Heavyweight Champion
Elite Technical Skills: Exceptional movement, speed, and ring IQ.
Defensive Mastery: Avoids taking unnecessary damage while controlling fights.
Proven Big-Fight Mentality: Defeated Canelo Alvarez in 2022 in a masterclass performance.
Fight Card & Undercard Matches
The event will feature several world-class matchups, including:
- Co-Main Event: Zhilei Zhang vs. Joseph Parker (Heavyweight Clash)
- Daniel Dubois vs. Filip Hrgovic (Heavyweight Title Eliminator)
- Anthony Yarde vs. Callum Smith (Light-Heavyweight Title Contender Bout)
How to Watch & Fight Details
Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025
Venue: Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Broadcast: DAZN PPV, ESPN+ (International Markets)
Who Will Prevail?
The Beterbiev vs. Bivol rematch is one of the most anticipated boxing events of 2025. Can Bivol outbox Beterbiev once again, or will Beterbiev’s power prove too much this time?
Boxing fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting the outcome of this clash for undisputed supremacy in the light-heavyweight division.