Eddie Hearn, a prominent figure in the boxing world, has generated considerable excitement surrounding the anticipated rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol. He has boldly referred to this bout as “one of the best fights in the sport on the greatest card in the history of the sport.” The highly awaited rematch is set to take place on February 22, 2024, and will be broadcast live on TNT Sports Box Office. This event not only carries the weight of rivalry but also offers the remarkable stakes of the undisputed light-heavyweight world titles, with all four major belts on the line.
Hearn’s enthusiasm for this event is palpable as he describes the card, which boasts not only the main event but also three additional world title fights and another three contests featuring interim belts. In his assertions, he draws an ambitious comparison to previous events, claiming that this fight card surpasses not just the current year’s offerings but may stand as the “greatest fight card we have ever seen in the sport.” He elaborates that while many fight cards might feature a stellar main event with well-known fighters, this card excels in providing a lineup of competitive, evenly matched bouts throughout.
The context of this event is set against the backdrop of the Riyadh Season, a major entertainment festival in Saudi Arabia that promises to amplify the global anticipation for the bouts. Ticket inquiries have reportedly reached a worldwide audience, emphasizing the event’s appeal. As a result, Hearn encourages fight fans to make their way to Riyadh not just to witness the matches but to experience what he claims will be an extraordinary spectacle in boxing history.
Highlighting particular matchups on the card, Hearn points out the bout between Callum Smith and Joshua Buatsi as a headline-worthy domestic clash. He confidently states that this fight alone has the potential to fill major venues like the Marks & Spencer Arena in Liverpool or the O2 Arena in London, underscoring its significance. Additionally, the inclusion of a matchup between Israil Madrimov and Vergil Ortiz Jr. is mentioned, which Hearn deems as arguably the best possible fight in the 154lbs category.
The undercard does not disappoint either, with Shakur Stevenson poised to face Floyd Schofield. According to Hearn, Stevenson is a future star of boxing, citing his impressive résumé as a three-division world champion at just 27 years old. He expresses his admiration for Stevenson’s talents, showcasing the depth of talent set to compete.
As for the main event, Hearn reflects on the first contest between Beterbiev and Bivol, suggesting it was one of the most extraordinary fights he has personally witnessed. He indicates that both teams were aware of the stakes and outcome, further intensifying the expectations for their rematch. Hearn acknowledges the respect he holds for both fighters while also giving credit to Turki Alalshikh for making this significant matchup occur once again.
Moving to the detailed line-up, the card will prominently feature the main event where Artur Beterbiev will take on Dmitry Bivol for the prestigious WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO, and The Ring belts. The undercard reveals a host of exciting matches, including Daniel Dubois facing Joseph Parker for the IBF heavyweight title, and Shakur Stevenson squaring off against Floyd Schofield for the WBC lightweight title. Further matchups include Carlos Adames against Hamzah Sheeraz for the WBC middleweight title, Vergil Ortiz Jr. versus Israil Madrimov for the interim WBC super-welterweight title, Zhilei Zhang meeting Agit Kabayel for the interim WBC heavyweight title, and finally, Joshua Buatsi going against Callum Smith for the interim WBO light-heavyweight title.
For fans in the UK, the streaming home for this exhilarating fight night will be the discovery+ platform, which offers a subscription that combines both live sports, including TNT Sports, with an array of entertainment options. As the fight date approaches, the anticipation grows, promising fans an unparalleled experience in the world of boxing.
