.png)
7 hours ago
2
Tale of the tape: Beterbiev v Bivol
Here’s a look at how Beterbiev and Bivol measure up ahead of tonight’s main event. Physically, there’s not much to separate these former Russian amateur teammates: Beterbiev has the slightest of advantages in reach while Bivol has an even scanter edge in height. Bivol came in slightly below the light heavyweight division limit of 175lb at yesterday’s weigh-in, while Beterbiev, who turned 40 last month, hit it on the nose.
Key events Show key events only Please turn on JavaScript to use this feature
“When I came back to the corner, [trainer Andy Lee] gave me the instructions just to be patient,” Parker says. “And when the overhead right comes, when he walks in and attacks, that’s when you have to take your shot. And that’s the best way, is to catch them when they’re coming in.”
He adds: “Martin Bakole, thank you very much for accepting the challenge and flying all the way here on short notice to give me a good fight. I just went out there and listened to Andy [Lee], stay calm, structured, composed, and got the victory.”
Parker doesn’t wait long before moving to his future plans.
“I just want to say like, who’s next?” he says. “How do I fight for the world title next? How can I fight for the world title? Listen, if Usyk wants a dance partner, I’ll get Uncle Frank to come in here and lock a fight with Usyk. But I want to fight for world title and I’d like to be champion of the world again too.”
Does he want Usyk immediately or would he settle for a fight with Daniel Dubois, who holds the IBF’s version of the title?
“I will fight anyone and everyone,” he says.
Parker beats Bakole by second-round KO
Well that was quick. Parker, fighting at a career-high 267lb, made quick work of Bakole, who took the fight on 48 hours’ notice and didn’t touch down in Riyadh until this morning. Late in the second round, Parker landed an overhand right that connected with the top of Bakole’s head. It was a bit of an equilibrium shot that left the 33-year-old Congolese unable to find his footing. The official time was 2:17 of round two.
The stars are out tonight in Riyadh in the form of a smattering of boxing luminaries, who have been seated at ringside for most of the televised card.
Only one more undercard bout ahead of the main event. What was supposed to be a shot at the IBF heavyweight title for Joseph Parker has turned into a battle for mandatory challenger status, as Daniel Dubois withdrew from Saturday’s fight due to a medical issue. Instead, Parker will now square off against Martin Bakole, another late replacement who’s eager to seize this unexpected opportunity.
“The show goes on. It’s not even just in boxing, but in life,” Parker told Sky Sports. “Things happen, you just have to adjust and adapt to the situation.”
Dubois’ promoter, Frank Warren, had not confirmed his fighter’s status before Friday’s weigh-in but stated Thursday that Dubois was “being evaluated by a doctor”. This opened the door for Bakole, who posted a video from Kinshasa, Congo, saying, “I think I will shock the world tomorrow. A boxer is like a soldier – anytime they ask you to go to war, always be ready.”
Though there’s no world title on the line now, the stakes remain high. The WBO announced that the winner of tonight’s clash will become the mandatory challenger for Oleksandr Usyk’s heavyweight championship.
Parker (35-3, 23 KOs), a former WBO champion, captured the belt in 2016 by defeating Andy Ruiz Jr but lost it to Anthony Joshua 15 months later. He’s eager for another chance at the top. “I’ll fight anyone and everyone,” Parker said. “Thanks to Martin for stepping in. He’s a tough fighter, and I look forward to the challenge.”
Bakole (21-1, 16 KOs), known for his size and power, last fought in August, stopping the hot American prospect Jared Anderson in the fifth round in Los Angeles. He weighed over 280lb for that fight and promises to bring the same intensity.
As we wait for the fighters to make their ringwalks, here’s our Donald McRae’s sitdown interview with Parker from this week.
Stevenson retains title with ninth-round TKO
Shakur Stevenson has just defended his WBC lightweight title with a ninth-round TKO of Britain’s Josh Padley. It’s a result that was widely expected after the 29-year-old Padley took the fight on four days’ notice when scheduled opponent Floyd Schofield was forced to withdraw due to illness. A Yorkshire electrician by day, Padley completed a shift on Wednesday before hopping a bird to Riyadh to chase a potential life-changing opportunity.
Padley, a domestic-level fighter coming off a career-best win over Mark Chamberlain at Wembley in September, was fit for the task and gave a very good account of himself. But there would be no fairytale ending as he was ultimately outclassed by the surgical southpaw from Newark, New Jersey, getting dropped three times (all on body shots) before his corner threw in the towel after nine completed rounds. Already a three-division world champion at 27, Stevenson retains the WBC’s lightweight strap for a second time while improving to 23-0 with 11 knockouts.
Preamble
Hello and welcome to the Venue Riyadh for tonight’s light-heavyweight blockbuster. The stage is set for one of the biggest rematches in recent boxing history as Artur Beterbiev (21-0, 20 KOs) defends all four major light heavyweight titles against Dmitry Bivol (23-1, 12 KOs). Both men are here to sort out unfinished business after their thrilling October showdown, which saw Beterbiev shade a majority decision to unify the WBA, WBO, WBC and IBF belts at 175lb.
That first encounter lived up to the sky-high expectations that preceded it. Beterbiev, known for his brutal knockout power, managed to narrowly get by on points, but the scorecards (114-114, 115-113, and 116-112) left plenty of room for debate with both fighters believing they had done enough to win. Four months later and with everything back on the line, the rematch offers both men a chance to settle the score for good.
For Beterbiev, tonight’s fight is about proving that his win wasn’t a matter of good fortune or favorable judging. Unbeaten in 21 outings with 20 wins coming by knockout, the Russian-Canadian is one of boxing’s most feared punchers. His strategy would appear to be simple: apply relentless pressure, cut off the ring and land those devastating power shots. “I want to defend my belts,” Beterbiev said in a calm, businesslike tone during the pre-fight press conference. Despite the debate around their first clash, he remains unfazed by critics questioning the outcome. His mission tonight? Leave no doubt by delivering a more decisive victory.
In the other corner, Bivol carries the hunger of a man who feels robbed of his rightful place at the top. Renowned for his defensive skill and ring IQ – ask Canelo Álvarez – the 34-year-old Russian is determined to adjust his game plan and reclaim the WBA title he lost so narrowly. “Thank you to Beterbiev for giving me a rematch,” Bivol said, adding that his drive to win burns brighter than ever. Known for his technical brilliance and sharp combinations, Bivol believes small tactical changes could tip the balance in his favor this time.
In the co-main event, a shake-up has added some fresh intrigue. Originally set to challenge 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 due to illness. According to the WBO, the winner of this bout will become the mandatory challenger for Oleksandr Usyk’s heavyweight championship – raising the stakes significantly for both fighters. Bakole, stepping in on short notice, brings raw power and momentum, while Parker looks to continue re-establishing himself as a legitimate title contender.
The main event should kick off in a little more than an hour’s time. Plenty more to come between now and then.
Bryan will be here shortly. In the meantime here’s Donald McRae’s lookahead to tonight’s co-feature bout.
