Artur Beterbiev v Dmitry Bivol rematch: Eddie Hearn hails ‘breathtaking’ card as the ‘greatest in history’ of boxing
Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol are set to face off on February 22 in a rematch for the undisputed light-heavyweight world titles, live on TNT Sports Box Office. Eddie Hearn labelled the bout “one of the best fights in the sport on the greatest card in the history of the sport”. The card also features three additional world title fights plus another three bouts with interim belts at stake.
Eddie Hearn has labelled Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol’s rematch as “one of the best fights in the sport on the greatest card in the history of the sport”.
Beterbiev and Bivol will settle their rivalry on February 22 in a rematch for the undisputed light-heavyweight world titles – live on TNT Sports Box Office.
The first bout saw Beterbiev secure a narrow majority decision win, after just five punches separated the pair over the 12-round distance.
Their second fight, which has all four of the major 175lbs world title belts on the line, has been dubbed by Matchroom chairman Hearn as the “greatest boxing card ever”.
Beyond the main event, there are three additional world title fights plus another three bouts with interim belts at stake.
“What another card,” Hearn said. “How many times have I said to members of the media, ‘is this the card of the year’? This isn’t the card of the year. It’s not even the card of the decade. It is unequivocally the greatest fight card we have ever seen in the sport.
“Sometimes you have a great main event and you put some big names on, but you don’t put the big names on from top to bottom in 50-50 fights.
“It’s just a breathtaking card. By far the strongest Riyadh Season card. The inquiries have been global in terms of the people anticipating this event to travel to Riyadh, and I suggest any fight fan makes their way to Riyadh on February 22.
“Not just because it’s a great place to be but to witness the greatest spectacle in the history of boxing. Top to bottom, the greatest fight card.
“From our respect for the Matchroom stable, of course, Callum Smith against Joshua Buatsi. One of the best fights that can be made domestically – a fight that would fill the Marks & Spencer’s Arena over in Liverpool, fill the O2 Arena, and just part of a tremendous card here.
“You’ve got the two Matchroom v Golden Boy matchups. Israil Madrimov, who lost a very close decision to Terence Crawford recently, [against] Vergil Ortiz [Jr] – I think arguably the best fight that could get made at 154lbs.
“And what about Shakur Stevenson against Floyd Schofield? Shakur Stevenson is the future of boxing. Already for me a pound-for-pound star. This man is 27 years old, he’s a three-division world champion and he’s a phenomenal, phenomenal fighter.
“And of course, the main event. Dmitry Bivol against Artur Beterbiev. We were all lucky to be there – probably one of the best fights I’ve seen up close. Two of the greatest fighters of our generation and for me, in a close fight, the man to my left [Bivol] should be sitting here as undisputed champion right now.
“When we got in that ring, I believe both teams knew there was only one winner in that fight and now it’s time to put it right on February 22. Respect to both. Respect to Turki Alalshikh for making this fight happen again.
“The undisputed light-heavyweight championship of the world. One of the best fights in the sport on the greatest card in the history of the sport.”
