Beterbiev vs Bivol 2 boxing: Start time, fight card, how to watch

Less than five months after their highly successful first light heavyweight world title unification bout, Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol are set to face off again in a highly anticipated rematch. This match is attracting considerable attention in the boxing world, with both fighters' strengths and the results of their previous match adding to the excitement surrounding this rematch.

In the fight held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on October 12, 2024, Beterbiev became the first undisputed light heavyweight champion since Roy Jones Jr. dominated the division from 1999 to 2002. This victory solidified Beterbiev's position in the boxing world and set the stage for his rematch with Bivol. Furthermore, it highlighted his persistent dedication and skill within the sport.

This star-studded seven-fight card also includes a world heavyweight title fight featuring International Boxing Federation (IBF) champion Daniel Dubois against challenger Joseph Parker. In addition, there are several other high-profile matchups, making this boxing event even more noteworthy. The inclusion of these fights enhances the overall spectacle and draws a larger audience.

Here are the details about Beterbiev vs. Bivol 2: The fight will take place on Saturday, February 22nd. Beterbiev and Bivol are expected to make their ring walks around 1 a.m. local time (10 p.m. GMT). The fight will begin shortly thereafter. The venue for the fight is the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia.

Artur Beterbiev is a Russian-Canadian professional boxer of Chechen descent. The 40-year-old has been the unified light heavyweight world champion (WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO) since 2024, as well as The Ring magazine and International Boxing Organization (IBO) champion. Beterbiev stands at 5 feet 11.5 inches (1.82 meters) and remains undefeated as a professional boxer, boasting a record of 21 wins, including 20 knockouts.

Dmitry Bivol is a light heavyweight boxer and former World Boxing Association (WBA) champion. The Russian fighter lost his WBA title to Artur Beterbiev in October 2024. The 33-year-old stands at 6 feet (1.83 meters) and has made multiple successful title defenses, including victories over high-profile boxers Canelo Alvarez and Gilberto "Zurdo" Ramirez in 2022. Bivol's professional record stands at 23 wins and 1 loss.

The purpose of this fight is to contest the undisputed world light heavyweight championship. Beterbiev and Bivol will be competing for five different titles: WBA, IBF, WBO, World Boxing Council (WBC), and The Ring magazine belt. The winner of this fight will become the absolute ruler of the division.

The event, titled "Last Round Undisputed," features seven championship fights: Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol (IBF, IBO, WBC, and WBO light heavyweight titles), Daniel Dubois vs. Joseph Parker (IBF heavyweight title), Shakur Stevenson vs. Floyd Schofield (WBC lightweight title), Carlos Adames vs. Hamzah Sheeraz (WBC middleweight title), Vergil Ortiz vs. Israil Madrimov (WBA welterweight title), Zhilei Zhang vs. Agit Kabayel (WBO interim heavyweight title), and Joshua Buatsi vs. Callum Smith (WBO light heavyweight title eliminator).

In a bout that would typically headline any card, British heavyweight Daniel Dubois will defend his IBF world title against Joseph Parker. Dubois, 27, returns to Riyadh after successfully making the first defense of his IBF strap, beating Anthony Joshua. Dubois knocked out his British rival inside five rounds at Wembley Stadium in September 2024. Parker held the WBO title from 2016 to 2018 before losing a unanimous decision to Joshua. The 32-year-old New Zealander is coming off a win over former WBC champion Deontay Wilder last year, followed by a victory over Zhilei Zhang to win the WBO interim title.

The total purse for Beterbiev vs. Bivol 1 was reportedly $20 million, with the money split evenly between the fighters. The purse for Beterbiev vs. Bivol 2 is expected to exceed $20 million. The purse amount for this rematch also reflects the importance and appeal of the fight.

Beterbiev won the first fight in October 2024 by a narrow margin on the scorecards. Two judges scored the fight 115-113 and 116-112 in favor of Beterbiev, while the other judge scored the fight a 114-114 draw. The controversial scoring of the first fight has also added more intrigue to this rematch.

"It's good to be a champion," Beterbiev said at a pre-fight press conference in January. "My goal now is to keep my belts. I'll do my best to do that. If he wants revenge, no problem. I need to be strong enough to win. Big, small, or medium, I don't know, but I need to be strong enough to win. I don't know (why I didn't knock him out). He was lucky that night. I think February 22, we will see a good fight. My message is to be ready, that's all."

"I hope I can be better than before, and I believe I can win this fight," Bivol told The Stomping Ground. "Being undisputed champion means I did very well. It's the last step in this weight class and a testament to myself. I'm happy I have this opportunity." Bivol expressed his anticipation and confidence in the fight, emphasizing its importance to his career.