Artur Beterbiev and Dimitry Bivol will settle their rivalry next month in a rematch for the undisputed light-heavyweight world titles.
The first clash between two of boxing’s best was marred in controversy after Beterbiev secured a majority decision win.
The contest was extremely close with both men separated by just five punches over the 12-round distance.
But in the end, two of the judges scored it in Beterbiev’s favour by margins of 115-113 and 116-112 while the third had it as a draw at 114-114 – with Bivol’s manager vowing to submit an official protest over the scoring.
The two will complete a quick turnaround to settle the issue in-ring, with all four of the major 175lb world title belts back on the line.
Their second dust-up headlines the ‘greatest boxing card ever’ with three additional world title fights on the card, plus another three bouts with ‘interim’ belts at stake.
Beterbiev vs Bivol 2: Date and how to follow
This huge 12-round undisputed title bout will take place on Saturday, February 22.
It will be held at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Official start times are yet to be announced but the underway is expected to get started at around 7pm UK time.
Main event ring walks will be around 11pm.
The entire card will be streamed on DAZN Pay-Per-View, but the price is yet to be confirmed.
However, DAZN claim on their official website that UK viewers can expect to pay no more than £19.99. For more information, head here.
talkSPORT will have live updates throughout fight week, while talkSPORT.com will provide the best of the reaction as well.
To tune in to talkSPORT through the website, click HERE for the live stream.
Listen via the talkSPORT app here, or on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.
Beterbiev vs Bivol 2: Undercard
Subject to change
- MAIN EVENT: Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol – for IBF, IBO, WBC and WBO light-heavyweight titles
- Daniel Dubois vs Joseph Parker – for IBF heavyweight title
- Shakur Stevenson vs Flloyd Schofield – for WBC lightweight title
- Carlos Adames vs Hamzah Sheeraz – for WBC middleweight title
- Vergil Ortiz Jr vs Israil Madrimov – for interim WBC super-welterweight title
- Zhilei Zhang vs Agit Kabayel – for interim WBC heavyweight title
- Joshua Buatsi vs Callum Smith – for interim WBO light-heavyweight title
- Bradley Rea vs Constantino Nanga
Beterbiev vs Bivol 2: What has been said?
Frank Warren has told talkSPORT that he’s never seen a boxing card like the one that will be taking place in Riyadh.
Warren, who will be lead promoter for the event, said: “Well, I said when Riyadh Season was [first] announced, when HE got involved, that this is going to be a game-changer.
“But even I didn’t realise what a game-changer it was going to be.
“I mean, this card on February 22 is something special.
“When you look at it, every fight on there is a magnificent fight. I mean, I’ve never seen a card like it. It is so spectacular.”
Addressing the Beterbiev vs Bivol rematch, Warren continued: “Well it’s a great fight. The two best light-heavyweights in the world.
“Last time round it was an excellent fight, they displayed all their skills. It’s a rematch, that’s going to be a great fight.”
