A Historic Night of Boxing in Riyadh Featuring Seven World-Class Title Fights and a Commemorative WBC Belt
Riyadh Season presents “The Last Crescendo,” a historic night of boxing on Saturday, February 22nd, at the Kingdom Arena. Seven world-class title fights will grace the card, headlined by the highly anticipated rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol for the undisputed light heavyweight championship. Adding to the prestige, the WBC has presented a special commemorative belt for the winner of this epic clash.
Beterbiev (21-0; 20 KO’s) and Bivol (23-1; 12 KO’s) will reignite their rivalry after their thrilling 12-round battle in Riyadh last October. Beterbiev emerged victorious via majority decision in a fight that showcased both Bivol’s skillful boxing and Beterbiev’s relentless power. This rematch promises another captivating showdown as both fighters vie for light heavyweight supremacy and the unique WBC commemorative belt.
“Prepare for an unforgettable night of boxing! This card is truly historic, showcasing seven world title fights, a rarity in modern boxing. Five of these championship bouts will be for the coveted WBC world title. Adding to the grandeur, the WBC has commissioned a commemorative belt for this special event, honoring the rematch between light heavyweight superstars Beterbiev and Bivol. This fight card is a testament to the sport’s highest level of competition. Be there to witness history in the making!”
– Mauricio Sulaiman, WBC President
The belt, a masterpiece in itself, incorporates in its central plate the images of the four most important boxing organizations, highlighting the relevance of this encounter in the world boxing scene. In addition, the Riyadh Season logo highlights the monumental context in which the fight will take place, in a city that has become an epicenter of world-class sporting events. This belt not only represents a title; it is an emblem of the greatness that surrounds this confrontation, a testament to the arduous path traveled by both boxers to the top.
The elegance of the belt is accentuated by a crown printed on the leather, a symbol of the royalty that the winner will hold. On its sides, Bivol’s buffalo and Beterbiev’s wolf are reminders of the fierce competition that takes place in the ring, each representing the strength and determination of its wearer. This design is not only a tribute to their careers, but also a reflection of the passion and art that we, as creators, have put into every detail.
The experience of materializing this belt has been unique. Every element, every 24-carat gold finish, has been carefully selected to pay homage to the greatness of these champions and the prestige of the WBC. This belt is not just an object; it is a legacy, a symbol that will transcend time and will be remembered as part of boxing history.
The stacked card includes:
WBC Lightweight Championship: Undefeated rising star Shakur Stevenson (22-0, 10 KO’s) defends his WBC lightweight title against the also undefeated Floyd Schofield (18-0, 12 KO’s) in a clash of skill and strategy.
WBC Middleweight Championship: Carlos Adames (24-1;18 KO’s) defends his WBC middleweight title against the undefeated Hamzah Sheeraz (21-0;17 KO’s). Adames, the Dominican star, captured the WBC crown in June 2023 and recently defended it successfully. Sheeraz enters the bout in top form with an unblemished record and impressive knockout power. This fight is a strong contender for Fight of the Night.
WBC Interim Super Welterweight Championship: Vergil Ortiz Jr. (22-0, 21 KO’s) puts his undefeated record and perfect knockout streak on the line against Israil Madrimov (10-1-1, 7 KO’s) for the interim WBC super welterweight belt.
WBC Interim Heavyweight Championship: Zhilei Zhang (27-2-1, 22 KO’s) looks to reclaim his position in the heavyweight division against the undefeated German sensation Agit Kabayel (25-0, 17 KO’s) for the interim WBC heavyweight title.
Fight Details:
- Date: Saturday, February 22nd
- Location: Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Broadcast: DAZN Pay-Per-View+
- Subscribe: WWW.DAZN.COM/WBC
About WBC: The World Boxing Council (WBC) is the most recognized professional boxing organization in the world. Founded in 1963, the WBC sanctions championship bouts across all weight divisions and is dedicated to promoting the highest standards of sportsmanship, fair play, and athlete welfare.
