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Ranking boxing fights: Beterbiv-Bivol 2, Dubois-Parker, more

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The Saturday program in Riyadh in Saudi Arabia was hailed as the best boxing card he has ever seen – and for a reason.

Boxing promoters are known for hyperboli and the sale of events that they plan. But the seven fights were to take place in the Kingdom of Arena, they are good enough to be the main event on sold -out arenas.

The biggest of the plot is the main event, the undisputed lightweight title rematch between Artur Beterbieal and Dmitryjum Bivol, the two best pound boxers for pounds in the world. But much more happens earlier in the same ring in the highest night of boxing in 2025.

Four world titles and three ephemeral titles will be on the line. What are the best fights, why should you watch them and who should win? ESPN evaluates the fight for you.


1. Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitriry Bivol, 12 rounds, Until the unquestioned Beterbavie Championships

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Artur Beterbiev stunns Dmitriry Bivol through most of the decision to become the undisputed champion

Artur Beterbaven leaves because of victory in making most decisions over Dmitry Bivol before a crowd filled in Saudi Arabia.

Few boxers managed to stay at the top of the game at the age of 40. Bernard Hopkins was the equivalent boxing of Peter to the Lord and finally closed his marathon career (1988-2016) with a record of 55-8-2, 32 knockout as the oldest world champion in boxing aged 49. Beterbiev (21-0, 20 Kos), who recently turned 40, showed a petite sign of the distribution in a high-quality clash with Bivol in October. But how much did the epic meeting get the master? Last time it was a close fight, which Beterbiev won with most decisions, but some won Bivol. Bivol (23-1, 12 KO), guided by a sense of injustice, could pull out another fierce fight if he maintains his intensity to the last bell. The Bivol work indicator basically fell in the first fight, allowing Beterbiv to get the last three rounds on the results of the results of all three judges.

Bivol, 34, is a more versatile boxer, with the possibility of producing something different in a rematch. Beterbiev, a knockout specialist, needs only one opening to end the fight that he could lose.

There are solid arguments for both winning, and the third decisive meeting would be inevitable if it is close again or if Bivol equals the result.


2. Daniel Dubois vs. Joseph Parker, 12 rounds, up to the IBF Dubois heavyweight title

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Dubois focused on “demolition work” vs. Parker to configure Clash Usyk

Daniel Dubois claims that Joseph Parker cannot be seen against the defense of the IBF heavyweight title.

The growing number of boxing experts and fighters expects Parker Zdetrone Dubois, who is going down in September because of the stunning knockout of the former master Anthony Joshu. Despite the four -time amazing Joshua in a total beating, pretender Martin Bakole and promoter Eddie Hearn (who does not promote any of them), support Parker to win. To do this, Parker must adopt the same strategy that he performed perfectly when he dominated the former WBC DEONTAY WILDER master in December 2023. Wilder is a cruel blow, but Parker (35-3, 23 KO) frustrated him with his movement, work indicator and work App.

Dubois, 22-2, 21 Kos) will be threatening with his powerful blows, but the longer he fights, he plays Parker’s hands.


3. Vergil Ortiz Jr. vs. Ismail Madrimov, 12 rounds, too tardy ephemeral title WBC Junior Middle Wweight

This promises to be an absolute cracker. After getting involved in one of the best fights in 2024, when he had to get off the canvas twice to assemble Serhia Bohachuk in August, Ortiz must be almost perfect against Madrimov.

Bohachuk revealed some gaps against Ortiz, and the fight against Madrimov looks threatening to him. Madrimov (10-1-1, 7 KO), from Uzbekistan, but WHO Trains in California, is a similar warrior to Bohachuk, but probably a slightly better version. Just look at how well Madrimov coped with Terenka Crawford in August last year, when he lost close, well -invented unanimous decision.

Ortiz (22-0, 21 KO) could utilize any Madrimova hesitation when reporting. He will want to impose early, which will add entertainment values ​​for viewers.

They both know each other from previous sparring sessions, which suggests that they will not spend time getting to know each other in the early rounds. It can quickly turn into a uncomfortable, total fight.


4. Joshua Batsi vs. Callum Smith, 12 rounds, for Batsi’s WBO Lithe Heavyweight Tymeim Title

This meeting would pack a huge place in Great Britain, and its result will be significant. Two competing English question the opportunity to face the winner of the main event between Beterbiv and Bivol.

Smith (30-2, 22 KO) has more experience and perhaps is more known: he is a former WBC champion of Super Middle Libra, who was taken by Canelo Alvarez in December 2020. In addition, Smith’s only failure was to stop the seventh round for a break in the seventh round of Beterbiev a little over a year ago, when he was sent on a canvas for the first time in his career in punishment. How many Smith remained at the age of 34 and does the younger Batsi have more appetite and energy?

Batsi (19-0, 13 KO), born in Ghana, but raised in southern London, looked skilful in recent wins on Willy Hutchinson and Dan Azeez. Batsi sat down Hutchinson twice with body shots on the way to a divided decision to win for the then heavyweight title WBO.


5. Carlos Adams vs. Hamzah Sheeraz, 12 rounds, for the title of Adames’ WBC Middle weighing

The time of this fight is ideal for Sheeraz, which years high with 15 subsequent knockout victories. He has not heard the last bell in over six years. In 2024, Sheeraz detained three opponents in an impressive style. Although Adames will be a step, it is tough to follow a man with rush behind him.

Sheeraz (21-0, 17 KO) looked particularly destructive in his last fight, closing Tyler Denny in just two rounds in September last year. But his previous fight was even more impressive when he conveniently overtook Austin “Ammo” by Williams, dropping him in the 10th round with the right hook and incapacitating him in round 11. Williams was previously invincible in 16 duels.

Adames (24-1, 18 KO) was not so busy that in the last 18 months he only registers the decision victory over Terrell Gausha. Sheeraz, which has a four -inch advantage of height, can overwhelm Adames and notify the medium weight division.


6. Agit Kabayel vs. Zhilei Zhang, 12 rounds, weighty weight

This is the first fight of the main card, but it is worth tuning early, because it promises emotions and spilling.

Kabayel (25-0.17 KO) will look for a significantly excluded Zhang, but Zhang ruined warriors who previously won their dishonest power of Southpaw. Zhang (27-2-1, 22 KO) detained Joe Joyce twice in 2023, and during his last fight in June he made a mess of Deontay Wilder in just five rounds.

Kabayel shone when he sent Arslanbek Makhmudov on canvas three times in winning TKO in the fourth round in December 2023, and then aimed at the body among lasting pressure to stop Frank Sanchez in May last year. Kabayel can take a similar strategy as Sanchez Fight vs. Zhang. Joseph Parker used the move to win the decision on Zhang in March last year, and Kabayel could utilize a page from Parker’s book if he is to win.

But Zhang will want to end the fight before it hits results cards, thanks to which this fight is intriguing. The ephemeral WBC title is on the line, which means that the winner will be in a good position for a shot at Oleksandr Usyk’s champion this year.


7. Shakur Stevenson vs. Floyd Schofield, 12 rounds, for the lightweight title WBC Stevenson

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Shakur Stevenson takes off Artem Harutynaan through the decision

Shakur Stevenson overwhelms Artem Harutynaan with a tow truck in round 9.

Stevenson (22-0, 10 KO) did not deceive in his last two wins, but this may change in his latest lightweight defense of the title.

Schofield (18-0, 12 KO) likes to appear, which will suit Stevenson’s brilliant skills. Stevenson, a world champion with three divisions, forced to fight Joe Cordina in October because of the hand injury, is technically too good for Schofield, who is five years younger and seems to be lacking experience to test the master.

If Stevenson won and avoid recurrence of his hand injury, expect to call the fight with Gervont “Tank” Davis.

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Arnold Barboza Teases Potential Devin Haney Title Fight Opportunity

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"Arnold Barboza Teases Potential Devin Haney Title Fight Opportunity"

Arnold Barboza Jr. dropped word on social media that a massive welterweight title opportunity just landed in his lap on short notice. While he confirmed that 147 pounds is locked in with a belt on the line, he kept the identity of his opponent quiet for now.

Speculation immediately involved Devin Haney after Haney’s anticipated matchup with Shakur Stevenson fell apart. Barboza’s remarks point to a fast-developing opening, even if ink has not officially met paper yet.

“I got some news today. It’s a blessing. I don’t know how real it is, but it sounds pretty real. It might be a big fight sooner than expected,” Barboza said on social media. “I’ll be stepping in at the last minute on some s***, but I don’t know where it’s going to be at, but it’s soon.”

The tight calendar creates the biggest hurdle. Barboza appears fully ready to sign before even knowing the host city, but world championship bouts offer zero room for entering camp cold. Securing an unexpected offer represents one hurdle; having the necessary weeks to dial in a precise tactical blueprint presents an entirely separate challenge.

If Haney ends up standing across the ring, Barboza faces an elite defensive technician. Taking on Haney demands an answer for his distance control, lead hand control, and inside tie ups. Simply tracking him across the canvas without cutting the ring effectively will turn the contest into a frustrating chase.

“A lot sooner than expected. Not no next year fight. A couple of weeks soon. Yeah, I’m fighting at 147. Yeah, it’ll be for a belt. We got to go for legacy,” Barboza said.

Teofimo Lopez also figures heavily into Barboza’s long-range calculations. Barboza sees capturing a 147-pound crown as his quickest ticket to securing a second chance against Lopez after coming up short in their junior welterweight clash.

“It’s not a rematch with Teo. Not yet. I got to win this belt to rematch him,” Barboza admitted.

Holding a world title strap provides massive leverage at the negotiating table. The immediate task requires transforming the sudden opening into an executed contract, setting up a targeted training block, and verifying the sanctioning body timeline.

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Boxing News 24 Desk

BoxingNews24.com has delivered independent boxing coverage since 2007, including original news, fight analysis, schedules, and results. Our experienced boxing writers cover major fighters and events worldwide, with published content reviewed by editors for accuracy.

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Roy Jones Backs David Benavidez to Defeat Jai Opetaia in Cruiserweight Title Clash

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Roy Jones Backs David Benavidez to Defeat Jai Opetaia in Cruiserweight Title Clash

David Benavidez and Jai Opetaia continue to be linked to a future cruiserweight clash, and four-division world champion Roy Jones Jr has had his say on who he is favouring to come out on top in their proposed battle.

Benavidez is in hot pursuit of the undisputed cruiserweight title. He is currently in possession of both the WBA and WBO world titles but expected to next face WBC titleholder Michal Cieslak in a three-belt unification showdown on December 5.

Meanwhile, Opetaia has an ongoing lawsuit against the IBF – who stripped him of his world title for a second time earlier this year – as he hopes to be reinstated as champion and subsequently tee up a meeting with Benavidez for all four belts.

Opetaia is simultaneously being linked to a heavyweight debut, mooted to be taking on Deontay Wilder on the Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua undercard in December.

Speaking on the Hall of Game podcastJones says that he expects Benavidez to get the better of Opetaia if they collide.

“I want to see how David fares in that fight [against Opetaia] first [before he moves up to heavyweight]. I think that David probably wins the fight but I want to see how he fares in the fight.”

Should Opetaia not be reinstated as the IBF cruiserweight champion, it is believed that Viddal Riley and David Nyika will meet for the vacant belt. If that were to happen, it remains to be seen whether Benavidez would divert from his three-fight plan in order to capture the undisputed crown.

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Floyd Mayweathers Comeback: Agrees to Fight World Champion for WBC Title at 49

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Floyd Mayweather's Comeback: Agrees to Fight World Champion for WBC Title at 49

Despite being nine years into retirement, it appears that Floyd Mayweather could have a busy year in the ring if the latest claims are to be believed.

The American boxing icon hung up the gloves after a straightforward victory over Conor McGregor took his professional record to 50-0.

He has since fought exclusively in exhibitions, facing social media stars and combat athletes from other disciplines. That looked set to change this year when, in February, it was announced by Netflix that Mayweather would face Manny Pacquiao for a second time. The September fight was billed as a pro contest.

Mayweather then announced exhibitions with both Mike Tyson and Mike Zambidis, leading to legal issues which postponed the Pacquiao event indefinitely.

The 49-year-old recently said that he plans for both the Tyson and ‘PacMan’ fights to take place in December and then 2027 respectively, but Ryan Garcia has now announced on social media that he has agreed to face Mayweather.

“Trust me at first I thought this was bull***.

“But it’s real Floyd and I agree to a fight.

“147 for the WBC welterweight championship of the world.

“50-0 vs The current champ.”

Garcia also posted an image that appears to show a video call between him and Mayweather.

Garcia won the WBC welterweight world title at the beginning of the year by beating Mario Barriosand his stock is as high as ever following a two-round blowout of Conor Benn in his first defence.

He has reportedly now entered talks for a unification against Teofimo Lopez, who is appealing to the WBA to postpone a mandatory fight against Jack Catterall.

Though the WBC would undoubtedly approve Mayweather’s title challenge – as they did for a returning Pacquiao last year – fans will be dubious of Garcia’s claims, particularly given the fact that Mayweather mentioned no such fight in his most recent interview.

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