Artur Beterbiev Vs. Dmitry Bivol: 5 Reasons To Watch Saturday’s Event
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - OCTOBER 11: Artur Beterbiev and Dmitrii Bivol come face to face at the weigh-in for their upcoming match for the IBF, IBO, WBC, and WBO World Light Heavyweight titles. This event is part of the Riyadh Season - IV Crown Showdown, taking place at The Venue on October 11, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
The boxing lineup for Saturday's Riyadh Season is a can't-miss event for true fight enthusiasts.
Sadly, the fight card is divided between two platforms. The entire undercard is available on DAZN, while the main event, featuring Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol competing for the undisputed light heavyweight title, will be shown on ESPN+.
You can stream the DAZN event for $19.99. The main event will be shown on ESPN+, and it’s not a pay-per-view match. Here’s how you can catch the show.
Here’s the complete card.
Why should boxing enthusiasts not miss this event? Here are five compelling reasons to tune in.
A Real, Undisputed Championship Match Is Here
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - OCTOBER 11: Artur Beterbiev and Dmitrii Bivol come face to face during the weigh-in for their upcoming fight for the IBF, IBO, WBC, and WBO World Light Heavyweight titles. This event is part of the Riyadh Season - IV Crown Showdown, taking place at The Venue on October 11, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Bivol and Beterbiev are the top two light heavyweights globally. They hold all four significant championships in their division, and the way they fight against each other is very interesting.
Bivol's combination of boxing finesse and powerful punching, paired with Beterbiev's aggressive, pressure-fighting tactics, might lead to an unforgettable showdown. Regardless of the outcome, we can expect to see a new undisputed world champion crowned by the end of the evening in Riyadh.
Ben Whittaker: A Rising Star In Sports
If you haven't had the chance to watch Whittaker in action, check out his match against Cameron on Saturday. At the very least, you should take a look at the highlight video above.
Whittaker blends exceptional reflexes, talent, athletic ability, and an entertaining style into a unique mix that brings to mind a cross between Naseem Hamed, Michael Nunn, and MMA legend Anderson Silva.
The 27-year-old is one of those athletes who tends to divide opinions among fans; you'll either admire him or not like him at all. Nevertheless, he remains unbeaten and is on the verge of gaining international recognition as a fighter.
Wardley-Clarke: A Potential Conflict Ahead
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - OCTOBER 11: Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke come together before their heavyweight championship bout during the weigh-in event for the Riyadh Season - IV Crown Showdown held at The Venue on October 11, 2024. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Following their intense match that ended in a hard-fought draw in March, the two competitors are set to face each other once more, this time with the British Heavyweight Championship at stake again.
Wardley has the opportunity to become a contender for the world championship.
At 29 years old, he has a promising future ahead of him, with a decade of top-level competition still to come. A victory could propel him into the upper echelon of heavyweight fighters alongside names like Martin Bakole, Zhilei Zang, and Joseph Parker.
Clarke aims to demonstrate that he deserves to be considered on the same level, and he wants to complete what he began in their initial match.
Jai Opetaia Aims To Stay Undefeated
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - OCTOBER 11: Jai Opetaia and Jack Massey square off before their IBF World Cruiserweight title match during the weigh-in for the Riyadh Season - IV Crown Showdown at The Venue on October 11, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Image by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
IBF cruiserweight champion Opetaia aims to improve his record to an unblemished 30 wins and no losses. Massey, who has experience competing in the heavyweight division, will likely have a natural advantage in terms of size.
Nonetheless, Opetaia's blend of quickness and strength might overwhelm Massey. Regardless, we can expect an impressive display from the best cruiserweights in boxing.
Skye Nicholson: A Rising Star In Sports
CARDIFF, WALES - JUNE 01: Skye Nicholson from Australia participates in the public training event at the Capitol Shopping Centre on June 01, 2022, in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Huw Fairclough/Getty Images)
As women's boxing gains popularity, there are more chances for young females entering the sport. Nicholson stands out as one of the top talents in women's boxing, boasting an impressive record of 11 wins and no losses. She has already claimed a world championship title and will defend it this Saturday against the undefeated Raven Chapman.
If we’re fortunate, we might witness another championship bout that matches the excitement of Mikaela Mayer versus Sandy Ryan in September.
