The highest-level rematch in contemporary boxing is almost here as Artur Beterbiev defends his undisputed light heavyweight crown against Dmitry Bivol.
Their last fight delivered on all fronts, but the result was contentious. It was about as closely contested as it gets, and fans would have been unhappy with any outcome. This didn’t stop pundits from branding Beterbiev-Bivol 1 a robbery.
Now, the two pound-for-pound talents duke it out again for all the belts and all the bragging rights. Here’s everything you need to know.
- READ MORE: Who is Artur Beterbiev? Meet the heavy-hitting light-heavyweight who will face Dmitry Bivol
Beterbiev vs. Bivol, Bakole vs. Parker date and start time
‘The Last Crescendo’ takes place on Saturday, February 22. Times for the main card and main event are as follows, per DAZN.
- Event start time: 11 AM ET / 8 AM PT / 4 PM GMT
- Bakole vs. Parker (estimate): 4 PM ET / 2 PM PT / 9 PM GMT
- Beterbiev vs. Bivol 2 (estimate): 5:30 PM ET / 3:30 PM PT / 10:30 PM GMT
‘The Last Crescendo’ all fights & undercard
The entire fight card features seven world title fights, including one undisputed and three interim titles. Subject to change:
- Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol 2; Undisputed light heavy (WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO, Ring)
- Martin Bakole vs. Joseph Parker; WBC Interim Heavy
- Shakur Stevenson vs. Josh Padley; WBC Light
- Carlos Adames vs. Hamzah Sheeraz; WBC Middle
- Vergil Ortiz Jr. vs. Israil Madrimov; WBC interim super welter
- Zhilei Zhang vs. Agit Kabayel; WBC interim heavy
- Joshua Buatsi vs. Callum Smith; WBO interim light heavy
- Ziyad Almaayouf vs. Jonatas Rodrigo Gomes de Oliveira; Super Light
- Mohammad Alakel vs. Engel Gomez; Light
- Troy Jones vs. Craig Richards; Light Heavy
Artur Beterbiev record
Beterbiev is 21-0-0 after defeating Bivol in October 2024. He has 20 wins by knockout, maintaining a 95.24 percent finishing rate, which was 100 percent before facing Bivol. Beterbiev’s key wins include Bivol, Callum Smith, Anthony Yarde, and Oleksandr Gvozdyk.
Dmitry Bivol record
Bivol was handed his first defeat by Beterbiev in 2024. His record is 23-1-0, with 12 knockouts. Bivol’s key wins include Canelo Alvarez, Gilberto Ramirez, and Joe Smith Jr.
How to watch Beterbiev vs. Bivol & Bakole vs. Parker
Fight fans can buy ‘The Last Crescendo’ as part of their DAZN subscription. The PPV is available for $25.99 in the US and £19.99 in the UK.
Beterbiev vs. Bivol 2 prediction
While their first fight was closely contested, the dynamics in the rematch seem to favor Beterbiev. The Russian-Canadian slugger always has the nuclear option of his power, which is one factor. Another is that Beterbiev has fewer adjustments to make than Bivol to succeed.
Bivol will always face an uphill battle, as he lacks the finishing power to hurt Beterbiev. As both fighters are equally proficient technicians, nobody has an edge in the fight IQ, so the smart pick here is Beterbiev to put a stamp on the rematch.
Bakole vs. Parker prediction
Martin Bakole looks to have found the style to suit his giant frame. His arm punches hit like a Mach truck, and his timing is impeccable for a big man. That said, he’s stepping in on short notice against a full-camp Joseph Parker. The Kiwi fighter is levels above Bakole’s recent competition and should be a safe pick, given he’s had complete preparation and has the better resume.
As with all heavyweight fights, don’t be surprised with a Bakole upset.