Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol battle for the undisputed crown in tonight’s main event, but action has ensued even in the opening bout.
Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol 2 has been hailed as one of the biggest cards in boxing history.
Featuring the likes of Zhilei Zhang, who almost died against Jerry Forrest, vs Agit Kabayel, Joshua Buatsi, who prayed for a knocked-out opponent, vs Callum Smith, and Israil Madrimov vs Vergil Ortiz Jr. amongst others, the card is sure to entertain.
Even in the opening bout there was action, with an undefeated prospect becoming the 44th undefeated opponent to defeat a veteran journeyman.
Mohammed Alakel bests 8-42 journeyman in opening bout
Mohammed Alakel is now 3-0 after defeating Engel Gomez in the opening bout of the impressive boxing card.
Alakel outclassed Gomez and won on a points decision, but he is not the first undefeated fighter Gomez has faced.
Gomez holds a record of 8-42-3, and has faced 45 undefeated opponents, defeating none of them.
Gomez fought to a draw in 2024 against then-undefeated 4-0 Numan Hussain.
Alakel, who is trained by Joe Gallagher, picked up a victory, which marks Gallagher’s first as a trainer since being diagnosed with bowel cancer.
Alakel admitted that he wasn’t listening to his corner and that it was not his best performance.
Joe Gallagher, former trainer of Callum and Liam Smith, diagnosed with bowel cancer
In tragic news, former trainer of Callum and Liam Smith, and current trainer of Lawrence Okolie and Alakel, was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer.
Gallagher has expressed that it is being around his team of talented fighters that inspires him to fight the vicious disease.
Gallagher has seen his first victory of the night as Alakel takes home his points win, and will likely be cheering on Callum Smith as he faces Buatsi next, despite Smith moving to train with Buddy McGirt.