If there wasn’t enough already on the line at ‘The Last Crescendo’, the WBC has now added a stunning new title to the light heavyweight mix.
Boxing fans around the world are now entering their final countdown to ‘The Last Crescendo’, a monumental PPV card that includes a whopping six world title bouts.
The cherry on top of this latest Riyadh Season cake is the highly anticipated rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol – with the WBC now revealing a special new belt that will be awarded to the winner on Saturday evening.
Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol 2 gets special new commemorative belt
In addition to undisputed light heavyweight status, the World Boxing Council has unveiled a special new commemorative belt that will also be on the line for ‘The Last Crescendo’ main event.
The new commemorative belt is truly a thing of beauty, sporting a light blue and gold color theme and the Riyadh Season logo which “highlights the monumental context in which the fight will take place.”
Flanking either side of its 24-carat gold seal is Dmitry Bivol’s buffalo and Artur Beterbiev’s wolf, which have been incorporated as “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… 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.”
WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman also shared a statement alongside the unveiling of the new belt, noting that an already unforgettable night of action needs an unforgettable prize.
“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!”
Artur Beterbiev won the first fight in razor-close fashion, but who will win the rematch? Well, it’s safe to say that boxing experts both past and present are expecting another back-and-forth chess match on Saturday evening.
Boxing icons share their predictions for Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol 2
The bookies have the rematch as close to near-even as you can get; and industry experts from around the world agree that the incoming Beterbiev vs Bivol showcase is essentially a pick-’em.
Shakur Stevenson predicted that Bivol will get “revenge; I think all he had to do was just finish a little bit stronger,” with Frazer Clarke joining him in arguing “I think that Bivol has got the brain and the toughness to turn that job over, I really do.”
Hamzah Sheeraz, who also competes on ‘The Last Crescendo’ card, expects Beterbiev to put on more of a showcase this time around: “Repeat. And a more convincing repeat this time.”
Tony Bellew sees plenty of areas where Dmitry Bivol can improve compared to Beterbiev, who himself might have ‘peaked’ too early in their first fight.
“Beterbiev is a few months older and there’ll be more miles on the clock from their first fight. Beterbiev might think he can start quicker and see it out again, but it’ll be hard for him to fight at a fast pace so quick after their first fight.”
“A part of Bivol will think he should’ve had his hand raised in their first fight and the improvements he needs to make are only small. It’ll likely be close again, but I just think Bivol will be the fresher man.”
Beterbiev vs Bivol headlines an outstanding boxing card out in Riyadh – it all goes down live on Saturday, February 22.