https://arab.news/g6m4p
- Rivals bid to become undisputed light-heavyweight champion of the world
LONDON: Boxers Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev both said on Wednesday they were fully prepared and ready to become the undisputed light-heavyweight champion of the world in their clash in Saudi Arabia next month.
The event on Oct. 12, dubbed the “IV Crown Showdown,” referring to the four belts on the line, will headline the opening ceremony of the 2024 Riyadh Season.
Russian-Canadian Beterbiev, who holds the International Boxing Federation, World Boxing Organization and World Boxing Council belts, has knocked out all of his 20 opponents.
Russian Bivol, who has an undefeated 23-0 record, has won three fights since his victory over Canelo Alvarez in 2022, and is putting his World Boxing Association title on the line in the fight in Riyadh.
Bivol said at a press conference in London on Wednesday that he was eager to unify all belts, and added: “Oct. 12 will be an unforgettable night for boxing fans. Competing at Kingdom Arena, one of the world’s top venues, is an honor, and I’m grateful to Riyadh Season for this opportunity.”
Beterbiev also praised Riyadh Season’s contributions in taking boxing to new levels, and added: “I’m ready to claim another belt and become the undisputed champion.”
Tickets for the highly anticipated showdown went on sale on Wednesday. Fans can secure tickets for the event via the WeBook platform, organizers said.
The event will boast a seven-match undercard, including Olympic silver medalist Ben Whittaker taking on Liam Cameron in the light-heavyweight division, and Riyadh Season’s first women’s fight between Australian Skye Nicolson and Britain’s Raven Chapman.
Saudi boxer Mohammed Al-Aqel also features in a bout against Mexico’s Jesus Gonzalez in the welterweight category.