In an atmosphere filled with anticipation, fighters underwent the official weigh-in this evening (Friday) at Boulevard City in Riyadh, marking their final stop before their decisive battles
tomorrow (Saturday) at anb Arena as part of the highly anticipated “The Last Crescendo” event.
With their physical preparations complete, only 24 hours separate them from the moment of truth. The fight night, held as part of Riyadh Season, will feature crucial bouts, headlined by the long-awaited clash between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol for the undisputed light heavyweight championship, a showdown that will determine the true ruler of the division.
One by one, the fighters stepped onto the weigh-in platform, under the watchful eyes of the crowd and media. The atmosphere was intense, with tension and excitement mounting as opponents faced off for the final time before stepping into the ring. The weigh-in also reflected the last-minute adjustments to the fight card, with an unexpected change taking center stage. British fighter Daniel Dubois was forced to withdraw due to injury, prompting a reshuffle in the lineup. In his place, Congolese powerhouse Martin Bakole was inserted to face Joseph Parker in a heavyweight battle. Bakole’s last-minute entry has added another layer of intrigue to the event, as he boasts immense physical strength and an aggressive fighting style, making his clash with Parker even more thrilling. Notably, Bakole had previously expressed his desire to face the winner of the originally planned Dubois-Parker bout, making this a golden opportunity for him to prove himself.
In another high-stakes fight, Shakur Stevenson is set to defend his WBC lightweight championship against Josh Padley, in what promises to be a test of his ability to remain at the top of the division.
Meanwhile, in the middleweight division, an exciting bout for the WBC title will take place between Carlos Adames and Hamzah Sheeraz, with Sheeraz looking to achieve a major breakthrough against the experienced Adames. Additionally, Vergil Ortiz Jr. will take on Israil Madrimov in a highly anticipated bout for the WBC interim super welterweight title, while Zhilei Zhang and Agit Kabayel will clash for the WBC interim heavyweight championship, in what is expected to be one of the night’s most intense showdowns.
In the light heavyweight division, Joshua Buatsi will face Callum Smith for the WBO interim title, a fight that could reshape the division’s future and determine the next world title contender.
As for the undercard, Craig Richards will take on Troy Jones, while Saudi fighter Ziad Al-Maayouf will battle Brazilian Jonatas Rodrigo in a highly significant fight, as Al-Maayouf aims to strengthen his record and advance to higher levels in his professional career. Meanwhile, Saudi boxer Mohammed Al-Aql will face Angel Gomez, providing another opportunity to showcase Saudi boxing’s growth on the global stage.
With the weigh-in officially concluded, all eyes are now on Riyadh as boxing fans from around the world eagerly await an unforgettable night. The bouts are expected to deliver electrifying action and fierce competition, with a massive live audience and global interest solidifying Saudi Arabia’s position as a premier destination for hosting world-class sporting events.
