London Hosts the First 'The Last Crescendo' Press Conference as Part of Riyadh Season


On Monday, a press conference was held in London to announce the participation of top boxing stars in 'The Last Crescendo,' scheduled for Saturday, February 22, as part of Riyadh Season at the 'anb arena.'  



The event will feature several exciting bouts, most notably a rematch for the Undisputed Light Heavyweight World Championship between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, along with a defense of the Heavyweight World Title.  


Boxing fans have described this highly anticipated night as the greatest in the sport’s history, with champions battling for titles in every fight.  


Beterbiev and Bivol met for the first time since their previous encounter at London's 'Outernet' in front of a large global media audience. Beterbiev aims to defend his undefeated record after his majority decision victory in the epic bout that opened the Riyadh Season 2024 last October.  


Beterbiev confirmed that his training camp is progressing well and that he is doing everything possible to prepare in the best way. Dmitry Bivol expressed his eagerness to return to the ring, stating that he is determined and focused on the February 22 showdown. He extended his gratitude to Turki Al-Sheikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, Riyadh Season, his team, 'World of Boxing,' and 'Matchroom,' vowing to come to Saudi Arabia to fulfill his destiny.  


The event also includes an electrifying bout between IBF Heavyweight World Champion Daniel Dubois, who scored a knockout victory over Anthony Joshua in the fifth round during Riyadh Season's London event last September. Dubois will defend his title for the second time against former WBO Heavyweight World Champion Joseph Parker.  


Dubois expressed his excitement to return to Riyadh and kick off 2025 with another significant title defense, emphasizing that this year would be his year to establish himself as the best heavyweight. He aims to start this journey with a victory over Parker.  


Joseph Parker, on the other hand, stated he is fully prepared for the challenge, claiming to be in the best physical and mental shape of his life. Parker is determined to step into the ring and defeat Dubois to reclaim the world title for a second time. He added that he has been working tirelessly with his trainers Andy Lee and George Lockhart and is ready for the bout.  


The evening also features a WBC Middleweight World Title fight between Carlos Adames and Hamzah Sheeraz. Sheeraz has achieved three impressive knockout victories in 2024 against Liam Williams, Austin "Ammo" Williams, and Tyler Denny.  


Additionally, Chinese boxer Zhilei Zhang returns to Riyadh after his knockout victory over Deontay Wilder to face undefeated German boxer Agit Kabayel for the WBC Interim Heavyweight Title.  


American Vergil Ortiz Jr. will compete against Uzbek boxer Israil Madrimov for the Interim Junior Middleweight World Title. Meanwhile, American Shakur Stevenson will defend his Lightweight World Title against Floyd Schofield.  


British boxers Joshua Buatsi and Callum Smith will clash in a highly anticipated bout for Buatsi’s Interim Light Heavyweight Title under the WBO.  


The event will also feature two Saudi boxers, Ziyad Al-Maayouf and Mohammed Al-Aqel, who will face opponents to be announced later.  


This evening stands out as one of the largest events in the world of boxing, uniting global champions for thrilling bouts as part of Riyadh Season. It underscores Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading global destination for sports and entertainment.