Boxing fans are in for a thrilling night as some of the sport’s biggest names prepare to step into the ring for an action-packed event featuring multiple world title fights.
The card will see some fighters take on their first world title shots such as Hamzah Sheeraz, and others fight for all the marbles in the Beterbiev Bivol main event.
From heavyweight action between Joseph Parker and Martin Bakole to a light-heavyweight domestic dust-up between Joshua Buatsi and Callum Smith, this card has it all.
Here’s a breakdown of the full fight card, including the scheduled timings (GMT) and the world titles on the line:
Full Fight Card and Timings (GMT)
15:30 GMT – Ziyad Almaayouf vs. Jontas de Oliveira
International Welterweight Contest (6 Rounds)
16:15 GMT – Mohammed Alakel vs. Engel Gomez
International Super-Featherweight Contest (6 Rounds) – First PPV Fight
16:45 GMT – Joshua Buatsi vs. Callum Smith
Interim WBO World Light-Heavyweight Championship (12 Rounds @ 175lbs)
17:40 GMT – Zhilei Zhang vs. Agit Kabayel
Vacant Interim WBC World Heavyweight Championship (12 Rounds)
18:40 GMT – Vergil Ortiz Jr vs. Israil Madrimov
Interim WBC World Super-Welterweight Championship (12 Rounds @ 154lbs)
19:35 GMT – Carlos Adames vs. Hamzah Sheeraz
WBC World Middleweight Championship (12 Rounds @ 160lbs)
20:35 GMT – Shakur Stevenson vs. Josh Padley
WBC World Lightweight Championship (12 Rounds @ 135lbs)
21:40 GMT – Joseph Parker vs. Martin Bakole
Interim WBO Heavyweight World Championship (12 Rounds)
22:50 GMT – Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitrii Bivol
WBA, WBC, WBO, IBF, IBO World Light-Heavyweight Championships (12 Rounds)
A Night of High-Stakes Battles
The main event sees the undefeated knockout artist Artur Beterbiev defend his undisputed light-heavyweight crown against the technically brilliant Dmitry Bivol. Though Bivol came up short last time, he is back with a vengeance this time round.
Elsewhere, the heavyweight scene will see Zhilei Zhang and Agit Kabayel battle for the interim WBC title, while Joseph Parker takes on Martin Bakole in a defence of his interim WBO belt.
With one cancellation due to a poisoning accusation against Shakur Stevenson, and another due to illness, the card has seen some shifts lately but remains top-tier entertainment.
With a combination of 50/50 fights, this card is set to deliver unforgettable moments. Whether it’s heavy-hitting knockouts, technical masterclasses, or shocking upsets, fans won’t want to miss a second of the action.
The Quest for Undisputed Light-Heavyweight Supremacy
The highly anticipated main event features a monumental clash between two of boxing’s most dominant forces, Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, battling for the undisputed light-heavyweight championship. Artur Beterbiev, known for his relentless pressure and devastating knockout power, enters the ring with an impeccable professional record of 20 wins, 0 losses, and all 20 victories coming by way of knockout. The unified WBC, IBF, and WBO Light Heavyweight Champion has consistently proven his mettle, with notable stoppages over Oleksandr Gvozdyk, Joe Smith Jr., and Anthony Yarde.
Facing him is the equally formidable Dmitry Bivol, the WBA and IBO Light Heavyweight Champion, who boasts an unblemished record of 23 wins and 0 losses, including 12 knockouts. Bivol’s technical brilliance, exceptional footwork, and defensive prowess have seen him outclass elite opponents such as Canelo Álvarez, whom he defeated by unanimous decision in May 2022, and Lyndon Arthur. While the original article suggests Bivol “came up short last time,” this fight represents a pivotal moment in his career, a chance to fully unify the division and cement his legacy as the undisputed king at 175 pounds, a goal he has long pursued. The contrasting styles—Beterbiev’s raw power against Bivol’s masterful boxing—promise a strategic and explosive encounter where every punch could alter the course of history.
Heavyweight Showdowns and Title Aspirations
Beyond the main event, the heavyweight division takes center stage with two crucial interim title bouts. Former WBO World Heavyweight Champion Joseph Parker (35-3, 23 KOs) defends his Interim WBO Heavyweight World Championship against the dangerous Martin Bakole (20-1, 14 KOs). Parker, fresh off a career-best performance where he defeated Deontay Wilder via unanimous decision in December 2023 and followed it up with a majority decision victory over Zhilei Zhang in March 2024 to reclaim the WBO interim title, looks to continue his resurgence. Bakole, known for his formidable strength and aggressive style, presents a significant challenge, having only suffered one professional loss to Michael Hunter in 2019. This encounter is expected to be a hard-hitting affair with significant implications for the future of the heavyweight landscape.
Another compelling heavyweight contest sees Zhilei Zhang (26-2-1, 21 KOs) square off against the undefeated German contender Agit Kabayel (25-0, 17 KOs) for the Vacant Interim WBC World Heavyweight Championship. Zhang, despite his recent loss to Parker, has proven his power with back-to-back knockout victories over Joe Joyce in 2023. Kabayel, who holds notable wins over Derek Chisora and a dominant performance against Frank Sanchez in December 2023, aims to maintain his perfect record and stake his claim for a shot at the full WBC title. This fight pits Zhang’s formidable power against Kabayel’s technical skill and undefeated momentum, making it a must-watch for heavyweight aficionados.
Rising Stars and Championship Clashes
The undercard is stacked with exciting matchups featuring rising stars and established contenders vying for championship gold. In a highly anticipated domestic dust-up, undefeated Joshua Buatsi (18-0, 13 KOs) takes on former WBA Super-Middleweight Champion Callum Smith (29-2, 21 KOs) for the Interim WBO World Light-Heavyweight Championship. Buatsi, a 2016 Olympic bronze medalist, has steadily climbed the ranks with impressive victories over the likes of Dan Azeez in February 2024. Smith, despite two losses to Canelo Álvarez and Artur Beterbiev, remains a formidable force with significant experience at the elite level. This fight is a true test for both men, with the winner positioning themselves for a shot at the unified light-heavyweight titles.
The WBC World Middleweight Championship is on the line as current champion Carlos Adames (23-1, 18 KOs) defends his title against the undefeated British sensation Hamzah Sheeraz (19-0, 15 KOs). Adames captured the interim WBC title in October 2022 and was later elevated to full champion. Sheeraz, known for his aggressive style and impressive knockout ratio, will be looking to make a statement in his first world title opportunity, having stopped Liam Williams in February 2024. This promises to be a thrilling clash of styles and a potential breakout moment for Sheeraz.
Another exciting title fight sees undefeated knockout artist Vergil Ortiz Jr (20-0, 20 KOs) challenge Israil Madrimov (10-0-1, 7 KOs) for the Interim WBC World Super-Welterweight Championship. Ortiz Jr. has maintained a perfect knockout record throughout his career, showcasing immense power and potential. Madrimov, an Uzbekistani amateur standout, has quickly made his mark in the professional ranks, capturing the WBA Super-Welterweight title in March 2024. This fight pits two undefeated, hard-hitting talents against each other in a contest that is unlikely to go the distance.
While the card has seen some adjustments, including a previously scheduled WBC World Lightweight Championship bout involving the undefeated Shakur Stevenson (21-0, 10 KOs), the overall quality of matchups remains exceptionally high. Reports of a cancellation due to a poisoning accusation against Shakur Stevenson, as mentioned in the original article, highlight the unpredictable nature of professional boxing and the challenges faced in bringing together such a star-studded event. Despite these shifts, the depth of talent across multiple divisions ensures that every fight on the card carries significant weight and potential for drama.
With a combination of 50/50 fights, this card is set to deliver unforgettable moments. Whether it’s heavy-hitting knockouts, technical masterclasses, or shocking upsets, fans won’t want to miss a second of the action.
