In the world of combat sports, some fights are more than just battles – they are moments in history. On February 22nd, Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena set the stage for The Last Crescendo, a night of unforgettable action headlined by the much-anticipated rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol. More than just a fight card, the event was a spectacle – an orchestration of power, precision, and unrelenting drama.
A Rivalry Reignited: Beterbiev vs Bivol 2
At the heart of The Last Crescendo was the rematch the boxing world had been waiting for. Their first encounter in October 2024 was a razor-thin decision, with Beterbiev winning on points – the first time he had ever gone the distance in his career. The result sparked endless debates, with many feeling Bivol had done enough to win. This time, both men entered the ring determined to leave no doubt.
Beterbiev, known for his devastating knockout power, came in with the goal of making a statement. Bivol, the master technician, sought redemption. From the opening bell, the fight was a chess match with violent consequences – Beterbiev pressing forward, Bivol countering with surgical precision. As the rounds progressed, the tension built like a symphony reaching its peak, each fighter playing his part in a battle of will and skill.
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A Stacked Card with Unforgettable Moments
While the main event stole the headlines, The Last Crescendo delivered a lineup that could rival any in recent boxing history.
Daniel Dubois vs Joseph Parker – Heavyweight Championship Clash
Fresh off his shocking knockout win over Anthony Joshua, IBF World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Dubois stepped into the ring against former WBO champion Joseph Parker. Dubois’ power was on full display, but Parker’s resilience and experience made for an explosive showdown. The back-and-forth war saw momentum shifts that had fans on the edge of their seats, proving why heavyweight boxing remains the sport’s biggest draw.
Carlos Adames vs Hamzah Sheeraz – Middleweight Title Showdown
A collision of two fearless warriors, this WBC World Middleweight Championship fight saw the imposing Sheeraz take on Adames in what many expected to be a war. Sheeraz, known for his knockout power, faced a relentless Adames who refused to back down. The result was a brutal, high-paced contest that will be remembered as one of the best middleweight fights in recent memory.
Zhilei Zhang vs Agit Kabayel – The Heavyweight Slugfest
Chinese knockout artist Zhilei ‘Big Bang’ Zhang faced Germany’s undefeated Agit Kabayel for the WBC Interim Heavyweight title, with both men vying for a future shot at Oleksandr Usyk. Zhang’s crushing power met Kabayel’s durability in a fight that showcased both men’s warrior spirit.
Shakur Stevenson, Vergil Ortiz Jr., and a Night of World-Class Boxing
Shakur Stevenson, one of the sport’s most gifted defensive fighters, put his WBC Lightweight title on the line against the young and hungry Floyd Schofield. Meanwhile, in the super welterweight division, US star Vergil Ortiz Jr. faced Israil Madrimov in a fight that had serious title implications.
To top it off, British light-heavyweights Joshua Buatsi and former super-middleweight champion Callum Smith went to war for the WBO Interim title, adding another layer of excitement to an already electric night.
The Spectacle: Blending Sport and Art
What made The Last Crescendo truly special wasn’t just the fights, but the way they were presented. BigTime Creative Shop’s cinematic campaign transformed the event into a theatrical masterpiece. The opera-inspired The Last Crescendo film set the tone, merging boxing with classical music, drama, and storytelling in a way that had never been done before.
Adding to the innovation, BigTime’s AI-powered fourth judge provided real-time scoring analysis—a technology first introduced in the Usyk vs Fury fight. While it didn’t impact the official result, it gave fans an additional layer of insight, proving that boxing’s future lies at the intersection of tradition and technology.
Final Verdict: A Knockout Night in Riyadh
With a sold-out crowd, a stacked card, and a main event that delivered on its promise, The Last Crescendo was more than just a boxing event—it was a cultural moment. The fights were high-stakes, the production was world-class, and the storytelling elevated the sport to new artistic heights.
As the final bell rang and the dust settled, one thing was clear: The Last Crescendo was a symphony of violence, skill, and heart. A night that will be remembered for years to come.