This weekend, the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh once again hosts a massive boxing card. The much-hyped Fight Card of the Century 2025 features a series of blockbuster matchups.
Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol tops the bill in a huge light-heavyweight rematch. A full undercard of intriguing bouts backs it up.
Let’s get stuck in and pick the likely victors in each fight.
Zhilei Zhang vs Agit Kabayel
Former European champion Kabayel goes into this heavyweight crossroads bout as the underdog, although the German is in fine form. With consecutive stoppage wins over Arsanblek Makhmudov and Frank Sanchez, those fights showcased his underrated body attack and heavy hands.
Kabayel can pull off the upset here – if he avoids getting tagged by his giant Chinese southpaw opponent. Zhang has highlight-reel knockouts of Deontay Wilder and Joe Joyce. However, Joseph Parker showed how a box-and-move strategy can negate Zhang’s bulldozing style.
A patient, disciplined performance could take Kabayel a step closer to a world title shot.
Prediction: Kabayel to win a decision
Joshua Buatsi vs Callum Smith
It was a mouth-watering clash for the interim WBO light-heavyweight title. Buatsi is the fresher fighter and the rightful favourite here.
Smith has looked devastating at the European and domestic levels. But has fallen short at elite level against Canelo Alvarez and Artur Beterbiev.
Buatsi can use his superior speed and activity to outbox a somewhat static and essential Smith. But he must be mindful of the Liverpudlian’s dangerous catch and counter left hook.
Prediction: Buatsi to win on points
Carlos Adames vs Hamzah Sheeraz
This is set up as a breakout fight for the imposing Brit Sheeraz. Since moving up to Middleweight, Sheeraz has looked destructive.
He steps up to world level against the experienced WBC king Adames. The Dominican is a sharp puncher. But his low output and poor punch accuracy may allow Sheeraz to dictate.
Adames’ best chance is to get on the inside and press. However, Sheeraz has a significant advantage in terms of height and reach. His crisper work should be enough to punish Adames to defeat in the championship rounds.
Prediction: Sheeraz by late rounds stoppage in a high-octane war
Vergil Ortiz Jr vs Israil Madrimov
Ortiz puts his WBC interim super welterweight title on the line. The 26-year-old Texan has won all but one of 22 career bouts by KO.
His 154lbs debut against Serhii Bohachuk was more challenging than expected. He hit the canvas twice before a hard-fought triumph. Madrimov will fancy his chances after pushing Terence Crawford to the wire last year.
Both fighters look team tough. This will be a titanic 12-round tussle.
Yet Ortiz Jr. is the more attacking fighter. This higher volume can propel him to another gruelling win over the distance.
Prediction: Ortiz Jr by close decision
Joseph Parker vs Martin Bakole
British dangerman Bakole steps in to replace Daniel Dubois.
Parker has the mobility and boxing skills to outpoint the powerful but slower Brit. Bakole stopped the hotly tipped Jared Anderson last year. He carries clubbing power with a relentless march-forward style.
Trainer Andy Lee can yet again devise a smart strategy to continue Parker’s recent win streak. Expect Parker to fire off quick salvos and frustrate his foe to secure a clearcut win.
Prediction: After weathering an early onslaught, Parker to take a clear points verdict
Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol
Beterbiev and Bivol rematch for 175lbs supremacy. Beterbiev took a razor-thin verdict in their first bout.
Both men have reasons to be confident. Bivol was the first man to take Beterbiev the distance. But can he refine his game plan to get revenge? Bivol must find a balance between sensible boxing and aggression.
Across the ring, Beterbiev will believe he can crank up the pressure and take Bivol into deep waters.
Prediction: Beterbiev to retain his crown by split decision
That rounds up our previews for the Fight Card of the Century 2025. We hope you enjoy each fight. Let us know your predictions in the comments below.
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