Riyadh, February 22, 2024 – Daniel Dubois, the IBF heavyweight world champion, is set to defend his title against former world champion Joseph Parker in a highly anticipated bout during the Riyadh Season. The fight headlines a stacked card featuring multiple world championship clashes, promising a thrilling night of boxing for fans worldwide.
Dubois, who became interim IBF heavyweight champion after defeating Filip Hrgovic in June, was elevated to full champion status following Oleksandr Usyk’s decision to vacate the title to focus on his rematch with Tyson Fury. The London-born fighter solidified his place among the heavyweight elite with a dominant knockout victory over Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium in September.
Joseph Parker, a former WBO heavyweight champion, enters the fight on a wave of momentum. He stunned the boxing world by defeating former WBC champion Deontay Wilder last year and outpointed Zhilei Zhang to claim the WBO Interim title. Parker’s experience and recent performances make him a formidable challenger for Dubois.
The Riyadh event also features a highly anticipated rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol. Beterbiev, the undefeated and undisputed light-heavyweight champion, narrowly edged Bivol in a controversial decision last October to unify the WBC, WBA, WBO, and IBF titles. Bivol, who became the first opponent to take Beterbiev the distance, will look to reclaim glory in their second encounter.
Another marquee matchup sees British light-heavyweights Joshua Buatsi and Callum Smith face off for the WBO Interim title, a clash expected to deliver fireworks. Meanwhile, heavyweight contenders Zhilei Zhang and Agit Kabayel will vie for the WBC Interim heavyweight title, with Zhang seeking to bounce back from his loss to Parker.
Adding to the night’s excitement, rising British star Hamzah Sheeraz will challenge Carlos Adames for the WBC middleweight title, marking Sheeraz’s first shot at world championship gold.
In the lightweight division, Shakur Stevenson will defend his WBC belt against Floyd Schofield, with Stevenson aiming to solidify his dominance in the division.
The Riyadh Season boxing event promises to be one of the biggest nights in recent boxing history, featuring elite fighters from multiple weight classes. Fans can expect drama, high stakes, and unforgettable moments as champions defend their belts and challengers strive for glory.
