02/23/2025
The Last Crescendo Recap, Results and Grades. Plus results from the rest of the boxing weekend: Bivol gets revenge, Parker obliterates Bakole, Ortiz dominates, and Kabayel’s improbable run highlight a huge boxing weekend.
The eyes of the boxing world turned to Saudi Arabia this past weekend as Riyadh Season hosted The Last Crescendo.
The stacked event, promoted by Queensberry Promotions, Top Rank Boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Golden Boy Promotions, BOXXER, and Matchroom Boxing, was headlined by the highly anticipated rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol. The co-main event featured a clash of giants: Joseph Parker vs. Martin Bakole.
Brunch Boxing was there to cover every punch, knockdown, and story behind the gloves. Here’s a full breakdown of the event, from results to grades, plus results from around the world in this action-packed, drama-filled weekend of boxing.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Dmitry Bivol (24-1, 12 KOs) MD12 Artur Beterbiev (21-1, 20 KOs)
Photo Credit: Mikey Robinson/Top Rank Boxing
The strategies didn’t change much from the first fight. Bivol started by circling Beterbiev, preventing him from finding his rhythm offensively. He also seemed more comfortable letting his hands go early. By the fourth round, however, Bivol’s feet slowed, and Beterbiev began to close the distance and go to work. This time, Beterbiev increased his output, and Bivol could feel the pressure. The fight looked to be slipping away from Bivol, but he regained his movement while Beterbiev began to slow in the eighth round.
Bivol took control of the center of the ring with his offense, and in the late stages of the fight, he did what many critics said he didn’t do in their first bout—he bit down and took over in the last four rounds. This was an elite, strategic battle between two evenly matched fighters, only separated by minor tactical decisions.
What’s Next:
It looks as if we are headed to a third fight for these two
Grade: A+
Joseph Parker (36-3, 24 KOs) TKO2 Martin Bakole (24-3, 16 KOs)
Photo Credit: Matchroom Boxing
A fight that came together within 24 hours, Bakole flew into Saudi Arabia on fight day and clearly wasn’t in top condition. Parker, on the other hand, had been on a resurgence, coming off wins against Zhilei Zhang and Deontay Wilder, and was already in camp preparing for Daniel Dubois.
Bakole fought aggressively and recklessly, likely knowing he needed to make something happen early before his gas tank ran empty. It was a fun fight while it lasted, but it didn’t last long—Parker landed a huge overhand right that disconnected Bakole’s brain from his legs. The corner stopped the fight, which may have been slightly premature, but it was a devastating knockdown nonetheless.
What’s Next:
The WBO will order Joseph Parker to face unified champion Oleksandr Usyk, as per their belt consolidation rules.
Martin Bakole’s manager has said that Bakole will go forward with the May 2 fight against Efe Ajagba.
Grade: B+
Shakur Stevenson (23-0, 11 KOs) TKO9 Josh Padley (15-1, 4 KOs)
Photo Credit: Matchroom Boxing
Shakur Stevenson found himself in a no-win situation, facing a late replacement opponent who few gave a chance. He desperately needed a stoppage, and while he got it, people still feel something is missing from his performances. Stevenson needs a legitimate opponent in the ring—someone the boxing world respects as a top-tier fighter.
What’s Next:
Shakur Stevenson says he wants Gervonta Davis next, but he will likely face William Zepada or someone lesser.
Josh Padley will go back to domestic level boxing until his name is called again.
Grade: F
Carlos Adames (24-1-1, 18 KOs) SD12-Draw Hamzah Sheeraz (21-0-1, 17 KOs)
Photo Credit: Matchroom Boxing
This fight was a huge disappointment, but I don’t disagree with the draw, even though many are calling it a robbery. I understand why people feel that way—Adames was the one pressing forward and trying to make it a fight, while Sheeraz looked hesitant. However, Adames wasn’t particularly effective, despite his aggression.
Neither fighter raised their stock, and Sheeraz’s reputation took a hit. That said, judging a fighter’s entire ability based on one performance is dangerous. I’ve seen much better from Sheeraz, and I’m not sure why he didn’t let his hands go—he had openings. Adames was active, but he wasn’t in range often enough to truly dominate.
What’s Next:
Carlos Adames has been called out by Troy Isley, who fights on March 29.
Reports are that Hamzah Sheeraz broke his hand, so who knows the timetable for his return.
Grade: F-
Vergil Ortiz Jr (23-0, 21 KOs) UD 12th Israil Madrimov (10-2, 7 KOs)
Photo Credit: Matchroom Boxing
Madrimov started the fight moving a lot, and Ortiz initially struggled to be as aggressive as we’re used to seeing him. However, early on, Ortiz focused on the body whenever he was in range.
Madrimov’s big movements drained his energy but also made him a target. Ortiz remained more stationary than usual, likely out of respect for Madrimov’s power. At times, it was frustrating to watch Ortiz in range but not opening up. The fight was competitive, but as it progressed, it became clear Ortiz was in control. The momentum was entirely in his favor in the second half, securing him a well-earned victory.
What’s Next:
The next logical bout for Vergil Ortiz Jr. would be against unified junior middleweight champion Sebastian Fundora.
Israil Madrimov should matchup with Serhii Bohachuk.
Grade: B+
Agit Kabayel (26-0, 18 KOs) KO6 Zhilei Zhang (27-3, 22 KOs)
Photo Credit: Matchroom Boxing
As expected, Zhang looked sharp and powerful in the first round. I had picked Kabayel to win via body shot stoppage, but I thought he needed to wait until the later rounds when Zhang’s gas tank was depleted.
Instead, Kabayel applied pressure in the second round, forcing Zhang to empty his reserves early. Kabayel hit the canvas but showcased his durability. I’m not sure if there’s another heavyweight who could break Zhang down in the first half of a fight the way Kabayel did.
What’s Next:
Agit Kabayel should fight for a full world title next, preferably against IBF Heavyweight Champion Daniel Dubois.
For Zhilei Zhang, a bout against Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller makes the most sense. Frank Sanchez is also a viable option.
Grade: A-
Callum Smith (32-2, 22 KOs) UD12 Joshua Buatsi (19-1, 13 KOs)
Photo Credit: Matchroom Boxing
Sometimes, you get a perfect style matchup that delivers a war—this was one of those fights. Smith got exactly the kind of fight that played to his strengths.
Buatsi should have boxed more, but once you’re in a fight like this, it’s difficult to change your approach on the fly. Smith’s power was the difference, especially in the second half. Buatsi was in survival mode at times, and Smith was the clear winner in a great fight.
What’s Next:
Callum Smith against David Benavidez would be a logical next bout, if Bivol and Beterbiev have a trilogy.
It’s been years in the making. Now is the time to make Joshua Buatsi vs. Anthony Yarde.
Grade: A+
Overall Event Grade: A+
Fan Grade: A+ to A
Other Results:
Luis Nery (36-2, 28 KOs) TKO7 Kyonosuke Kameda (15-4-2, 9 KOs)
Frank Sanchez (25-1, 18 KOs) TKO3 Ramon Olivas Echeverria (18-25, 12 KOs)
Gabriel Flores Jr. (26-2, 8 KOs) UD10 Jose Arellano (11-3, 6 KOs)
Carlos Ocampo (37-3, 25 KOs) TKO2 Luis Enrique Montelongo (17-11, 4 KOs)
Emiliano Moreno (12-0, 7 KOs) TKO7 Cesar Francis (13-3, 8 KOs)
Anthony Cuba (9-1-2, 4 KOs) UD8 DeMichael Harris (12-1-1, 11 KOs)
Cain Sandoval (15-0, 13 KOs) KO4 Mark Bernaldez (25-7, 14 KOs)
Cristopher Rios (11-2, 7 KOs) MD8 Daniel Barrera (8-1-1, 4 KOs)
Gor Yeritsyan (20-1, 16 KOs) TKO2 Luis Hernandez Ramos (23-7, 20 KOs)
Guadalupe Medina (9-0, 2 KOs) UD8 Agustina Vasquez (4-3-2)
Abel Mejia (7-0, 5 KOs) UD6 Alfredo Diaz Minjarez (9-12, 8 KOs)
Alan Garcia (15-1, 11 KOs) UD6 Juan Centeno (8-19-4, 1 KO)
Photo Credit: Lina Baker/360 Promotions
Final Thoughts:
This was a great card on paper and in the ring. When you stack so many fights in one event, there will always be a few disappointments, but the majority delivered—two in a very big way.
As of now, Beterbiev vs. Bivol 2 is my Fight of the Year. Given Beterbiev’s age, this may be the highest level we’ll ever see between them, but both fights were memorable.
This event also left us with some intriguing storylines:
• Is Vergil Ortiz Jr. the man to beat at 154?
• Is Agit Kabayel the biggest threat to Oleksandr Usyk?
• Will Joseph Parker finally get another shot at the heavyweight crown since his loss to Anthony Joshua?
It was a thrilling week in boxing—one that left fans both satisfied and hungry for more.
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