10/11/2024
Where To Watch: 📺ESPN+ (Main Event Only), DAZN (Undercard Only), BrunchBoxing.com (Live Round by Round Coverage)
Programming Note: The main event between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol will be available ONLYon ESPN+, while the undercard bouts are exclusive to DAZN. The main event broadcast begins at 6 PM EST, as confirmed by Top Rank Boxing.
On Saturday, October 12 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Riyadh Season’s IV Crown Showdown is shaping up to be one of the biggest boxing nights of the year. While fans will see some recognizable names on the undercard, the bout that has everyone talking is the main event: Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol for the undisputed light heavyweight title.
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Timothy Bradley Jr. and Bernardo Osuna will call the action on ESPN+, while Todd Grisham, Sergio Mora and Chris Mannix will handle the announcing duties for DAZN.
Artur Beterbiev (20-0, 20 KOs) vs. Dmitry Bivol (23-0, 12 KOs)
Photo Credit: Mikey Williams/Top Rank Boxing
What’s At Stake: Beterbiev’s WBC, IBF, and WBO Light Heavyweight Championships, and Bivol’s WBA Light Heavyweight Championship
Analysis: Artur Beterbiev is a two-time Olympian with an unblemished record of 20 wins, all by knockout. The 38-year-old Russian fighter boasts an unparalleled knockout ratio, stopping every opponent he’s faced since turning pro in 2013. Beterbiev’s recent stoppage of Callum Smith in January reaffirmed his position as one of the most fearsome punchers in the sport.
Dmitry Bivol, the reigning WBA light heavyweight champion, is a technician with elite footwork, timing, and defensive skills. Bivol announced his arrival as a pound-for-pound great in 2022 with a dominant unanimous decision win over Canelo Alvarez. The 33-year-old has successfully defended his belt 12 times and remains undefeated.
Beterbiev’s relentless pressure and devastating power will be his biggest assets. However, Bivol’s ability to control distance, manage pace, and land precise counterpunches makes him a formidable opponent. Beterbiev will look to close the gap early and break down Bivol with body shots and uppercuts, while Bivol will aim to frustrate Beterbiev by keeping the fight on the outside and wearing him down with his technical prowess.
Gambling Odds
Beterbiev: +104 ML, +160 KO/TKO, +750 Decision.
Bivol: -128 ML, +750 KO/TKO, +120 Decision.
Total Rounds: Over 10.5 at -186, Under 10.5 at +144.
Fight To Go The Distance: Yes at -140, No at +110.
Total Knockdowns: Over 0.5 at -165, Under 0.5 at +105; Over 1.5 at +170, Under 1.5 at -250.
Final Thoughts: This is a classic puncher vs. boxer matchup, and while Bivol’s boxing IQ gives him a slight edge on paper, Beterbiev’s knockout streak speaks for itself. The odds favor Bivol slightly, but if Beterbiev can close the distance, his power could carry the night.
Prediction: Beterbiev KO/TKO
Chris Eubank Jr. (33-3, 24 KOs) vs. Kamil Szeremeta (25-2-2, 8 KOs)
Photo Credit: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry Promotions
What’s At Stake: No title at stake
Analysis: This bout is a pivotal matchup for Eubank Jr., who is looking to keep his momentum going after a solid performance in his rematch against Liam Smith.
Gambling Odds
Eubank Jr.: -3000 ML
Szeremeta: +900 ML
Final Thoughts: Szeremeta is a durable opponent but lacks the firepower to trouble Eubank Jr. Expect Eubank Jr. to control this fight from start to finish and stop Szeremeta within the first half.
Prediction: Eubank Jr. KO/TKO
Fabio Wardley (17-0-1, 16 KOs) vs. Frazer Clarke (8-0-1, 6 KOs)
Photo Credit: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry Promotions
What’s At Stake: Wardley’s British Heavyweight Championship
Analysis: This is a heavyweight collision between two unbeaten fighters, with Wardley’s aggressive style and knockout power up against Clarke’s technical ability. The first bout was a spirited banger that ended in a draw.
Gambling Odds
Wardley: -148 ML, +185 KO/TKO, +280 Decision.
Clarke: +122 ML, +280 KO/TKO, +390 Decision.
Total Rounds: Over 9.5 at -112, Under 9.5 at -112.
Fight To Go The Distance: Yes at +108, No at -138.
Total Knockdowns: Over 0.5 at -220, Under 0.5 at +145; Over 1.5 at +115, Under 1.5 at -175.
Final Thoughts: While Clarke has shown promise, Wardley’s newfound experience from the first bout and knockout power should prevail this time around.
Prediction: Wardley KO/TKO
Jai Opetaia (25-0, 19 KOs) vs. Jack Massey (22-2, 12 KOs)
Photo Credit: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry Promotions
What’s At Stake: Opetaia’s IBF Cruiserweight Championship
Analysis: Opetaia will defend his IBF cruiserweight title against a hungry, but limited domestic level challenger in Massey. The champion is a heavy favorite.
Gambling Odds
Opetaia: -2000 ML, -390 KO/TKO, +460 Decision.
Massey: +1180 ML, +1900 KO/TKO, +2700 Decision.
Total Rounds: Over 7.5 at -134, Under 7.5 at +104.
Fight To Go The Distance: Yes at +340, No at -550.
Total Knockdowns: Over 0.5 at -550, Under 0.5 at +330; Over 1.5 at +100, Under 1.5 at -160.
Final Thoughts: Opetaia should dominate, with his superior skills and punching power likely ending the fight early.
Prediction: Opetaia KO/TKO
Ben Whittaker (8-0, 5 KOs) vs. Liam Cameron (23-6, 10 KOs)
Photo Credit: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry Promotions
What’s At Stake: No title at stake
Analysis: Whittaker is looking to extend his unbeaten streak against the veteran Cameron.
Gambling Odds
Whittaker: -2000 ML
Cameron: +770 ML
Final Thoughts: Whittaker’s youth and talent should carry him to a stoppage win.
Prediction: Whittaker KO/TKO
Skye Nicolson (11-0, 1 KO) vs. Raven Chapman (9-0, 2 KOs)
Photo Credit: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry Promotions
What’s At Stake: Nicolson’s WBC Women’s Featherweight Championship
Analysis: This is a clash for the WBC featherweight title between two unbeaten fighters. Nicolson is a healthy favorite and coming off a unanimous decision victory over Dyana Vargas. Chapman, while undefeated has faced a limited level of opposition. Both have a very good amateur pedigree, but Nicolson has the edge in big fight experience.
Gambling Odds
Nicolson: -650 ML, +1400 KO/TKO, -350 Decision.
Chapman: +400 ML, +1600 KO/TKO, +600 Decision.
Fight To Go The Distance: Yes at -1350, No at +740.
Final Thoughts: This could be a competitive bout, but Nicolson’s boxing skills should see her through a decision victory.
Prediction: Nicolson Decision
Mohammed Alakel (0-0) vs. Jesus Gonzalez (3-2, 0 KOs)
Photo Credit: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry Promotions
What’s At Stake: No title at stake
Analysis: Alakel makes his pro debut against Gonzalez in a showcase bout.
Gambling Odds
No line available
Final Thoughts: Alakel should impress in his debut, with a knockout likely.
Prediction: Alakel KO/TKO
Full Card:
Artur Beterbiev (20-0, 20 KOs) vs. Dmitry Bivol (23-0, 12 KOs) for the undisputed light heavyweight title
Chris Eubank Jr. (33-3, 24 KOs) vs. Kamil Szeremeta (25-2-2, 8 KOs)
Fabio Wardley (17-0-1, 16 KOs) vs. Frazer Clarke (8-0-1, 6 KOs)
Jai Opetaia (25-0, 19 KOs) vs. Jack Massey (22-2, 12 KOs) for the IBF cruiserweight title
Ben Whittaker (8-0, 5 KOs) vs. Liam Cameron (23-6, 10 KOs)
Skye Nicolson (11-0, 1 KO) vs. Raven Chapman (9-0, 2 KOs) for the WBC women’s featherweight title
Mohammed Alakel (0-0) vs. Jesus Gonzalez (3-2, 0 KOs)
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