Beterbiev vs Bivol 2 is upon us, and we're here to take you through the big fight night, helping you figure out the best (and cheapest) way to watch the two Russians live on Saturday, February 22 from anywhere with a VPN.
The first fight was a classic, so you're not going to want to miss this rematch. Artur Beterbiev beat Dmitry Bivol by the narrowest of margins at this very venue in Saudi Arabia back in October to become the undisputed light-heavyweight world champion. Now, the title is back on the line again.
Supported by an incredible undercard – even if Daniel Dubois' withdrawal has taken some of the gloss off – Beterbiev vs Bivol 2 headlines a fight night that will be watched by millions around the world.
Eager to see the huge box office showdown in Riyadh? We'll have you covered right here with all the latest updates on Beterbiev vs Bivol 2 including the build-up, the undercard, streaming tips, and round-by-round updates.
Watching Beterbiev vs Bivol 2: The Essentials
- Date: Saturday, Feb 22
- Main event start time: 5.30pm ET / 10.30 pm GMT
- US PPV: DAZN
- UK PPV: DAZN, Sky Sports, TNT Sports, Discovery+
- 📺 Our FULL GUIDE to Beterbiev vs Bivol 2 live streams
Use a VPN to watch your usual stream
Disclaimer
VPN services are evaluated and tested by us in view of legal recreational use. For example: a) Access to services from other countries, (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). b) Safeguarding your online security and making your online privacy more robust when abroad. Future plc does not support nor condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. We do not endorse nor approve of consuming pirated content that is paid-for.
📺 WATCH Beterbiev vs Bivol 2 REPLAY!
Want to watch tonight's full fight replay?
In the UK, Sky Sports Box Office will be showing full fight replays at 8am GMT and 6pm GMT on Sunday, February 23.
In the US/UK/Canada/Australia, the DAZN PPV video on-demand service is usually available within 4 hours of the fight finishing. You've got the following 7 days to re-watch.
Another option for those in the UK is TNT Sports Box Office which is available via Discovery+, Amazon Prime Video , Virgin Media TV and EE TV. On-demand replays usually hang around for a few days.
It's 1-1 now... talk is already turning to a third fight between these two... hard to see how we don't get a trilogy, and who'd complain after watching that!
Bivol with the belts
Beterbiev speaks
“I don’t want to talk about decision. It’s tough. I want to congratulate Bivol and his team. I think this fight was better than the first fight, but we’ll see.”
Bivol speaks
"I'm just so happy. I went through a lot in the last years. Thank you everybody so much."
"To be honest, I lost and I feel a little bit easier. I didn't pressure too much this time like before the last fight. I just wanted to work from the first round until the end of the 12th.
"I was better. I was pushing myself more, I was more confident, I was lighter. I just wanted to win so much today.
"I just told myself, he could start from the beginning to destroy me, but it was hard to keep him on the distance the first four rounds. I thought 'he is tired - I am tired but he is tired also, I have to be smarter, cleaner'."
Bivol beats Beterbiev
We have a new undisputed light-heavyweight champion!
One judge calls it a draw but the other two have it for Bivol. Beterbiev tastes defeat for the first time in his career.
Beterbiev had that round but it might be too little too late. An even start and Beterbiev got on top but Bivol turned the tables and was on top for a good portion there. We await the scores...
Beterbiev vs Bivol round 12
Beterbiev crunches a couple onto the chin, and one to the eye that draws more blood. Better from the current champ, who's back to his furious best and Bivol is back to more of a containing shape. There's the bell. That's it. All over.
Beterbiev vs Bivol round 11
Is Bivol on his way to victory? He's been incredible since round 7, and here the combination punching continues, with a big right hand landed over the top. Beterbiev is on the back foot and even when he tries to get back on top he gets punished towards the end. Bivol has the better of it so far surely. One round to go - can Beterbiev knock him out?
Beterbiev vs Bivol round 10
The counter-punching is lightning from Bivol, who has the measure of Beterbiev's advances early in the round. Beterbiev gets some punches through and starts to dominate again but Bivol finishes with a flourish.
Beterbiev v Bivol Round Nine
Bivol is back on top here, incredible movement, beautiful flow, working his way through his heavier-punching opponent. He ducks a big swing and reels off a four-punch combination. He's the sharper of the two boxers right now.
Beterbiev v Bivol Round Eight
Bivol is gaining more and more confidence after riding out that storm earlier on. He's landing some blows here and Beterbiev, who was just unleashing on him earlier on, looks more disorganised here. It's neck and neck.
Beterbiev v Bivol Round Seven
Six rounds of insane intensity, and it relents ever so slightly in round seven, but not by much. What a match this is. Bivol is breathing heavily but his boxing doesn't show it. He has much more of a foothold in that round and has the better of it towards the end with a great combination.
Bivol's face is showing some damage from this brutal whirl of big Beterbiev blows.
Beterbiev v Bivol Round Six
Beterbiev is all over Bivol here. He's moving his opponent backwards all the time, and Bivol is just trying to keep tight and ride out this storm. He manages to come out of his defensive shape to put together a decent combination and that leads a bit of momentum but he's on the ropes towards the end of the round.
Beterbiev v Bivol Round Five
Beterbiev comes out all guns blazing once again. Bivol boxed beautifully in the first round but since then Beterbiev has been a man on a mission, and it's turning into a bit of an onslaught. Bivol lands a great counter in the middle of the round, but either side of it he was bullied there.
Beterbiev v Bivol Round Four
Beterbiev starts to seize more of the initiative. He lands a roundhouse right early in the round. His punches are landing harder, and while Bivol had thrown flurries back at him in the first two rounds, this time he's more on the back foot, though he does get some grip back late in the round.
Beterbiev v Bivol Round Three
Beterbiev lands some heavier blows on Bivol now. The intensity and tempo here is incredible.
Beterbiev v Bivol Round Two
What a round! Bivol is as brave as can be here, and he's getting his rewards, landing a thick right hook. Beterbiev is trying to be aggressive but Bivol is countering brilliantly. Fast and furious contest so far.
Beterbiev v Bivol Round One
Bivol made the stronger start last time out, and it's the same again here, with some nice combinations and neat footwork.
We're underway!
A touch of gloves and we are away. Strap yourselves in.
And here's the undisputed light-heavyweight world champ, Artur Beterbiev...
Bivol is out first
Who are the commentators and pundits on DAZN for Beterbiev v Bivol?
Ade Oladipo hosts DAZN's coverage, with commentary from Adam Smith and Todd Grisham – although you can choose alternative commentary options with True Geordie or Showbizz the Adult.
Former world champions Barry Jones, Sergio Mora, and Darren Barker are on punditry duty providing their insights, while Chris Mannix and Emily Austin are ringside for interviews and updates.
There is even special guest in the form of a certain Anthony Joshua.
Last chance to purchase your PPV!
If you haven't already, what are you waiting for? You've missed some cracking boxing already, but you won't want to miss this.
A reminder that streaming platform DAZN is the port of call in pretty much every country in the world, including the US. You can expect to pay $25.99 or your local equivalent.
In the UK, you can also get the fight through Sky Sports Box Office and TNT Sports Box Office for just under £20.. In Australia, you can get it through Kayo Sports, but it's a fair bit pricier than DAZN.
Up now: Beterbiev v Bivol
That means we're pretty much back on track and it's almost time for the main event: Artur Beterbiev v Dmitry Bivol. Ringwalks are minutes away!
There's the shot
No shame for Bakole there given the nature of his presence here, but it didn't prove a match for the Dubois fight that had everyone talking about the 'card of the century'.
"I want to thank the people of Saudi Arabia and my team. Martin Bakole, thank you very much for accepting the invitation and for giving me a good fight," says Parker.
"Who's next? How can I fight for the world title next? If (Oleksandr) Usyk wants a dance partner next, then we can get Uncle Frank (Warren) in here."
Parker knocks out Bakole in round 2!
Wow. The fight is over already.
Bakole draws blood from Parker but moments later he is sent crashing to the deck by a right-hander, and he can't get up. The referee waves it off and that is that - job done for Parker in less than two rounds.
Should I use a VPN to watch Beterbiev v Bivol?
VPNs are great for streaming live sport...
First things first, they allow you to watch your usual streams from anywhere in the world, re-routing your IP address to unblock geo-restrictions on streaming services. You can get the Beterbiev v Bivol PPV in many different countries, but you can use a VPN to get your usual service from your home country if you're abroad. DAZN's various streams, for example, come with different local language commentaries.
VPNs also help you avoid ISP/bandwidth throttling, which is where wifi providers intentionally limit your internet speeds. That means you can enjoy the fight safe in the knowledge you're getting the best quality picture with no buffering.
Finally, VPNs are brilliant for your general internet security, creating encrypted connections to keep you as safe as can be when streaming content online.
Disclaimer
VPN services are evaluated and tested by us in view of legal recreational use. For example: a) Access to services from other countries, (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). b) Safeguarding your online security and making your online privacy more robust when abroad. Future plc does not support nor condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. We do not endorse nor approve of consuming pirated content that is paid-for.
As if to underline how last-minute this all was... it looks like Bakole is wearing Dubois' gloves!
What time is Beterbiev vs Bivol 2? Schedule update
The ringwalks for Beterbiev vs Bivol were supposed to be between 5.30-6pm ET / 10.30-11pm GMT. Well, that time's almost upon us and Parker/Bakole haven't traded a punch. We're around 40 minutes behind schedule as it stands.
Up now: Joseph Parker v Martin Bakole
It's the penultimate fight of the night, and while it's not the one we should be getting, it should still be a cracker. Joseph Parker was supposed to be fighting Daniel Dubois in a clash that was almost as highly anticipated as the one at the top of the bill.
As with Padley in the fight just gone, it was a case of a last-gasp replacement, with Martin Bakole flying in from the Democratic Republic of Congo on Friday. The 31-year-old, who's based in Scotland most of the time, stands at 6ft6in with huge power and reach, and with a record of 21-1.
He has had no time whatsoever to prepare for a fight against one of the world's best heavyweights, but he's not fazed...
"I think I will shock the world," Bakole said in a video posted on social media. "I'm a boxer. A boxer is like a soldier, anytime they ask me to go to war I will always be ready."
Padley peeling himself off the deck in that ninth round
Stevenson beats Padley by stoppage in round 9
Having just talked about Padley hanging in and going the distance, he is dumped to the canvas not once, not twice, but thrice. His team throw in the towel and it's all over.
Padley is putting up a good fight here against Stevenson. Into the ninth they go and while he's surely well behind on the scoring, he could well take this the distance.
Weigh-in highlights
The weigh-ins were yesterday - here are the highlights courtesy of DAZN...
Beterbiev v Bivol: What happened in the first fight?
Not much time has past since Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol were in this very ring, back in October. It was an electric contest and clash of styles, with Bertebiev edging it but not by enough to dissuade a healthy debate among boxing fans. In fact, the closeness of the contest only intensified the appetite to see the pair fight again.
Bivol started the stronger back in October, but Beterbiev grew into the fight and had the better of the later exchanges. In the end, two of the three judges went in favour of Beterbiev (115-113 and) 116-112, while the third called it a 114-114 draw. Bivol's promoter, Eddie Hearn, branded the scoring "disgusting".
It was Bivol's first defeat, but that '1' on his record came with some consolation in that he was the only man to ever take Beterbiev the distance - until then, the Russian-Canadian had won all 20 of his fights through knockout.
A reminder that the PPV, in all cases, gets you all the fights on the card, so there's no point wasting any time. This fight is well worth a watch, as is Joseph Parker v Martin Bakole next – another one with a late withdrawal due to illness, Daniel Dubois pulling out of what would have been a blockbuster fight.
Up now: Stevenson vs Padley
Incredible story possibly brewing... Josh Padley is an electrician from Doncaster who, at the start of this week, had no plans at all to be in this ring in Riyadh. However, Floyd Schofield's withdrawal through illness led to a phone call and a massive opportunity. He's not long touched down in Saudi Arabia, and now he's fighting Shakur Stevenson, one of the most exciting boxers around on one of the biggest fight nights you'll see all year.
"An absolute disgrace"
No mincing of any words from the BBC's veteran boxing broadcaster, Steve Bunce, on 5 Live...
"That was an absolute disgrace. Every single person in the Sheeraz corner knows that we have seen something here tonight that may be ranked as one of the worst scores I have ever, ever been ringside to witness."
Adames vs Sheeraz ends in split-decision draw
After 12 rounds there's no decisive verdict from the judges, meaning a draw and Carlos Adames retaining his WBC middleweight title by default. There'll be some head-scratching over that, as Adames looked to be the man on top.
Here's how the three judges called it: 115-114 Sheeraz // 118-110 Adames // 114-114 draw.
UK PPV options for Beterbiev v Bivol 2
In most countries around the world, streaming platform DAZN is the one-stop shop for Beterbiev v Bivol, but fans in the UK have plenty of choice.
With DAZN, the PPV for Beterbiev v Bivol costs £19.99. Unlike other options, you need a subscription in order to purchase the fight. However, DAZN is offering new customers a seven-day free trial, so you can still treat it as a one-off £19.99 purchase (provided you remember to cancel in time).
Boasting the cheapest price of the three UK broadcasters, by a proud four pence, Sky Sports is offering Beterbiev vs Bivol 2 for £19.95 through its Box Office. Existing Sky customers can get it through their remote or over the phone via Sky Q, Sky Glass, Sky Stream and Sky+. Non-customers can also get the PPV without having to subscribe – for that you'll need the Sky Box office app or website.
You can also get the Beterbiev v Bivol PPV through TNT Sports for £19.99 through the TNT Sports Box Office. You don't need to be a subscriber to TNT Sports to get the fight, which you can access via the likes of EE, Virgin Media, and Amazon Prime Video. You can also get it on TNT's own streaming platform, Discovery+, without needing to have a subscription.
What time will Beterbiev v Bivol 2 take place?
As it stands, we're running a little behind schedule, although an early knockout could put us back on track. This Adames-Sheeraz fight was originally slated for 2.30pm ET / 7.30pm GMT, but they got underway at 3.15pm ET / 8.15pm GMT.
A reminder, the Beterbiev v Bivol ringwalks have been slated for between 5.30-6pm ET and 10.30-11pm GMT.
Adames vs Sheeraz is underway
Carlos Adames and Hamzah Sheeraz are in the ring, fighting for Adames' WBC middleweight title. This is the fourth fight of the night, with three to come, building towards the big one: Beterbiev v Bivol 2.
Ortiz beats Madrimov
After a full 12 rounds, Vergil Ortiz Jr is declared the winner over Israil Madrimov, by unanimous decision.
The cards read: 117-111, 115-113, 115-113.
Ortiz Jr and Madrimov are into their final round, with the American on top.
Where are today's cheapest PPV deals?
You won't find much difference in price in any countries showing the fight. Unlike other fights, such as Usyk vs Fury where there was a great deal in Usyk's native Ukraine, Beterbiev vs Bivol is consistently priced around the world.
In almost every country, DAZN is the broadcaster that has the fight. Most currency conversions translate pretty neatly to the US benchmark of $25.99 or the UK mark of £19.99. However, there are some minor discrepancies...
In Ireland, the price in Euros matches the price in British pounds across the water, which is $20.92. In Sweden, the 215 Krona you're paying translates to $20.18 USD, while 655 New Taiwan dollars sneaks in under the $20 mark. However, the cheapest deal goes to Canadians, who are also paying $25.99 but in their own Canadian dollars - that's US$18.26.
The most expensive is Switzerland (is this any surprise?), where it's 25.99 even in Swiss Francs, which is US$29.
Vergil Ortiz Jr vs Israil Madrimov is underway
These two are contesting the WBC world interim super-welterweight title in what should be a brilliant fight.
Speaking of which... here's Oleksandr Usyk, who defeated Tyson Fury twice in this very ring last year to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.
Kabayel beats Zhang
Agit Kabayel sends Zhilei Zhang to the canvas in the sixth round and the referee says no more. Kabayel has the WBC interim heavyweight and now has his sights on an even bigger fight.
When is Beterbiev v Bivol? Schedule for the night
Ringwalks for Beterbiev v Bivol have been approximately earmarked for 5.30pm ET / 10.30pm GMT, with the fight expected to begin at 6pm ET / 11pm GMT.
However, the card is running behind schedule already, so it may end up being on the late side.
We've had the first fight of the night, with Callum Smith beating Joshua Buatsi in a unanimous points decision. Currently in the ring are Zhilei Zhang and Agit Kabayel, going for the vacant WBC interim heavyweight title.
Beterbiev vs Bivol 2: Full card
Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol | Undisputed light-heavyweight title
Martin Bakole vs Joseph Parker | Heavyweight
Shakur Stevenson vs Josh Padley | WBC lightweight title
Carlos Adames vs Hamzah Sheeraz | WBC middleweight title
Vergil Ortiz Jr vs Israil Madrimo | WBC world interim super-welterweight title
Zhilei Zhang vs Agit Kabayel | Vacant WBC interim heavyweight title
Joshua Buatsi vs Callum Smith | WBO light-heavyweight interim title
Here we go!
Hello there, welcome along, are you ready for a brilliant night of boxing?
Well, it has already begun. It may not quite be the 'card of century' anymore, with the withdrawals of Daniel Dubois and Floyd Schofield stripping off a little of the lustre, but it's still a mouth-watering fight night. Headlining it all will be Beterbiev v Bivol 2, a rematch that comes with a huge amount of hype after the drama, quality, and knife-edge tightness of their first contest back in October.
We'll be covering it all right here, building up through the undercard right the way up to the big event. We'll let you know where you can watch it, the cheapest deals available, and how you can tune in wherever you are in the world.
