Riyadh: Artur Beterbiev made a triumphant return to the ring at the IV Crown Showdown to beat Dmitry Bivol by majority decision and underline his status as one of the light heavyweight greats.
Despite recent knee surgery, Beterbiev showed his resilience and skill, sending a clear message to the boxing world that he remains a formidable force at 39 years of age.
The IV Crown Showdown, which took place during the grand opening of Riyadh Season 2024, featured some of the sport’s biggest names in a series of compelling bouts in which champions were crowned and new talents made their mark.
Headlining the night was Beterbiev, who solidified his reputation as one of boxing’s toughest competitors and showed that his dominance in the light heavyweight division remains unquestioned.
In another major highlight, Australian featherweight sensation Skye Nicolson delivered a commanding performance, defeating Raven Chapman in a thrilling contest. Nicolson, known for her sharp technique and quick movement, used her superior footwork to neutralize Chapman’s attempts to pressure her. The victory is another step forward in Nicolson’s rapidly rising career as she continues to establish herself as a force in women’s boxing.
The local crowd also had much to celebrate, as Saudi boxer Mohammed AlAkel earned an impressive victory over Jesus Gonzalez in a welterweight showdown. AlAkel was cheered on by an enthusiastic Riyadh audience as his aggressive approach and tactical precision overwhelmed Gonzalez, securing him a well-deserved win and further fueling Saudi Arabia’s growing presence on the international boxing stage.
Throughout the evening, fans were treated to a range of matchups in several weight divisions, with each fight contributing to the atmosphere. The IV Crown Showdown successfully blended high-level competition with the excitement of Riyadh Season, making it a landmark event in Saudi Arabia’s sports and entertainment calendar.
With boxing stars from around the world converging on Riyadh and a passionate fanbase in attendance, the IV Crown Showdown set a powerful tone for the season ahead. The event not only highlighted top-tier boxing talent but also confirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to hosting premier sporting events on the global stage.
As Riyadh Season continues, the event will be remembered as a night when champions were made, careers were advanced, and the spirit of competition took center stage in the heart of the desert.
