Daniel Dubois and Joseph Parker will clash tonight. (Image: Getty)
It’s been billed as one of the greatest boxing cards in the sport’s history, but fans will have to pay for the privilege of watching it. On Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the highly anticipated rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol will headline a star-studded event in the Middle East, with the pair vying for the undisputed world light heavyweight title.
That clash will Martin Bakole stepping in to face Joseph Parker. Britain’s new great heavyweight hope, Daniel Dubois, had been due to face Parker for the IBF world title but has pulled out ill.
Furthermore, Joshua Buatsi will open the show against compatriot Callum Smith, while the likes of Zhilei Zhang, Shakur Stevenson and Carlos Adames are also in action.
As is the case with high-profile boxing events, the action isn’t available for fans to watch for free. However, Express Sport has the lowdown on how you can still tune in and follow every moment live…
Is the event being covered on radio?
In short, yes. Radio 5 Live and Sounds have confirmed live commentary from the latest Riyadh season extravaganza. And Steve Houghton, Sport’s Head of Audio, has lauded the broadcaster for securing the rights.
“This is one of the highest quality bills in boxing history and we’ll be ringside with all the drama on 5 Live, Sounds and the Sport app,” he explained. “Audiences will get the very best commentary and analysis on the night, as well as daily 5 Live Boxing podcasts with Steve Bunce.”
Artur Beterbiev is out to beat Dmitrill Bivol again. (Image: Getty)
The Beeb have also announced their team for the night, with Jeanette Kwakye presenting live from ringside. Commentary will be led by Ronald McIntosh, Bunce and two-time featherweight world champion Josh Warrington.
Can fans follow online?
You don’t have to be sitting next to a radio – or in your car – to listen to the action unfold. The audio will also be available on the Sport website, as well as live text coverage and video highlights.
What time does the coverage start?
At 4.30pm BST, the live commentary gets underway on the Sport website and app. In the three hours that follow, there will be coverage of Buatsi vs Smith for the WBO interim light heavyweight title, Zhang vs Agit Kabayel for the WBC interim heavyweight title, and Vergil Ortiz Jr taking on Israil Madrimov for the WBC interim super welterweight title.
Then at 7.30pm, business ramps up. Radio 5 Live and Sounds start their shows with Adames defending his WBC world middleweight crown against Sheeraz. Then Stevenson fights for the WBC world lightweight title. His original opponent Floyd Schofield has pulled out with illness.
The night will conclude with Bakole fighting Parker and then Beterbiev and Bivol’s rematch. The ring walks for the main event are expected for around 11pm, with the fight due to conclude about midnight if it goes the distance.