The Grandest of Arrivals in Riyadh

To the backdrop of the stunning illuminations of Boulevard City, the fighters involved in ‘The Last Crescendo’ were paraded in the opening event of fight week in Riyadh, the Grand Arrivals.

With the media out in full force and television cameras from across the globe relaying the action to numerous territories, the fighters strode down boxing’s version of the catwalk before taking to the stage for a quick introduction.

There are no face-offs or conflict at this stage of proceedings, this is just a teasing prelude for what is soon to come.

Of course, the unanimous consensus amongst the broadcast presenters is that what we are about to see on Saturday is the finest assembly of fighters and matches made in history. There are very few, if any, presenting a counter argument at this point in time.

After a day doing the interview rounds on Monday, most of the fighters were men of few words at the Arrivals, but this part of the week is showbusiness and is about exuding confidence before entering into battle.

“I am happy that I am here and I am ready for the next challenge, let’s go,” was the soundbite issued by Agit Kabayel ahead of his all-Queensberry heavyweight collision against Zhilei Zhang. He added that he likes being the underdog and intends on shocking the world again.

If he does so he will take home the WBC Interim world title belt, which represents a passport towards a direct shot at the main title, with the same obviously applying to Zhang, who previously held the WBO Interim.

“Big Bang is here,” reminded Zhang when he took to the stage. “Whatever he brings to the table I will have an answer to.”

Hamzah Sheeraz was wearing his business face ahead of his big WBC world middleweight title challenge against the title holder Carlos Adames.

“I am feeling blessed,” said the 25-year-old. “After the Ammo Williams fight I was number one contender for the belt, so this only made sense. I just need to do what I do, stay disciplined, stay focused and just enjoy myself, really. With what Riyadh Season is doing for the sport, it is our duty to entertain.”

“Before they even called me I thought he was going to be my next victim,” added the menacing Adames when it was his turn. “I feel like they think that they can beat me, but they can’t. I am the best current 160-pound fighter and I will decapitate him.”

Back to the heavyweights and a bouncy Joseph Parker said he was ‘happy, excited and looking forward to Saturday’.

“It is pretty simple. Go in there, believe in yourself, I have confidence and I am going to prove to everyone that you can always come back from a loss. It will be so special,” he added on the prospect of victory and taking home the IBF belt. “Frank will be there, we will all be there celebrating.”

Then came big Daniel. “I am flying and I am really confident. The talking is done, let’s go, work. I am expecting a war and I am ready to fight. Whatever happens I am ready to go through him, put him to sleep and go for the next one.”

Even shorter statements were typically uttered by the two great light heavyweights, Artur Beterbiev and Dmitrii Bivol, ahead of their undisputed rematch, so last word to promoter Frank Warren.

“I thought Bivol won by a few rounds but when I watched it back, it was close, but I still think he won it,” reflected the Hall of Famer. “This time around, I think it will be the 13th round of the last fight. It is a tough, tough fight, but I think I am going with Beterbiev because he knows what he’s got to do. He is so strong and you’ve got to hurt him and I don’t know if Bivol can do that.”

Open workouts up next this evening at 6pm, which you can watch live on the Queensberry YouTube channel.