Alalshikh: “The ‘Day of Reckoning’ fights bring together the most prominent boxing champions for the first time in the world. We are proud that Riyadh is a destination for exceptional events.”
Saudi Arabia, November 15, 2023: His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), announced today that Riyadh Season 2023 will play host to the ‘Day of Reckoning’, featuring some of the most famous boxing world champions and leading contenders from the top weight divisions on Saturday, December 23, at Kingdom Arena.
An unprecedented lineup on a single night of boxing, the ‘Day of Reckoning’ will see two-time unified world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua go up against Otto Wallin as the pair close in on challenging for world title honours, while former WBO world champion Joseph Parker takes on the Bronze Bomber and former WBC world title holder, Deontay Wilder, with IBF No.1 contender Filip Hrgovic fighting Mark De Mori in another heavyweight shootout.
WBA World light heavyweight champion Dmitrii Bivol will make an 11th defence of his title against Lyndon Arthur and IBF World cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia will make a second defence of his belt against Ellis Zorro.
Back with the heavyweights, the fearsome Arslanbek Makhmudov will face the European champion Agit Kabayel. Recent world title challenger Daniel Dubois will bid to put his name back up in lights when he enters into a Battle of the Giants against Big Baby Jarrell Miller and top heavyweight contender Frank Sanchez will close in on a world title shot if he can overcome Junior Fa in Riyadh.
His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), said: “The “Day of Reckoning” fights constitute the highly anticipated event offered by Riyadh Season for boxing fans this year. It brings together a number of world boxing champions in groundbreaking bouts.”
“We are proud to be the world’s destination for enjoying these exceptional events that constitute a unique and distinctive experience for the residents of the Kingdom, visitors to the capital, Riyadh, and followers of these events from all over the world.”
Frank Warren, Chairman of Queensberry, said: “This is quite simply an incredible night of boxing we have put together on behalf of Riyadh Season and the GEA and I would like to pay tribute to His Excellency Turki Alalshikh for making this possible and for providing boxing with such history-making opportunities to showcase the very best of the sport to a global audience. Never before, I believe, has one card featured such an array and depth of talent and fans lucky enough to travel to Saudi Arabia will also be able to witness all the champions performing and sample the spectacular events that Riyadh Season has to offer.”
Spencer Brown of Goldstar said: “It’s been a pleasure working with His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, George and Frank Warren and Tyson Fury; plus all the other promoters and managers from around the world who worked to get us to this point. It’s going to be an unbelievable night of boxing in Riyadh on 23 December. A real present for fans all around the globe.”
Eddie Hearn, Chairman of Matchroom Sport, said: “We are delighted to be returning to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for Riyadh Season and for what will ultimately be a historic event for our sport. I would like to thank His Excellency Turki Alalshikh for providing us with this fantastic opportunity.
Anthony Joshua needs no introduction. He has his sights set firmly on becoming a three -time world heavyweight champion and I believe you will witness yet another memorable performance from AJ on December 23 when he faces Otto Wallin. Both Dmitry Bivol and Jai Opateia have chances to showcase their world class talents on a major stage and we look forward to exploring big fights in the Kingdom for both boxers with Queensberry, Goldstar and the NEC in the near future. Bivol will once more underline why he is one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters on the planet when he collides with Lyndon Arthur and reigning IBF cruiserweight king Jai Opetaia will undoubtedly deliver an incredible, destructive display against Ellis Zorro. I cannot wait. It will be a special spectacle for fight fans all over the world and an extravaganza not to be missed.”
The “Day of Reckoning” comes after the “Battle of the Baddest”, which was held on October 28 during the opening of Riyadh Season 2023, in which Tyson Fury defeated Francis Ngannou.
The fourth edition of Riyadh Season, themed “Big Time,” offers many entertainment options and experiences. It continues to attract visitors from across the globe to Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, during the winter months, providing them with the opportunity to partake in thousands of concerts, exhibitions, and other distinctive entertainment events. Notable celebrities and prominent international brands contribute to the grandeur of this occasion.
Tickets for events and experiences in the zone can be reserved through the WeBook application by accessing the following link: http://onelink.to/wbkapp