(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Artur Beterbiev to Face Deon Nicholson on Nov 22 in Riyadh; Tyson Fury Talks Retirement Again
August 5, 2025 – Former unified light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev is set to return to the ring on November 22 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as part of a major boxing event organized by Turki Alalshikh and Ring Magazine. Beterbiev will face Deon Nicholson in what promises to be an action-packed night featuring at least five world title bouts.
This marks Beterbiev’s first fight in over eight years without a major championship on the line, following his recent loss to Dmitry Bivol, which saw the Russian-Canadian champion lose his undisputed crown.
🥇 Recap: Beterbiev vs. Bivol Rivalry
The highly anticipated trilogy between Beterbiev (21-1, 20 KOs) and Bivol (24-1, 12 KOs) appears to be off the table—for now. Beterbiev claimed the first bout via majority decision in October 2024, unifying all four major titles at light heavyweight. Bivol avenged that loss in their February 2025 rematch, also via majority decision, ending Beterbiev’s reign as the longest-standing champion in the division.
However, Bivol’s time as undisputed champ was brief. He was stripped of the WBC title after declining a mandatory defense against David Benavidez (30-0, 24 KOs). Benavidez will now defend the vacant title on the same Riyadh card, taking on England’s Anthony Yarde in what’s expected to be a thrilling headliner.
🚨 Beterbiev’s Next Opponent: Deon Nicholson
Stepping in for Beterbiev’s comeback is Alabama’s Deon Nicholson (22-1, 18 KOs), who enters the fight as a heavy underdog. Nicholson—best known as a stablemate of Deontay Wilder—recently scored a knockout victory over Devonte Williams on June 27. This bout will be Nicholson’s toughest test yet and his first time facing a former world champion.
The Riyadh appearance will be Beterbiev’s third straight fight in Saudi Arabia and part of his effort to stay active despite being 40 years old. Beterbiev hopes to mount another campaign to reclaim the titles he once held.
🧓 Tyson Fury Claims Retirement Again – But Will It Stick?
In other boxing news, former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has announced (once again) that he is retiring from the sport, stating that boxing is a “young man’s game” and he’s “too old and grey” to continue. However, fans and analysts remain skeptical.
Speculation continues to grow around a potential trilogy fight with Oleksandr Usyk—a bout that could draw Fury back into the ring in 2026. While Fury has insisted he’s done, the lure of one final mega-fight may prove too tempting to resist.
📺 Stay Tuned
The November 22 Ring IV event is shaping up to be one of the biggest nights in boxing this year, with a stacked card, championship fights, and the return of legends. Whether you’re a Beterbiev fan or watching for potential upsets, it’s a must-see event.
