Eddie Hearn thinks shared "pretty tough upbringings" have helped turn Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol into "two of the best fighters of the world" before their clash live on DAZN.
The two men will meet with their WBC, IBF, WBO and WBA light-heavyweight titles on the line this weekend in an undisputed battle atop Riyadh Season's IV Crown Showdown.
It marks the latest chapter for two fighters who were born in Eastern Europe and Central Asia respectively, and have risen to conquer the summit of the sporting world.
Beterbiev vs. Bivol fight card |
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Speaking ahead of their clash, Matchroom boss Hearn, who promotes Bivol, reflected on their paths to the top of the game, and paid tribute to their drive and success.
"Both guys have dedicated their lives to the sport," he told DAZN. "I’m sure without knowing too much, both upbringings were pretty tough and humble to say the least.
"But both guys have made the moves in their career to follow their dreams. Here, for me, you’ve got two of the best fighters in the world, two pound-for-pound greats."
The clash at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is the latest mega-blockbuster battle set for the country, and features two undefeated foes.
Beterbiev in particular boasts a fearsome record, with knockout success in every one of his professional bouts, and Hearn acknowledges it will be a challenge.
"So many fighters have had success early against Beterbiev, but nobody has been able to keep him off for the duration," he added.
"It’s going to take a master boxer like Dmitry Bivol to do it. I actually think this is the best fight in boxing."
Watch Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol on DAZN
Watch Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, plus the whole l fight card on DAZN Pay-Per-View, which also includes Fabio Wardley, Frazer Clarke, Chris Eubank Jr, Jai Opetaia, Ben Whittaker and Skye Nicolson all fighting.
The PPV is priced at £19.99 for UK viewers. To purchase and find the prices in your region click here .
Purchasing the PPV includes a seven-day free trial of all of DAZN's programming across a range of sports.
DAZN is the home of boxing, showing over 150 fights a year, broadcasting a variety of boxing programming - press conferences, weigh-ins, exclusive interviews, documentaries and much more - week in, week out, 52 weeks a year from all around the world, in all divisions, at all levels.
DAZN's broadcast team includes host Ade Oladipo, who is joined by play-by-play specialist Todd Grisham and expert commentator Chris Mannix.
The team will also feature two-time Olympic gold medallist Nicola Adams, former world middleweight champion Darren Barker, as well as British boxing star – and recent opponent of Chris Eubank Jr - Liam Smith.
Additionally, former world champion Andy Lee will offer his analysis alongside Barry Jones with reporter Olivia Buzaglo rounding out the line-up.
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