Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol arrive for long-awaited undisputed light heavyweight clash in Riyadh – and they’re all business despite the flashing lights

Two of the best boxers in the world made their grand arrivals here in Saudi Arabia in readiness for Saturday night’s potentially classic battle for the undisputed light-heavyweight championship of the season.

The long wait for Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol fighting each other for all the belts they hold between them is finally over thanks to the massive investment here in world-class boxing.

It was the same for the huge fights of late involving Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua.

Beterbiev – with his perfect record of 20 KOs in his 20 professional fights – and his fellow Russian Bivol, also undefeated in his 23 bouts, appeared against the backdrop of a giant stage set depicting them as ancient warriors.

None of the promo-hype nonsense with these two. Mutual courtesy and respect remained their watchword.

Bivol said he felt ‘no emotion’ ahead of the undisputed light heavyweight bout in Riyadh 

Beterbiev said he was all ‘focus’ ahead of the long-anticipated fight which has faced delays

It will do so all the way to the first bell, which will signal the opening of the winter Riyadh Season of star-studded sport, music, and cultural events.

‘No emotion,’ said Bivol, the boxer. ‘Here for a hard night’s work.’

‘Focus,’ said Beterbiev the destroyer. ‘As usual.’

*Beterbiev v Bivol for the undisputed world light-heavyweight title will be televised live on TNT Sports Box Office, Sky Sports Box Office and DAZN pay-per-view.