Artur Beterbiev became the first undisputed light heavyweight in boxing since the four-belt era after defeating the undefeated Dmitry Bivol via a controversial majority decision inside Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Click here to watch promoter Dmitry Bivol’s promoter Eddie Hearn speak to the media after the majority decision loss. Footage via ‘Fight Hub TV’ on YouTube.
Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol
Boxing was at the peak of skill this past Saturday as undefeated WBC, WBO, and IBF light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev (21-0-0, 20 KO) defeated the undefeated IBO light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol (23-1-0, 12 KO) for the status of undisputed.
This 12-round title bout was a massive deal as there had not been an undisputed light heavyweight champion during the four-belt era of boxing. Not only that, but another reason this fight was so highly anticipated was the fact that both undefeated champions were viewed as top pound-for-pound fighters going into it.
With the fight styles of the two champions well-known, fight pundits and fans were prepared for the clash. The power puncher Beterbiev, with a 100 percent finish rate, aimed to pressure the talented defensive counterpuncher Bivol over the twelve rounds.
Bivol displayed elite footwork and counterpunching throughout the fight. He kept on his backfoot, circling away from the thudding punches of the pressuring Beterbiev.
Beterbiev and Bivol demonstrated exceptional cardio in this undisputed title fight, each striving to execute their game plans.
Bivol was forced to move around the ring at an extraordinarily high pace to counter Beterbiev’s everlasting calculated pressure.
There were multiple instances during the fight in which Bivol effectively landed clean counterpunchers on the unsuspecting champion.
The defensively astute Bivol strategically chose moments to unleash a combination of punches, aiming to disrupt Beterbiev’s rhythm.
Beterbiev, relentless in his pursuit, tracked down the elusive Bivol, using a stiff jab to push him towards the ropes. Bivol, in turn, had to maintain a tight high guard to fend off Beterbiev’s heavy punches.
At the end of the fight, Bivol had fought the perfect necessary game plan to win a decision over the terrifying knockout artist.
The IBO light heavyweight champion Bivol had outlanded Beterbiev 142 to 137 after twelve hard-fought rounds. This was extremely impressive, given that Beterbiev had produced a much higher output of punches when the final bell came.
Reactions to the fight were mixed. However, the general consensus seemed to be that Bivol narrowly edged the scorecards over Beterbiev.
Result: Beterbiev via Split Decision (116-112, 114-114, 115-113)
Saudi Arabian Adviser and Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority Turki Alalshikh has expressed interest in making the immediate rematch happen, as both fighters and their camps have verbally expressed mutual interest in doing so.
Reactions to the Judges’ Scorecards
Boxing’s most controversial star Ryan Garcia chimed in on X to give his take on the Judges’ scorecards.
WBC world lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson took to social media to give his verdict of the fight.
Boxing investor and promoter Turki Alalshikh gave his thoughts on the fight immediately after watching from ringside.
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