Dmitry Bivol Crowned Undisputed Light Heavyweight Champion After Thrilling Victory Over Artur Beterbiev

In a much-anticipated rematch that captivated boxing fans worldwide, Dmitry Bivol emerged victorious over Artur Beterbiev, claiming the undisputed light heavyweight championship at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The bout, which took place on Saturday night, was a masterclass in strategy, resilience, and precision.

The Fight Breakdown

The rematch was set 133 days after Beterbiev's narrow majority decision win in their first encounter. This second fight lived up to the hype, with both fighters showcasing their skill and determination.

• Round 1-4: Bivol adjusted his strategy by standing flat-footed, using his jab effectively to keep Beterbiev at bay. Beterbiev, known for his power punches, struggled to find openings.
• Round 5-8: Beterbiev upped the pressure, landing powerful body shots and forcing Bivol to defend vigorously. However, Bivol responded with sharp combinations that penetrated Beterbiev's guard.
• Round 9-12: Bivol's superior conditioning became evident in the championship rounds. He maintained a high work rate, landing clean combinations and controlling the center of the ring. Despite a late surge from Beterbiev, who opened a cut over Bivol's left eye, Bivol clinched his way to victory.

The Judges' Decision

The fight concluded with a majority decision in favor of Bivol, with scores of 116-112, 115-113, and 114-114. This victory not only avenged his previous loss but also solidified his place as the undisputed champion.

Undercard Highlights

The event also featured notable performances:

• Joseph Parker secured a second-round TKO victory over Martin Bakole, claiming the WBO heavyweight interim title.
• Shakur Stevenson retained his WBC lightweight title with a ninth-round TKO win against Josh Padley.

This night of boxing in Riyadh will be remembered for its high stakes, exceptional skill, and dramatic outcomes.