Artur Beterbiev is the new undisputed light heavyweight champion after posting a 12-round majority decision over Dmitry Bivol at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday. The official scores were 116-112 (disgraceful), 115-113 and 114-114. The Sporting News had it 115-113 for Bivol, but it was a close fight.
WATCH: Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol, exclusively on ESPN+
Beterbiev (21-0, 20 KOs) found himself on the end of a Bivol’s rapier left hand in the early rounds, but, as he always has, the fearsome Russian fighter made the adjustments and inflicted damage. Not to be outdone, Bivol came blazing back in the middle sessions and his combination work was excellent. However, the judges felt Beterbiev’s championship round assault was enough to pull out a history-making triumph.
“I feel... not bad,” the always understated Beterbiev told DAZN. “I wanted more boxing today. I didn’t like this fight. It was a tough fight because Dmitry is a world champion, too.
“During the fight, we always make changes. I wanted to punch him. I [thought I’d won the fight] but it’s not comfortable because usually I’m not waiting for the [final] bell. I was more focused in [the final rounds]. Going [the distance] is a new experience.”
Bivol, 33, exhibited tremendous skill in rounds one through three. However, as good as he looked, you knew the attack was coming. Sensing urgency, Beterbiev put his foot on the gas and started catching his man with bone-breaking shots to head and body. At the end of six rounds, the fight appeared to be even.
Who wants to see a rematch? 👀#BeterbievBivol | #RiyadhSeason | @Turki_alalshikh pic.twitter.com/fv8GQpK8Ad
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) October 12, 2024
Displaying serious bravery, Bivol knew intrinsically that he had to get the best out of himself on the biggest possible stage. Again, the left jab doubled and tripled into Beterbiev’s face and those whipping combinations caught the eye. Bivol appeared to notch up several sessions as the championship rounds approached.
A great fighter, Beterbiev reached down deep and threw everything he had in the final two rounds. Bivol was badly hurt in the eleventh and it looked like he might not reach the finish line. He did, but Beterbiev, who goes the distance for the first time in his career, closed better.
Forget the four-belt era rhetoric, Beterbiev now joins the ranks of Archie Moore, Bob Foster and Michael Spinks as the greatest light heavyweight of his generation. He’s punched his ticket to the Hall of Fame and the sky’s the limit.
Tonight’s bout was considered by many as the best possible fight in boxing. It featured two long-reigning, undefeated world champions and pound-for-pound entrants. That’s the stuff of legend and it will live long in the memory.
“I’m a warrior and I have to do everything perfect,” said a disconsolate Bivol. “I don’t want to make excuses. Congratulations to Artur and his team… he deserves it. I did my job, but I felt like I could make [it] better. It’s the opinion of the judges.
“He’s powerful, very powerful. I have a bruise on my [left] eye because the punch is so powerful [that it came through the glove]. The dream is still to be undisputed.”
Bivol falls to 23-1 (12 KOs).
Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol fight card
- Artur Beterbiev (c) def. Dmitry Bivol (c) via MD 12 (116-112, 115-113, 114-114) for the undisputed light heavyweight title
- Chris Eubank Jr. def. Kamil Szeremeta via TKO 7 (1:50); Middleweights
- Fabio Wardley (c) def. Frazer Clarke via TKO 1 (2:28) for the British heavyweight title
- Jai Opetaia (c) def. Jack Massey via TKO 6 (2:00) for the IBF and The Ring cruiserweight titles
- Ben Whittaker Tech. Draw 6 Liam Cameron (58-57, 57-58, 58-58); Light Heavyweights
- Skye Nicolson def. Raven Chapman via UD 10 (99-91, 98-92, 98-92) for the WBC featherweight title
- Mohammed Alakel def. Jesus Gonzalez via UD 4 (40-36, 40-36, 40-36)
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