Dmitry Bivol dethroned Artur Beterbiev of his undisputed light heavyweight title via majority decision on Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Bivol won with scores of 114-114, 116-112, and 115-113.
What happened?
Bivol started well, taking the first few rounds with his eye-catching flurries and sharp jabs. However, Beterbiev began to increase the tempo earlier than he did in their first fight.
The turning point
Beterbiev controlled the action from Rounds 4-7 with effective pressure, good bodywork, and consistent right hands. But he began to slow down once the action hit the second half of the fight.
Bivol's strong finish
Bivol capitalized from the eighth round onward, outworking Beterbiev for sustained spells. In the first fight, Bivol's legs tired in the championship rounds, but this time around, it was Beterbiev who fatigued.
Bivol's strong second half saw him sprint to the finish line. The Russian boxer's victory capped off a star-studded event that featured seven championship bouts.
Other results
In the co-feature, Joseph Parker stopped late-replacement opponent Martin Bakole in the second round. Shakur Stevenson successfully defended his WBC lightweight title with a one-sided ninth-round TKO win over Britain's Josh Padley.
The event took place on Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, at the Anb Arena. Bivol's record now stands at 24-1, with 12 KOs.
Beterbiev's record is now 21-1, with 20 KOs. The fight was a rematch of their first bout, which took place in October.
The victory is a significant one for Bivol, who has solidified his position as one of the top light heavyweights in the world. Bivol's next fight has not been announced yet.
The event was historic, featuring seven championship bouts. It was billed as one of the best cards in boxing history, and it delivered.
Dmitry Bivol's win is a testament to his skill and determination. He has proven himself to be a formidable opponent in the light heavyweight division.
The fight was closely contested, with both boxers giving it their all. In the end, Bivol's strong finish and consistent pressure paid off.
Bivol's victory has sent shockwaves through the boxing world. He has proven himself to be a force to be reckoned with in the light heavyweight division.
The Russian boxer's future looks bright, with many exciting matchups on the horizon. For now, he can bask in the glory of his historic victory.
Bivol's win has also sparked interest in a potential rematch with Beterbiev. Only time will tell if that fight will happen, but for now, Bivol can enjoy his well-deserved victory.