Dmitry Bivol claimed the undisputed light-heavyweight world title after defeating Artur Beterbiev in a split-points decision in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The judges scored the fight 114-114, 116-112, and 115-113 in favor of Bivol. This rematch avenged Bivol’s previous loss to Beterbiev, who won the WBA title in their first encounter. Bivol, 34, fought with determination and classy combinations against the 40-year-old Beterbiev. The 1-1 outcome sets the stage for a potential third fight between the two boxers. After the scores were announced, Beterbiev, who did not shake Bivol’s hand, stated that he does not want a second fight and will come back. Bivol expressed his desire for a rest after the exertions and stated that he was better and more confident in the fight. The Russian boxer ended the fight with a cut above his left eye. Beterbiev said he did not want to discuss the decision but congratulated Bivol’s team. earlier in the evening, Shakur Stevenson retained his WBC lightweight title, and Joseph Parker stopped Martin Bakole in two rounds in their WBO Interim bout.

Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2025/2/23/bivol-takes-beterbievs-undisputed-light-heavyweight-world-title?traffic_source=rss