Bivol Outboxes Beterbiev to Avenge First Career Loss
Dmitry Bivol (24-1, 12 KOs) is now the undisputed light heavyweight king, taking a majority decision victory over Artur Beterbiev (21-1, 20 KOs) in a grueling 12-round battle at ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
After suffering his first career loss to Beterbiev just four months ago, Bivol executed a masterful adjustment, using his movement and sharp counters to edge the scorecards. The fight played out in two distinct halves—Beterbiev dominated the early rounds with his signature thudding body shots, but Bivol flipped the script in the second half, controlling the pace and outmaneuvering his opponent.
The final scores reflected the competitiveness of the fight: 114-114, 116-112, and 115-113, giving Bivol the win and undisputed status in the division.
Beterbiev Starts Fast, Bivol Weathers the Storm
The fight started exactly as expected—Beterbiev pressing forward, Bivol looking to box. For the first two rounds, Bivol was able to stick and move, but in the third, Beterbiev buried a pair of body shots into Bivol’s ribs that visibly slowed him down.
Beterbiev kept hammering the midsection, and by the fourth and fifth rounds, Bivol looked uncomfortable. The Russian wrecking machine had his opponent backing up and reacting, rather than dictating the action.
But unlike their first meeting, Bivol stayed composed. He survived Beterbiev’s onslaught and waited for his opening.
Bivol Takes Over in the Second Half
As the fight crossed the midway point, Bivol flipped the switch. His jab became a weapon in round seven, snapping Beterbiev’s head back repeatedly. He started to counter effectively, catching Beterbiev every time he lunged in.
By round nine, Bivol was completely in control. His footwork kept him out of danger, while his sharp straight punches found their mark. He repeatedly beat Beterbiev to the punch, making him look a step slow.
In rounds ten and eleven, Beterbiev’s pressure wasn’t producing results. Bivol was simply too elusive, and the punches that had landed earlier in the fight were now missing their target.
Beterbiev Empties the Tank in the Twelfth, But It’s Too Late
Sensing he needed a big finish, Beterbiev went all in for the final round. He chased Bivol down, finally landing a big right hand that rocked him, but Bivol refused to go down. He survived the onslaught and made it to the final bell, knowing he had done enough.
Beterbiev won the round on all three scorecards, but it wasn’t enough to overturn Bivol’s second-half domination.
Post-Fight Reactions
A relieved Bivol celebrated his long-awaited revenge.
“I’m just so happy. I went through a lot during the last years,” he said.
“To be honest, I lost, and I felt a little easier, maybe. I didn’t have too much pressure like the time before. I just wanted to work from the first round till the end of the 12th round.”
Asked what made the difference this time around, Bivol kept it simple:
“The difference was me. I was better. I was pushing myself more. I was more confident and lighter. And I just wanted to win so much today.”
Beterbiev, never one to make excuses, accepted the loss with class.
“I don’t want to talk about the decision. It’s tough. I congratulate Bivol and his team.”
When asked about the differences from their first fight, he admitted:
“I don’t know. I think this fight was better than the first time.”
Then came the bombshell.
“Actually, I didn’t even want the second fight. It wasn’t my choice. But, no problem. We can do the third fight.”
What’s Next? The Trilogy?
With both fighters now holding one win apiece, a trilogy fight is the most logical step. Beterbiev’s 100% knockout ratio before tonight had made him seem invincible, but Bivol’s adjustments proved he has the blueprint to beat him.
Will the boxing world see Bivol-Beterbiev III? Or will Bivol look to move up to crash the super middleweight division?
For now, Dmitry Bivol stands alone as the undisputed light heavyweight champion, and Artur Beterbiev is left wondering what could have been.
Bivol’s win wasn’t a fluke but it also shouldn’t be so celebrated! He ran away in many rounds and just hoped for a lucky shot. Boxing should be about engaging, not avoiding fights.
Wow! Bivol did an amazing job in the fight! I’m so happy he won. It was exciting to see him make those adjustments and come back stronger. Can’t wait for the next fight!
I dont understand how people say Bivol won. Beterbiev was way better in first half and only because Bivol moved more later he get the win. It not fair, boxing is about power not just running.
But Beterbiev punches harder, that should count more! Why do we reward runners when the real fighters throw bombs? Its all about who lands the biggest shots not just points.
You clearly dont know boxing! Bivol showed skill and strategy, which is what matters. Just hitting hard dont win fights. You have to control and outsmart your opponent, which Bivol did.