The long-awaited rematch between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev finally took place at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and it was nothing short of an intense war for light-heavyweight supremacy. This fight determined the first undisputed light-heavyweight champion in decades, with both fighters carrying their undefeated records and championship belts into the ring.
The Build-Up: A Fight That Had to Happen
The first fight between Bivol and Beterbiev left the boxing world divided. Beterbiev, the fearsome knockout artist, had been tearing through opponents, stopping everyone in his path. Meanwhile, Bivol, known for his exceptional technique and defensive prowess, had outclassed Canelo Alvarez and proven himself as one of the most skilled boxers in the division.
With Beterbiev holding the WBC, IBF, and WBO titles and Bivol reigning as the WBA champion, the rematch was the perfect opportunity to finally crown the undisputed light-heavyweight king.
The Fight: A Chess Match with Brutal Consequences
From the opening bell, Bivol showcased his signature footwork and defensive precision, making it difficult for Beterbiev to land his signature power punches. Unlike their first encounter, where Beterbiev’s relentless pressure gave him the edge, this time, Bivol was fully prepared.
As the rounds progressed, Beterbiev struggled to cut off the ring and force exchanges, while Bivol controlled the pace with sharp jabs and counterpunches. However, Beterbiev’s power was still a massive threat. Every time he landed cleanly, you could feel the tension in the arena.
The turning point came in the later rounds when Bivol capitalized on Beterbiev’s fatigue, increasing his volume of punches and keeping Beterbiev on the defensive. By the end of the fight, Bivol had done enough to secure a majority decision victory, with the judges scoring it 114-114, 116-112, and 115-113 in his favor.
The Aftermath: What’s Next for Both Fighters?
With this victory, Dmitry Bivol is now the undisputed light-heavyweight champion, solidifying his place among the greats of the division. The win also sets up some intriguing possibilities for the future:
A trilogy fight with Beterbiev? Given how close and competitive both fights were, there’s no doubt that fans would love to see a decisive third battle.
A move up to cruiserweight? Now that he’s cleaned out the light-heavyweight division, Bivol may consider testing himself in a higher weight class.
A possible Canelo rematch? With Canelo always looking for big fights, a second bout between him and Bivol at a catchweight could generate massive interest.
As for Beterbiev, at 39 years old, this loss raises questions about how much longer he will continue competing. Despite his age, his power and toughness remain legendary, and if he chooses to keep fighting, he could still be a dangerous contender in the division.
Final Thoughts
This fight was a masterclass in boxing IQ vs. raw power, and Bivol proved that skill and strategy can overcome brute force. While it wasn’t the all-out war some fans expected, it was a high-level chess match with serious consequences.
With Bivol now standing alone at the top of the light-heavyweight division, the question remains: who’s next for the undisputed champion?
---
Support My Blog!
If you enjoyed this breakdown, make sure to check out more content on my blog! I cover everything from boxing and MMA to fight predictions and analysis.
Also, if you’re shopping for boxing gear or fight-related merchandise, feel free to click the links on my site or check out the pop-ups for exclusive offers! Every purchase helps support my work, and I truly appreciate it.
Until next time, stay tuned and keep the fight spirit alive!