Artur Beterbiev won a controversial majority decision over Dmitry Bivol, going to the scorecards for the first time in his career, to become the undisputed light heavyweight champion despite a closely contested fight.
Artur Beterbiev went to the scorecards for the first time in his career, snagging a controversial majority decision over Dmitry Bivol. This clash was between two of the top pound-for-pound boxers worldwide.
Both fighters had their moments. Beterbiev leaned on his aggression and power, relentlessly pushing forward with massive shots, aiming for a knockout. In contrast, Bivol showcased incredible speed and accuracy, rattling off multi-punch combinations to chip away at his opponent.
It was neck-and-neck throughout. Bivol took the early rounds, but Beterbiev rallied late. However, the judges saw it differently: scores came back 116-112 and 115-113 for Beterbiev, while one judge called it a draw at 114-114.
That was enough for Beterbiev to clinch the majority decision win, moving to an impressive 21-0 in his career and becoming the undisputed light heavyweight champion.
“I feel not bad,” Beterbiev said afterwards. “I did not do good today. Didn’t like this fight but I’ll be better one day. It’s not tough. Just a bit uncomfortable.”
“Of course, this is a tough fight because Dmitry is a world champion too,” he added. “He has good skills, maybe better than me, but today, Allah chose me.”
As for Bivol, he didn’t blame the judges for the loss. Instead, he paid homage to Beterbiev’s performance.
“I am a warrior,” Bivol stated. “I have to do everything perfect. No excuses here—just congratulations to Artur and his team; he deserves it.”
“I just have time to make another decision for my future,” he continued. “I did my job. Felt I could make it better. Always can be better. Just some opinion of judges. He won, what could I say?”
Despite questions about the final scores, both fighters lived up to expectations. They went to war for 12 rounds, bringing out the best in each other.
As anticipated, Bivol started fast with good speed and footwork, establishing a jab that chipped away at Beterbiev. He was careful not to linger in front of him too long—hit and move was his strategy.
Bivol connected with a solid power punch early on that got the crowd buzzing, but it was clear Beterbiev was waiting for his moment. Mostly content with single punches until round four when he unleashed nasty shots as he pursued Bivol.
Beterbiev landed a huge body shot but couldn’t deter Bivol’s relentless combination attacks—the pace never slowed. Just when momentum seemed in Beterbiev’s favor, Bivol upped his workrate with that stiff jab finding its mark.
In the seventh round, Bivol cracked Beterbiev with one of his best punches—a massive left hook landing flush on the chin. Momentarily rattled? Maybe. But Beterbiev bit down on his mouthpiece and retaliated with sledgehammer-like fists.
Beterbiev slammed home several stiff shots backing off Bivol—momentum shift? Perhaps.
That changed when Bivol settled into rhythm again—nasty shots backed off Beterbiev once more. Snapping jabs followed by huge hooks slipping through defenses.
End of round ten: coaches told Beterbiev he needed a finish if he wanted victory—that lit a fire under him! Unleashed from the corner like a beast—every punch thrown aimed at taking off heads!
Bivol began slowing down; played more defense as relentless pursuit continued from Beterbiev—marching forward with bad intentions behind every punch including punishing body shots trying to drain life outta him!
Devastating power kept coming from Beterbiev yet somehow…Bivol found ways firing back displaying superior speed & laser-like focus!
When all was said & done? Hand raised high for victorious Artur while dejected Dmitry bid farewell undefeated record now standing at (23-1). Reaction suggests rematch might just be inevitable…
“If his excellency [Turki Alalshikh wants rematch], we’re gonna do,” declared an eager-to-fight-again-Beterbiev!