Bivol Avenges His Loss to Beterbiev

By William Dumoulin

Photo credit: Top Rank Boxing

This Saturday, live from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the highly anticipated rematch took place between undisputed light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev (21-1, 20 KOs) and Dmitrii Bivol (24-1, 12 KOs). Their first fight, a razor-thin battle last October, had left boxing fans in awe. In addition to this clash of titans, the event featured what was arguably the best undercard in boxing history, with three world title fights and four interim world championship bouts.

Dmitrii Bivol Turns the Tide

In the main event, Bivol came out strong, winning the first two rounds. The third was highly competitive, while the fourth went in Beterbiev’s favor. From that point on, the rounds were closely contested, with both fighters exchanging heavy shots. Bivol relied on his mobility, whereas Beterbiev, unlike in their first encounter, focused much more on body shots. However, Bivol finished the fight strong, securing a majority decision victory (114-114, 116-112, 115-113).

What comes next is intriguing. Will we see a trilogy between these two rivals, or will Bivol face his mandatory challenger, David Benavidez?

Joseph Parker Crushes the "Monster" Bakole

Originally set to fight IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois, Joseph Parker (36-3, 24 KOs) instead had to take on the hard-hitting Martin Bakole (21-2, 16 KOs). However, Bakole was far from peak condition, stepping into the ring at over 300 pounds. Lacking mobility, he was knocked down in the second round before his corner stopped the fight.

This victory marks another major win for Joseph Parker, who continues his impressive streak with victories over Deontay Wilder, Zhilei Zhang, and now Martin Bakole.

Too Easy for Shakur Stevenson

WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson (23-0, 11 KOs) faced last-minute replacement Josh Padley (15-1, 4 KOs). Padley showed resilience, but he was ultimately stopped in the ninth round after being knocked down three times.

Stevenson is now looking for tougher challenges and hopes to face the best in his division, including WBA champion Gervonta Davis.

Other Results from the Night:

• Carlos Adames (24-1, 18 KOs) and Hamzah Sheerez (21-0, 17 KOs) fought to a draw (118-110, 114-115, 114-114).
• Vergil Ortiz (23-0, 21 KOs) defeated Israil Madrimov (10-2, 7 KOs) by unanimous decision (117-111, 115-113 x2).
• Agit Kabayel (26-0, 18 KOs) knocked out power puncher Zhilei Zhang (27-3, 22 KOs) in the 6th round to win the WBC interim heavyweight title.
• Callum Smith (31-2, 22 KOs) won the WBA interim light heavyweight title against Joshua Buatsi (19-1, 13 KOs) by unanimous decision (119-110, 115-113, 116-112).