Artur Beterbiev Wins Historic Battle Against Dmitrii Bivol

By William Dumoulin

Photo Credit: Matchroom Boxing

This Saturday, after years of anticipation, boxing fans were finally treated to the long-awaited mega-fight between WBC/IBF/WBO light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev (21-0, 20 KOs) and WBA/IBO light heavyweight champion Dmitrii Bivol (23-1, 12 KOs). This unification bout took place as part of the Riyadh Season in Saudi Arabia.

The fight started in Bivol's favor, as he expertly used his mobility and counterpunching ability. However, starting in the fourth round, Beterbiev turned up the pressure and increased his punch volume, continuing this approach in the fifth and sixth rounds. The seventh round was more evenly matched, with both fighters exchanging heavy blows, but Beterbiev finished it strong.

In the eighth round, Beterbiev kept up the pace, landing several devastating shots. Despite this, Bivol made a noticeable comeback in the ninth round, although it wasn't enough to turn the tide. Beterbiev dominated the tenth round, finishing it with authority. The eleventh round was particularly tough for Bivol, who was mostly on the defensive against Beterbiev's heavy punches. The final round was more competitive, but Beterbiev seemed to have a slight edge.

For the first time in his career, Beterbiev saw one of his fights go to the judges’ decision. They scored the bout in favor of the Montreal-based Russian (114-114, 115-113, 116-112), crowning him the undisputed light heavyweight champion. This victory solidifies his future place in the Boxing Hall of Fame, having won the biggest fight of his career.

In the co-main event, current British heavyweight champion Fabio Wardley (18-0-1, 17 KOs) faced former Olympic medalist Frazer Clarke (8-1-1, 6 KOs) for the second time. Their first encounter, hailed as Fight of the Year, set high expectations, but Wardley had other plans this time. He ended the fight in the first round with a spectacular knockout of Clarke.

Meanwhile, IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia (26-0, 20 KOs) fought his third bout in Saudi Arabia. Facing the tough Brit Jack Massey (22-3, 12 KOs), Opetaia was too powerful and skilled, handing Massey his first KO defeat by stopping him in the sixth round.

Fan-favorite Chris Eubank Jr. (34-3, 25 KOs) also made his return to the ring following his stunning victory over Liam Smith. He took on Polish fighter Kamil Szeremeta (25-3-2, 8 KOs) in a 12-round bout for the IBO middleweight title. In the first round, Eubank dropped Szeremeta with a pinpoint right hand. After three more knockdowns, the referee called off the fight at the end of the seventh round. Eubank Jr. is now seeking a lucrative matchup, potentially against his countryman Conor Benn or super middleweight king Canelo Alvarez.

Other Results from the Night:

• Skye Nicholson (12-0, 1 KO) successfully defended her WBC featherweight title, defeating Raven Chapman (9-1, 2 KOs) by unanimous decision (99-91, 98-92 x 2).
• Ben Whittaker (8-0-1, 5 KOs) and Liam Cameron (23-6-1, 10 KOs) fought to a draw in a closely contested bout (58-56, 57-58, 58-58).
• Mohammed Alakel (1-0, 0 KOs) won his professional debut, dominating Jesus Gonzalez (3-3, 0 KOs) by unanimous decision (40-36 x 3).