Dmitry Bivol gained revenge over rival Artur Beterbiev with a majority decision points win in Saudi Arabia.
Bivol, 34, is the new undisputed light heavyweight champion, claiming Beterbiev’s four championship belts and avenging his first career loss four months ago.
Bivol (24-1, 12 KOs) won 116-112 and 115-113 on two scorecards, while the third judge had a 114-114 draw. The previously unbeaten Beterbiev (21-1) won their first bout by a majority decision with the same three final scores.
So proud of you, @bivol_d. That was the greatest performance I've ever seen live. You did it my friend! #undisputed pic.twitter.com/XaiHZZogzl
— Eddie Hearn (@EddieHearn) February 23, 2025
“(The difference) was just me,” Bivol said with a smile while holding all four title belts. “I was better. I was pushing myself more. I was more confident. I was lighter, and I just wanted to win so much today.”
Bivol turned the rematch in his favour in the middle rounds, showing off his punching precision. He stayed away from Beterbiev’s power, which threatened to decide the bout early on, and scored with counterpunches while Beterbiev’s energy flagged.
Although Beterbiev stunned Bivol with a right hand that opened a cut above Bivol’s left eye in the 12th, Bivol hung on for the victory.
“I’m just so happy,” Bivol said. “I went through a lot last year. To be honest, I lost (the first bout), and I felt a little bit easier, maybe. I didn’t pressure too much this time, like before the last fight.
“I just wanted to work from the first round until the end of the 12th. I hoped I did enough, and I won it.”
“I think this fight was better than the first fight,” said Beterbiev, who later indicated that he also felt he won the rematch.
“Now it’s my time to come back. Actually, I didn’t even want the second fight. It wasn’t my choice. But no problem. We’re going to do a third fight if we need to.”
On the undercard in Riyadh, New Zealand’s Joseph Parker stopped Martin Bakole in the second round to win the WBO interim heavyweight title. Bakole, who took the fight two days ago after Daniel Dubois fell ill, was easy work for the 33-year-old Parker (36-3, 24 KOs) in his sixth consecutive victory.
