Artur Beterbiev emerged victorious in a contentious battle against Dmitry Bivol to claim the undisputed champion title. The highly anticipated fight took place in Saudi Arabia, where Beterbiev, already holding the WBC, WBO, and IBF belts, added Bivol’s WBA title to his collection through a majority decision.
The judges’ scorecards displayed a close contest, with scores of 114-114, 115-113, and 116-112 in favour of Beterbiev. Despite the wide margin on one scorecard, the match was a tense and strategic showdown between the two fighters. Bivol, known for his technical prowess, initially appeared to have the edge, while Beterbiev’s power and relentless pressure posed a constant threat.
Throughout the fight, Bivol showcased his skill and composure, trading blows with his hard-hitting opponent and executing well-crafted combinations. However, Beterbiev’s strength and determination became evident in the later rounds, pushing Bivol to defend and hold on until the final bell. The outcome left many viewers surprised, with a draw or a narrow victory for either fighter considered a more fitting result by some.
The defeat marks Bivol’s first professional loss, bringing his record to 23-1 with 12 knockouts. Promoters and boxing enthusiasts alike expressed dismay over the decision, with Bivol’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, criticising the judges’ scoring. Hearn emphasised the importance of the fight for Bivol and questioned the disparity in the judges’ interpretation of the bout.
Similarly, Frank Warren voiced his disagreement with the scoring, indicating that he had Bivol ahead by a few rounds and condemning the 116-112 scorecard as “ridiculous” and “a joke”. The controversial outcome of the match has sparked debates and discussions within the boxing community, with many questioning the validity of the judges’ decision.
As the dust settles on this memorable clash between two formidable fighters, the boxing world eagerly anticipates what the future holds for both Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol following their intense showdown in Saudi Arabia.