In a historic night of boxing, Dmitry Bivol became the latest undisputed light-heavyweight champion after outclassing Artur Beterbiev in a majority decision here in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in what must have deemed the long-billed rematch. Many people saw the event as an opportunity to celebrate Bivol’s ringcraft and resilience and had given a somewhat contradictory conclusion to the one earlier meted against Beterbiev-to Bivol’s allowance.
It is now quite a hotly contested fight with so many reverses and a real shining display of talent from both Russian champions. Like every other typical Beterbiev bout when he goes in with a calm and collected demeanor, Beterbiev opened up at that very first ringing sound, showing his real spirit to be in control of the match. Bivol-34 years-mixed that up with foot movement, defense, and counterpunching.
The judges will have the score of the fight at 115-113, 116-112, and 114-114, which is very close to the fight. For Bivol, it was very much eliminating Beterbiev’s known trademark pressure and also landing more effective clean shots that counted toward the victory. Bivol’s win not only handed Beterbiev his first defeat as a professional, but he is also the first-ever all-time undisputed light-heavyweight champion in the four-belt era after unifying the WBA (Super), WBC, IBF, and WBO light-heavyweight titles.
The Tactical Masterclass
A major factor in Bivol’s win was his speed on defense and intelligent maneuvering. In the first fight, Beterbiev’s power was critical; Bivol, however, made sure he was at a safe distance this time, initiating the jab with pinpoint precision and keeping exchanges to a minimum. Bivol tactically drew first blood, attacking Beterbiev’s body early in the fight to wear him down for bursts of action late in the fight.
Nevertheless, ensured Beterbiev was dangerous at all times, even at age 39. He landed a few vicious punches during the middle rounds, which made Bivol stagger momentarily. Bivol’s calmness and recovery capabilities were, however, exemplary in weathering the storm and finishing the later rounds impressively, winning the judges’ nod.
The Future
Bivol’s victory took his professional record to 24-0 with 12 KOs, and it leads one to ponder the future of Beterbiev, whose record has now improved to 19-1. While this feud is as close as it gets, talks for a possible trilogy have already begun.
A well-deserved champion and boss of the light heavyweight division, for now, is Bivol. Boxing fans will be waiting in excitement at what lies ahead from this new champion, with possible challengers lining the list, Callum Smith being one of them. Next in line could be his challenger but knowing this is a performance etched in the annals of the history of the sport, Bivol’s fight is one for the ages.
