Dmitry Bivol just flipped the script.
After losing a razor-thin decision to Artur Beterbiev last October, he stormed into Riyadh with one goal: redemption.
And boy, did he deliver.
With dazzling footwork, pinpoint combinations, and a game plan sharper than ever, Bivol outclassed his rival to become the undisputed light-heavyweight king.
Bivol Dethrones Beterbiev
Bivol danced in and out of range, landing crisp shots while Beterbiev, the knockout machine, loaded up on power punches.
The 40-year-old champion had his moments—especially in the fifth when he rocked Bivol—but by the later rounds, fatigue set in. Bivol? He just got better.
With scores of 114-114, 116-112, and 115-113, Bivol claimed every central belt in the division.
“I was better. I was pushing myself more,” he said.
Beterbiev, tasting his first pro loss, was gracious: “We can do a third fight if we need to.”
Oh, we need to. After 24 rounds of elite-level warfare, the stage is set for a trilogy. And if history tells us anything, round three will be unmissable.
