By Olu Allen
Saudi Arabia witnessed a historic night of boxing as Artur Beterbiev claimed the undisputed light-heavyweight championship with a narrow majority decision victory over Dmitry Bivol.
The fight, a highly anticipated clash between two undefeated titans, lived up to its billing. Both boxers showcased exceptional skill, heart, and resilience throughout the 12 rounds.
Bivol, known for his speed and precision, landed cleaner punches early on. However, Beterbiev’s relentless pressure and powerful body shots began to take their toll. The seventh round was particularly intense, with both fighters exchanging heavy blows and leaving it all in the ring.
The judges’ scorecards were as close as the fight itself. One judge had it a draw, while the other two awarded the victory to Beterbiev by narrow margins of 115-113 and 116-112.
The decision was met with mixed reactions. Bivol’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, expressed his disappointment, calling one of the judges’ scorecards “disgusting.” However, Bivol himself accepted the result gracefully, stating that he had no excuses and that he simply didn’t win.
With the win, Beterbiev becomes the first undisputed light-heavyweight champion since 2002. It’s a remarkable achievement for the 39-year-old Russian, who has now won all 20 of his professional fights by knockout or decision.
While there was no rematch clause in the contract, both fighters and their teams have expressed interest in a rematch. Saudi Arabia, which has emerged as a major player in the boxing world, has also indicated its support for a second bout.
The potential rematch between Beterbiev and Bivol promises to be another thrilling clash. The two fighters have immense respect for each other, and their styles complement each other perfectly. It’s a fight that boxing fans around the world are eagerly anticipating.
