Dmitry Bivol Crowned Undisputed Light-Heavyweight Champion After Thrilling Victory Over Artur Beterbiev
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – February 22, 2025 – Dmitry Bivol delivered an exceptional performance last night at the Kingdom Arena, defeating Artur Beterbiev by majority decision to become the undisputed light-heavyweight champion. The high-stakes rematch between two of boxing’s elite lived up to its billing, with Bivol claiming all four major belts (WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO) and cementing his place at the top of the division.
A Tactical Masterclass in Riyadh
The fight opened with Beterbiev doing what he does best—applying relentless pressure, walking Bivol down, and forcing exchanges in close quarters. Known for his knockout power (previously boasting a 100% KO rate), Beterbiev was aggressive from the first bell, seeking to overwhelm Bivol with brute force.
However, Bivol’s game plan was masterful. After weathering Beterbiev’s early storm, Bivol began using his speed, footwork, and precise counterpunching to dictate the pace. As the fight progressed into the middle rounds, Bivol found his rhythm, effectively landing clean shots while avoiding Beterbiev’s heavier punches.
The final rounds saw Bivol taking control, capitalizing on Beterbiev’s waning energy. His movement, combined with sharp combinations, swayed the judges in his favor, leading to the final scores: 114-114, 115-113, and 116-112 for a majority decision win.
Post-Fight Reactions
An emotional Dmitry Bivol expressed his joy after the fight:
“I’m so happy. I pushed harder, I was better today. This means everything. After everything I went through last year, this victory is so special to me.”
Artur Beterbiev, showing sportsmanship, acknowledged Bivol’s performance:
“Congrats to Bivol. I think this fight was better than the first. Maybe it’s my turn next time.”
Both fighters hinted at the possibility of a trilogy to settle the rivalry once and for all.
What’s Next for Bivol?
With this victory, Bivol now holds all four major titles in the light-heavyweight division, solidifying his legacy in the sport. The win not only cements his status as the best in the division but also opens the door to massive future fights, including a potential trilogy with Beterbiev or even a move up in weight.
This bout was a defining moment for boxing in 2025, delivering a high-level display of skill, strategy, and heart.
Fight Details:
- Date: February 22, 2025
- Venue: Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Result: Dmitry Bivol defeated Artur Beterbiev via majority decision
- Judges’ Scores: 114-114, 115-113, 116-112