The Thrilling Rematch at the Kingdom Arena
On a winding Saturday night at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the air crackled with anticipation as the boxing world gathered for an epic rematch. The stage was set for Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev to clash for the undisputed light-heavyweight crown, a title that had eluded both fighters in their previous encounters. This bout was a masterclass in elite-level boxing, blending strategic maneuvers, fan-friendly action, and multiple momentum shifts. Just four months earlier, Beterbiev had inflicted Bivol’s first-ever loss, but on February 22nd, Bivol staged a fierce comeback, securing a majority decision victory.
The Battle Unfolds
The opening round saw the fighters sizing each other up, both attempting to establish their jab. The center of the ring became the focal point, as Bivol and Beterbiev carefully measured their distances. Beterbiev came out aggressively in the second round, pressing forward and looking to impose his will. However, Bivol, known for his sharp counterpunching, connected with a right hand counter shot on multiple occasions, demonstrating his tactical acumen.
The third round saw a tit-for-tat exchange, with Beterbiev landing heavy shots and Bivol responding with combinations. Beterbiev’s dominance became evident in the fourth round as he pressed Bivol and landed powerful right hand shots. The fifth round continued the back-and-forth, with Beterbiev connecting with his right hand to both Bivol’s head and body, but Bivol managed to catch Beterbiev with a clean right-hand counter, a moment that foreshadowed his resurgence.
Bivol’s Control and Beterbiev’s Tenacity
In the sixth round, Bivol used his jab effectively to set up combinations, but Beterbiev finished the round strong, backing Bivol against the ropes and landing hard rights and lefts. From rounds seven through nine, Bivol regained control, using his movement, jab, and combination punching to keep Beterbiev at bay. The strategic use of his jab allowed Bivol to disrupt Beterbiev’s rhythm, and his footwork made it difficult for Beterbiev to land meaningful blows.
The Final Stretch
As the fight progressed, it became clear that Beterbiev, similar to the first fight, needed to rally in the latter rounds. He did just that, mounting a strong offensive and landing some significant combinations. However, it wasn’t enough to overcome Bivol’s earlier dominance. The judges scored the bout (114-114, 116-112, and 115-113) in favor of Dmitry Bivol, who had managed to outpoint Beterbiev over the 12 rounds.
A Dream Realized
With this victory, Bivol not only avenged his only career loss but also achieved his lifelong dream of becoming an undisputed world champion. The 24-1 record, with 12 knockouts, now stands as a testament to his resilience and skill. At the post-fight press conference, Bivol, visibly emotional, reflected on the journey that led him to this moment. "This is what I’ve been working for my entire career," he said, his voice thick with determination. "I knew I had to bring my best, and I did."
What’s Next for the King of Light-Heavyweights?
Now, as the new undisputed world light-heavyweight champion, Bivol has a plethora of options. One of the most obvious choices is a trilogy fight with Beterbiev. A rubber match could decisively determine the overall winner of their highly competitive series. Another intriguing option is a bout with the undefeated David Benavidez. Benavidez, who spent two years as the number one contender at 168 pounds, moved up to 175 after champion Canelo Alvarez consistently avoided him. Benavidez’s unanimous decision victories over Oleksandr Gvozdyk and David Morrell have solidified his status as a legitimate light-heavyweight title contender.
Bivol, who has been remarkably active in the past few years, hinted at taking a well-deserved break to rest and heal a few nagging injuries. At 34, he has shown no signs of slowing down, but the physical toll of such high-stakes bouts is undeniable. As the boxing world waits with bated breath, one thing is certain: Bivol is the current king of the light-heavyweights, and his next move will shape the future of the division.
