Artur Beterbiev’s Reign Ends as Dmitry Bivol Claims Light Heavyweight Titles
On a star-studded night at The Venue in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the boxing world witnessed the end of an era. Artur Beterbiev, the reigning IBF, IBO, WBA Super, WBC, and WBO light heavyweight champion, known for his relentless aggression and powerful punches, met his match in former champ Dmitrii Bivol. Despite Beterbiev’s impressive 21-1 record with 20 knockouts, it was Bivol who emerged victorious, securing a unanimous decision over 12 grueling rounds. The bout began with Bivol effectively using his jab to counter Beterbiev’s initial aggression. Beterbiev regained the upper hand from the third to the sixth rounds, outlanding Bivol with his trademark power. However, Bivol’s resilience shone through as he reclaimed control from the seventh to the ninth rounds. The tenth round saw a brief comeback from Beterbiev, but Bivol’s flurry of punches at the end of the round possibly tipped the scales. In the eleventh, Beterbiev started strong, but Bivol’s tenacity in the final minute kept him in the hunt. The twelfth and final round was a back-and-forth affair, but Beterbiev managed to open a cut on Bivol’s left eyebrow, adding a dramatic twist. Despite this, the judges scored the fight 114-114, 115-113, and 116-112, unanimously in Bivol’s favor.
Joseph Parker’s Impressive Stoppage of Martin Bakole
In another high-stakes match, WBO Interim heavyweight champion Joseph Parker, boasting a 36-3 record with 24 knockouts, faced off against NABF and WBO International champion Martin Bakole, who had a 21-2 record with 16 knockouts. The fight started cautiously as both fighters felt each other out in the first round. Bakole made a statement in the final seconds of the first round, rocking Parker with a right to the chin. However, Parker’s experience and skill came to the fore in the second round, as he landed a hard right on Bakole’s chin, sending him to the canvas. Bakole failed to beat the count of referee Steve Gray, resulting in a quick and decisive stoppage at 2:17 of the second round. Parker’s precise and powerful strikes proved too much for Bakole, who was left reeling from the impact.
Shakur Stevenson’s Dominant Performance Over Josh Padley
WBC World Light champion Shakur Stevenson, an undefeated southpaw with a 23-0 record and 11 knockouts, demonstrated his exceptional skills against Josh Padley, who entered the ring with a 15-1 record and 4 knockouts. Stevenson’s tactical use of his jab was evident in the first six rounds, where he systematically picked apart Padley’s defenses. The ninth round saw Stevenson drop Padley with a devastating body shot, forcing referee Victor Loughlin to count to eight. Stevenson followed up with two more knockdowns before the fight was finally halted. Stevenson’s combination of speed, precision, and power was too much for Padley to handle, cementing Stevenson’s status as one of the top fighters in his division.
Carlos Adames and Hamzah Sheeraz’s Thrilling Draw
WBC World Middleweight champion Carlos ‘Bronco’ Adames, known for his punching power and a 24-1-1 record with 18 knockouts, engaged in a closely contested fight with Commonwealth, EBU, and WBC Silver champion Hamzah Sheeraz, who had an impressive 21-0-1 record with 17 knockouts. The first four rounds saw Adames pressing Sheeraz and outlanding him, while Sheeraz effectively countered and moved around the ring. Sheeraz’s momentum shifted in his favor from the sixth to the tenth rounds, holding his own and even taking the edge in some rounds. Adames, visibly fatigued, walked slowly to his corner after the ninth round. The eleventh and twelfth rounds were a toss-up, with both fighters trading blows. Ultimately, the fight ended in a split decision draw, with scores of 115-114 Sheeraz, 118-110 Adames, and 114-114. The referee, Hector Afu, oversaw a bout that showcased the resilience and skill of both fighters.
Vergil Ortiz Jr. Triumphs Over Israil Madrimov
WBC Interim World Super Welterweight champion Vergil Ortiz Jr., an undefeated sensation with a 23-0 record and 21 knockouts, squared off against former WBA World Super Welterweight champion Israil ‘The Dream’ Madrimov, who had a 10-2-1 record with 7 knockouts. The first six rounds were a battle of counters, with Madrimov gaining a slight edge through his effective body shots and counters. Ortiz’s eyes began to swell, but he showed incredible heart and determination. In the final six rounds, Ortiz turned the tide, landing enough punches to convince the judges of his superiority. The decision was a close one, with scores of 115-113, 115-113, and 117-111, all in Ortiz’s favor. Referee Kieran McCann oversaw a fight that highlighted the closing power and strategic adjustments of Ortiz.
Zhilei Zhang’s Unexpected Knockout Loss to Agit Kabayel
Former Olympic Silver Medalist and WBO Interim heavyweight champion Zhilei ‘Big Bang’ Zhang, who entered the fight with a 27-3-1 record and 22 knockouts, faced a surprising defeat at the hands of WBC Continental Americas and WBO NABO champion Agit Kabayel. Kabayel, an undefeated fighter with a 26-0 record and 18 knockouts, hurt Zhang with body shots in the third and fourth rounds, taking control early. Zhang, looking increasingly tired, managed to land a left to Kabayel’s chin in the fifth round, sending him down for an eight-count. However, Kabayel’s resilience was on full display as he fought back well for the remainder of the round. The sixth round saw Kabayel battering Zhang down, and despite Zhang attempting to regain his composure, referee Mark Lyson called the fight off at 2:29 of the sixth round, citing Zhang’s exhaustion and inability to continue. The knockout loss was a shocking turn of events for Zhang, who had built a reputation as a formidable contender.
Emerging Talents Shine in Light and Welterweight Divisions
The undercard featured two promising prospects, light heavyweight Ziyad ‘Zizo’ Almaayouf and welterweight Mohammed Alakel, who both made their mark in the ring. Alakel, carrying a 3-0 record, dominated Engel ‘El Cohete’ Gomez, who had an 8-43-3 record, over six rounds. Alakel’s control was evident in the first three rounds, and he maintained his dominance in the sixth and final round, outlanding Gomez and securing a one-sided decision with a score of 60-54. Meanwhile, welterweight prospect Almaayouf, who entered the ring with a 7-0-1 record, faced Jonatas ‘The Marajoara Monster’ Rodrigo Gomes de Oliveira, with a 6-21 record. Almaayouf’s superior skill and precision were on display as he dominated the first three rounds. He continued to outland Oliveira in the fifth round, and despite Oliveira’s late surge in the sixth round, Almaayouf finished strong, opening up in the final 30 seconds. The bout ended with Almaayouf securing a unanimous decision, also scored 60-54 by referee Howard Foster. Both fighters demonstrated the potential to rise in their respective divisions, leaving the audience excited for their future performances.
