Bivol’s Stunning Victory Over Beterbiev
On a historic night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Dmitry Bivol (24-1, 12 KOs) outshone the formidable Artur Beterbiev (21-1, 20 KOs) to secure a 12-round majority decision win. The venue was electric, with the air thick with anticipation as the two unbeaten light heavyweights stepped into the ring. Bivol’s victory was a masterclass of strategy, control, and resilience, solidifying his position as a top contender in the division. Promoter Eddie Hearn was quick to praise Bivol, calling the performance "unbelievable" and one of the best he has ever seen live. According to Hearn, Bivol made Beterbiez follow him around the ring, working angles and maintaining a tactical edge throughout the fight. Despite Beterbiev’s initial dominance and the potential for a knockout in the latter rounds, he visibly ran out of steam, which Bivol expertly capitalized on.
Future Options: The Promoter’s Perspective
With the win behind him, the question now looms: who will Bivol fight next? Eddie Hearn, known for his shrewd and ambitious matchmaking, has a few ideas. The first is a trilogy match with Beterbiev, a possibility that has been discussed since Bivol’s first victory over the Russian-Canadian in 2022. However, Hearn seems more enthusiastic about a rematch with Canelo Alvarez or a title defense against WBC mandatory challenger David Benavidez. The allure of a high-profile bout with Alvarez, who is scheduled to face Terence Crawford on September 13th, is evident. Hearn believes this matchup is not only more winnable for Bivol but also a more exciting prospect for boxing fans.
The Canelo Factor
Canelo Alvarez remains one of the biggest names in boxing, and a rematch with Bivol could generate significant interest. When the two first met in 2022, Bivol emerged victorious, shocking many who had written him off against the Mexican powerhouse. Hearn’s eyes lit up at the prospect of Bivol and Alvarez going head-to-head again, suggesting that this is the fight he is most eager to promote. The timing, however, remains a challenge. If Turki Alalshikh, the promoter who brought the Bivol-Beterbiev fight to Riyadh, wants to push for the rematch, it will likely have to wait until 2026, given Alvarez’s busy schedule and the scheduled September bout. Hearn, for his part, is confident that this fight will happen and believes it could be a defining moment for Bivol’s career.
The Benavidez Challenge
Another compelling option is a title defense against David Benavidez. Benavidez, known for his aggressive style and relentless pressure, would pose a unique challenge to Bivol. Hearn suggests that Benavidez’s approach, which involves walking down his opponents and not tiring like Beterbiev did, could be particularly daunting for Bivol. However, Hearn’s confidence in his fighter remains unshakeable. He believes that Bivol has the skill and experience to handle Benavidez, despite the latter’s reputation as a formidable opponent. The mandatory nature of the Benavidez bout adds a sense of inevitability, though Hearn is clear that this fight will happen only if it aligns with Bivol’s career goals and the promotional strategy.
Beterbiev’s Performance and the Scores
Artur Beterbiev, at 40 years old, showed flashes of his old dominance in the first half of the fight. His early rounds were characterized by precision and power, making it seem like he might be on the verge of a knockout. However, as the fight wore on, Beterbiev’s energy waned, and his punches became less frequent and less effective. The scores reflected a close but ultimately clear decision in Bivol’s favor: 115-113, 116-112, and 114-114. Only one judge saw the fight as a draw, while the other two awarded Bivol the victory. Hearn, while acknowledging Beterbiev’s strong start, insisted that the win was well-deserved, with Bivol maintaining control and outpunching his opponent in the later rounds. The inconsistency in the scores, however, has sparked some debate among boxing aficionados.
Hearn’s Vision and Bivol’s Future
Eddie Hearn’s vision for Bivol’s future is ambitious and clear. He sees the Russian fighter as a top-tier boxer capable of dominating the light heavyweight division and beyond. Hearn’s comments reveal a deep understanding of the boxing landscape and a strategic approach to Bivol’s career. Whether it’s a high-stakes rematch with Alvarez, a challenging title defense against Benavidez, or a potential trilogy with Beterbiev, Hearn is determined to secure the most lucrative and exciting fights for his boxer. Bivol’s performance in Riyadh has only heightened the anticipation for these future matchups. Hearn’s belief in Bivol’s abilities is unwavering, and he is confident that whichever path they choose, it will lead to further glory and recognition for the supremely talented fighter.
Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead
Dmitry Bivol’s victory over Artur Beterbiev is a testament to his skill, strategy, and resilience. With a plethora of exciting options on the horizon, including a rematch with Canelo Alvarez and a title defense against David Benavidez, Bivol’s future in boxing looks incredibly bright. Eddie Hearn’s enthusiasm and strategic mindset will ensure that Bivol remains at the forefront of the sport, engaging in the most significant and high-profile bouts. As the boxing world waits to see which fight materializes next, one thing is clear: Bivol is here to stay, and his next steps will be watched with great interest.
