Beterbiev vs. Bivol 2: The Main Event in Riyadh
On the evening of February 22, the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, played host to one of the most anticipated boxing rematches of the year: Artur Beterbiev (21-1) versus Dmitry Bivol (24-1). The fight, which aired live on pay-per-view platforms like DAZN and PPV.com, was a masterclass in technical boxing, with both fighters showcasing their skills in a closely contested battle. The official decision saw Dmitry Bivol edging out a majority decision (114-114, 116-112, 115-113), reaffirming his status as a formidable champion in the light heavyweight division.
Early Rounds: Bivol’s Sharp Jab Takes Control
From the opening bell, it was evident that Bivol had a plan. He immediately used his jab to control the distance and keep Beterbiev at bay. Beterbiev, known for his aggressive style, attempted to advance and close the gap, but Bivol’s quick jabs and strategic movement made it difficult. Bivol’s jab was so sharp that it consistently scored, and he also landed a few straight rights to Beterbiev’s body. Despite Beterbiev’s occasional body shots, Bivol maintained a high output and stayed composed. By the end of the first three rounds, Bivol was firmly in control, winning each of these rounds with his precise and calculated attacks. The scorecard read 30-27 in favor of Bivol, setting a strong early tone for the fight.
Midway Point: Beterbiev Mounts a Comeback
As the fight entered the middle rounds, Beterbiev began to change his approach. Recognizing that he was behind on points, he increased his aggression and started stalking Bivol more effectively. The fourth and fifth rounds were pivotal in this regard. Beterbiev mixed in jabs to the body and landed a few powerful right hands, driving Bivol back. Bivol, however, maintained his excellent movement and defense, making it a challenge for Beterbiev to land consistently. The sixth round was particularly close, with both fighters trading punches and Beterbiev showing flashes of his destructive power. By the end of the sixth round, the scorecard evened out to 57-57, indicating that Beterbiev had started to close the gap.
Turning Point: Bivol Regains the Momentum
In the seventh and eighth rounds, Bivol reclaimed his momentum. He continued to use his sharp jab effectively, keeping Beterbiev at bay and controlling the flow of the fight. Bivol’s combinations became more frequent and precise, and he landed a few heavy shots that visibly affected Beterbiev. Beterbiev, though, remained relentless, throwing jabs and body shots to keep Bivol from settling into a rhythm. However, Bivol’s superior ring generalship and technical proficiency were evident, and he managed to outscore Beterbiev in these rounds. The scorecard now read 77-75 in Bivol’s favor, and the Russian-Canadian was looking increasingly strong and confident.
Final Stages: Beterbiev’s Desperate Push
Entering the final stretch, Beterbiev knew he had to turn things around dramatically. In the ninth round, he mixed up his punches and focused more on his defense, but Bivol’s fast hands and sharp jabs continued to find their marks. Beterbiev’s relentless pursuit and occasional power shots kept him in the fight, but Bivol’s ability to control the range and land effective combinations made it a tough task. The tenth round saw a slight momentum shift, with Beterbiev landing more body shots and increasing his output. The scorecard was now 96-94 in Bivol’s favor, but the fight remained incredibly close.
Eleventh Round: A Battle of Wills
The eleventh round was a microcosm of the entire fight. Beterbiev threw quick strikes to the body, trying to wear down Bivol, while Bivol answered with combinations that included both body and head shots. Bivol’s ability to control the range and immediately reset his defense after landing punches was particularly impressive. Beterbiev, however, showed no signs of fatigue and continued to press the action. The scorecard after eleven rounds reflected the tightness of the fight, with Bivol leading 106-103. Both fighters were giving it everything they had, and the tension in the arena was palpable.
Twelfth Round: A Thrilling Finish
The final round was a thrilling back-and-forth affair. Beterbiev came out hot, determined to finish the fight with a flurry. Bivol, through his experience and technical skill, managed to slow Beterbiev’s advance with straight punches and continued to circle effectively. The two traded power punches, with Beterbiev landing a few significant body shots and Bivol counterpunching with precision. The last 30 seconds saw Beterbiev in hot pursuit, and they ended the round with a barrage of punches. The judges’ scorecards reflected the closeness of the fight, with one judge scoring it even at 114-114 and the other two giving Bivol the edge (116-112, 115-113). Despite Beterbiev’s late surge, Bivol’s consistent performance and superior ring generalship were enough to secure the victory.
Beterbiev vs. Bivol 2 was a fight that showcased the best of both fighters. Beterbiev’s relentless aggression and power were matched by Bivol’s technical prowess and composure. The rematch was a thrilling and technical battle that left fans on the edge of their seats until the very end, and it further solidified Bivol’s position as a top contender in the light heavyweight division.
