Bivol Triumphs in Thrilling Rematch, Becomes Undisputed Champion
Dmitry Bivol emerged victorious in a thrilling rematch against Artur Beterbiev, securing the WBA, WBC, WBO, IBF, and Ring Magazine light heavyweight titles via a majority decision in Riyadh. The fight, a rematch from their October bout where Beterbiev had won by a majority decision, was a gripping contest from the first bell to the last. Bivol’s sharp jab and multifaceted attack were key in his comeback, even as Beterbiev’s relentless pressure and powerful punches pushed the fight to its dramatic conclusion.
A Night of High-Stakes Action
Beterbiev vs. Bivol 2 was the centerpiece of an action-packed card at Riyadh Season. The bout saw Bivol start strong, using his educated jab and clever combinations to outmaneuver Beterbiev. However, Beterbiev, known for his ferocious pressure, took over the middle rounds, landing powerful shots that left Bivol’s face puffed and bleeding. The final rounds were a seesaw battle, with Bivol finding extra gears and landing crucial combinations to edge out the decision.
Stevenson’s Dominance and Parker’s Triumph
In other notable bouts, Shakur Stevenson retained his WBC lightweight title with a dominant performance against Josh Padley, dropping him three times in the ninth round to clinch a TKO victory. Joseph Parker also had a memorable night, retaining the WBO interim heavyweight title by knocking out Martin Bakole in the second round. Bakole, a late replacement for Daniel Dubois, was overwhelmed by Parker’s power and precision.
Smith’s Triumph and Ortiz’s Dominance
The card also featured Callum Smith, who secured a unanimous decision win over Joshua Buatsi to claim the WBO interim light heavyweight title. The fight was a showcase of grit and skill, with Smith’s strategic approach and relentless pressure proving too much for Buatsi. Vergil Ortiz Jr. also retained his WBC interim super welterweight title with a unanimous decision over Israil Madrimov, demonstrating his ability to adapt and dominate in high-stakes bouts.
Sheeraz’s Narrow Escape and Zhang’s Loss
Carlos Adames and Hamzah Sheeraz fought to a split-decision draw, with Adames retaining his WBC middleweight title. Sheeraz, despite showing flashes of brilliance, struggled to maintain consistency and was fortunate to escape with a draw. In the heavyweight division, Agit Kabayel scored a significant victory by stopping Zhilei Zhang in the sixth round, earning the vacant WBC interim heavyweight title. Zhang, a formidable presence, was unable to overcome Kabayel’s relentless pressure and superior boxing skills.
The Night’s Impact and Future Implications
The event in Riyadh was a testament to the growing prominence of boxing in the region and the global appeal of these top-tier fighters. Bivol’s victory solidifies his position as the undisputed light heavyweight champion, while Stevenson, Parker, Smith, and Ortiz Jr. all demonstrated why they are considered among the best in their respective divisions. The night’s action also set the stage for potential future super-fights, with fans already speculating about trilogy matches and unification bouts.
Conclusion
The Beterbiev vs. Bivol 2 card was a night of electrifying action and memorable performances. From Bivol’s hard-fought victory to Stevenson’s dominance and Parker’s triumph, the bouts delivered on the promise of high-stakes, high-quality boxing. The results not only solidified the legacies of these fighters but also set the stage for exciting developments in the world of professional boxing.
