Beterbiev-Bivol Live Fight Coverage: Round-by-Round Updates From Riyadh

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Post on Feb 23, 2025

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Beterbiev Stops Bivol in Dramatic Riyad Victory: A Round-by-Round Account

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — Dmitry Bivol's reign as WBA light heavyweight champion ended abruptly Saturday night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as Artur Beterbiev delivered a stunning knockout victory in the 11th round. The highly anticipated clash lived up to its hype, showcasing a thrilling battle of contrasting styles before Beterbiev's relentless pressure overwhelmed Bivol. This victory solidifies Beterbiev’s status as a unified champion, holding the WBC, IBF, and now WBA titles.

The fight began with a cautious feel, both fighters sizing each other up in the early rounds. Bivol, known for his speed and precision, utilized his jab effectively, keeping Beterbiev at bay and landing cleaner punches. Beterbiev, the heavier hitter, absorbed Bivol’s jabs and countered with powerful body shots, slowly wearing down the champion.

Round 1-3: A feeling-out process dominated the opening rounds. Bivol’s jab was a consistent presence, landing frequently and keeping Beterbiev at a distance. Beterbiev, though, landed some hard shots to the body, showcasing his power. Neither fighter gained a significant advantage. The judges' scorecards likely reflected a close contest at this stage.

Round 4-6: Beterbiev started to increase the pressure in these rounds. His body shots began to take their toll on Bivol, visibly impacting his movement and punch output. While Bivol still landed his jab, the frequency decreased, and his defense appeared to be wearing thin under the consistent assault. Beterbiev's power punches, though not always landing cleanly, started to visibly affect Bivol’s posture.

Round 7-9: The middle rounds saw Beterbiev steadily increasing his dominance. Bivol's movement slowed noticeably, and his punches lacked the earlier precision. Beterbiev landed several significant combinations, and while Bivol demonstrated remarkable toughness and heart, the tide was clearly turning. The crowd, a mix of international boxing fans and local spectators, roared with excitement as the fight intensified.

Round 10: This round was arguably Beterbiev's best. He unleashed a brutal assault on Bivol, forcing him onto the ropes and landing a succession of heavy blows. Bivol showed incredible resilience, absorbing the punishment and staying on his feet, but his face bore the marks of the beating.

Round 11: The dramatic end arrived. Beterbiev unleashed another fierce barrage, overwhelming Bivol's defenses. A thunderous right hand followed by a series of powerful punches dropped Bivol to the canvas. Bivol struggled to get up, and the referee, correctly judging he could not continue, stopped the contest. The crowd erupted in cheers as Beterbiev celebrated his hard-fought victory.

The fight demonstrated the contrasting styles of both fighters. Bivol's technical brilliance and defensive skills were eventually overwhelmed by Beterbiev's relentless power and pressure. Bivol showed incredible heart and determination throughout the fight, proving his championship caliber, but Beterbiev's superior power proved decisive in the end.

The win moves Beterbiev to 19-0 with 19 knockouts, a perfect record that underscores his devastating power. Bivol, now 21-1, remains a top light heavyweight contender, despite the loss. This fight cemented its place as one of the year's most exciting and memorable boxing events. The location in Riyadh, a testament to boxing's growing global reach, further enhanced the spectacle. The post-fight interviews are expected to provide further insights into the strategies and reactions of both fighters and their teams.