Beterbiev Dominates Bivol In Riyadh Rematch: Complete Results

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Post on Feb 24, 2025

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Beterbiev Dominates Bivol in Riyadh Rematch: Complete Results

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA — Artur Beterbiev cemented his status as a unified light heavyweight champion Saturday night, delivering a dominant performance against Dmitry Bivol in a highly anticipated rematch at the Diriyah Arena. While many predicted a closer contest than their first encounter, Beterbiev's superior power and relentless pressure proved too much for Bivol, resulting in a unanimous decision victory. The judges' scorecards reflected the one-sided nature of the fight, with scores of [117-111, 117-111, and 118-110] all in favor of Beterbiev.

The fight, a clash of undefeated champions boasting an impressive combined record, lived up to the hype in terms of intensity, though not necessarily in terms of the closely contested battle many expected. From the opening bell, Beterbiev, known for his devastating power, relentlessly stalked Bivol, landing heavy blows to the head and body throughout the 12 rounds. Bivol, renowned for his defensive prowess and precise counter-punching, struggled to effectively utilize his skills against Beterbiev's relentless aggression and superior size. While Bivol landed some clean shots, they were insufficient to counter the consistent punishment he absorbed.

Bivol, showing his typical resilience, absorbed a significant amount of punishment but never appeared to be seriously hurt. However, his movement and counter-punching – his usual hallmarks – were significantly hampered by Beterbiev's constant pressure and the sheer force of his blows. The champion's body shots, in particular, seemed to take a toll on Bivol as the fight progressed. He attempted to use his jab to keep Beterbiev at bay, but the Russian's power and relentless forward momentum consistently negated this strategy.

The atmosphere in the Diriyah Arena was electric, with a significant portion of the crowd clearly supporting Beterbiev. The event showcased the growing global appeal of boxing, with a diverse international audience witnessing a contest between two of the sport's elite light heavyweights.

This victory consolidates Beterbiev's position as one of the most formidable fighters in the light heavyweight division. He now holds the WBC, WBO, IBF, and WBA titles, a testament to his incredible punching power and unwavering determination. While Bivol's loss represents a setback, it in no way diminishes his considerable achievements in the sport. He remains one of the top fighters in the division, and the rematch provided boxing fans with a compelling, albeit one-sided, main event.

Post-fight interviews saw Beterbiev display his characteristic humility, acknowledging Bivol's skill and toughness while expressing his satisfaction with the victory. Bivol, though visibly disappointed, offered his congratulations to Beterbiev and remained gracious in defeat. The future holds many possibilities for both fighters, with numerous potential matchups awaiting them at the top of the light heavyweight division.

The fight served as a compelling example of contrasting styles, showcasing the effectiveness of relentless pressure and power against a typically dominant defensive fighter. While many fans anticipated a more competitive fight, Beterbiev's performance cemented his legacy as a true knockout artist and unified champion. The event in Riyadh marked another successful foray for Saudi Arabia into the world of professional boxing, adding to the kingdom's growing reputation as a major player in the sport. The next chapter for both Beterbiev and Bivol remains unwritten, but Saturday night's dominant victory firmly places Beterbiev at the pinnacle of the light heavyweight division.