Beterbiev Loses Rematch To Bivol, Light Heavyweight Belt Changes Hands

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Post on Feb 23, 2025

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Beterbiev's Reign Ends: Bivol Secures Unanimous Decision Victory, Claims Light Heavyweight Title

New York, NY – In a highly anticipated rematch that lived up to the hype, Dmitry Bivol decisively defeated Artur Beterbiev via unanimous decision on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden, wresting the WBA, WBC, and IBF light heavyweight titles from the previously undefeated champion. The judges scored the fight 115-113, 115-113, and 117-111 in favor of Bivol, solidifying his position as the undisputed king of the light heavyweight division.

The fight, a rematch of their highly competitive 2022 clash, saw Bivol employ a similar strategy to his previous victory. Utilizing his superior boxing skills and footwork, he consistently outpointed Beterbiev, landing cleaner, more effective punches throughout the twelve rounds. Beterbiev, known for his devastating power, struggled to close the distance and land his signature knockout blows. While he showed moments of aggression and landed some powerful shots, they were largely insufficient to overcome Bivol's consistent accuracy and ring generalship.

Bivol's calculated approach effectively neutralized Beterbiev's considerable power, preventing the champion from dictating the pace of the fight. Bivol's jab proved particularly effective, keeping Beterbiev at bay and setting up his combinations. The champion’s attempts to unleash his power punches were often met with Bivol's skillful defensive maneuvers, resulting in fewer clean connections than anticipated.

The atmosphere at Madison Square Garden was electric, with a fervent crowd roaring their approval for both fighters' performances. The tension was palpable, particularly during the later rounds, as Beterbiev attempted a late surge to secure a knockout. However, Bivol remained composed, weathering the storm and maintaining his lead on the scorecards.

This victory marks a significant turning point in the light heavyweight division. Beterbiev, who entered the fight with an undefeated record of 19-0, had established himself as one of the most feared punchers in boxing. His loss, however, cements Bivol's status as the undisputed top dog, holding all three major titles in the division. Bivol, now boasting a record of 21-0, will likely face a number of challenging contenders eager to claim his newly acquired championship belts.

The immediate future for Beterbiev remains uncertain. While he has shown remarkable resilience and power throughout his career, the loss will undoubtedly necessitate a reassessment of his fighting strategy. The possibility of a trilogy fight with Bivol, while seemingly unlikely immediately, is not entirely out of the question given the competitive nature of their rivalry and the demand from boxing fans. However, Beterbiev may choose to face other top contenders in the division to rebuild his title aspirations.

The fight served as a testament to the skill and dedication of both competitors. While Beterbiev's power was undeniable, Bivol's precision and strategic prowess ultimately prevailed. The victory not only changes the landscape of the light heavyweight division but also reinforces Bivol's position as one of boxing's elite fighters. The rematch definitively answered the question of who was the better fighter, leaving no room for doubt: Dmitry Bivol reigns supreme.