Beterbiev Vs. Bivol 2: Full Fight Results From Riyadh

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Post on Feb 23, 2025

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Beterbiev's Power Prevails: Bivol Falls Short in Riyadh Rematch

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – Dmitry Bivol’s bid for revenge against Artur Beterbiev ended in disappointment Saturday night at the Diriyah Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Beterbiev, the unified light heavyweight champion, retained his WBC, WBA, and IBF titles with a unanimous decision victory over Bivol, a result that cemented his position as one of boxing's most formidable forces. The judges scored the fight 115-113, 117-111, and 118-110, all in favor of Beterbiev.

The fight, a highly anticipated rematch of their 2023 clash, played out differently than many expected. While Bivol, known for his precision and speed, landed his share of clean punches, particularly in the middle rounds, it was Beterbiev's relentless pressure and devastating power that ultimately proved decisive. The champion, showcasing his trademark aggression, consistently walked down Bivol, landing heavy blows to the body and head, visibly wearing down the challenger throughout the twelve rounds.

Bivol, despite his impressive boxing skills, struggled to consistently avoid Beterbiev’s power shots. While he effectively used his footwork and jab to create distance at times, Beterbiev’s relentless pursuit often forced Bivol into exchanges where his superior power advantage shone through. The champion's strength and stamina were remarkable, maintaining a high work rate even in the later rounds when many fighters might begin to tire.

The fight lacked a knockout, a surprising outcome given Beterbiev's knockout ratio. However, the cumulative effect of Beterbiev’s punches, particularly to the body, visibly hampered Bivol's effectiveness as the fight progressed. Bivol, though game and resilient, showed signs of fatigue and slowed noticeably in the championship rounds. He displayed remarkable heart, never giving up and continuing to land meaningful punches, but it wasn't enough to overcome the champion's superior power and relentless pressure.

The atmosphere inside the Diriyah Arena was electric, with a sizable crowd comprised of both local fans and international boxing enthusiasts. The event was part of a larger boxing card showcasing several other notable fights, adding to the excitement of the evening.

Post-fight, Beterbiev lauded Bivol’s skills and resilience, acknowledging the challenger's toughness and competitive spirit. Bivol, though disappointed with the result, accepted the judges' decision with grace and hinted at a potential future opportunity to challenge Beterbiev again.

Beterbiev’s victory further solidifies his legacy as one of the most dominant light heavyweights in boxing history. With his impressive power, relentless aggression, and unwavering determination, he continues to pose a significant challenge to any potential contender in the division. The question now turns to who will dare step up to challenge the unified champion next. The path to dethroning Beterbiev remains a daunting prospect for even the most skilled light heavyweights. The fight served as a testament to the enduring appeal of high-stakes boxing matches, showcasing the skills, strength, and resilience of two elite fighters.