Bivol Unifies Light Heavyweight Titles, Defeats Beterbiev

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Post on Feb 24, 2025

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Bivol Unifies Light Heavyweight Titles, Outpoints Beterbiev in Upset Victory

New York, NY – Dmitry Bivol shocked the boxing world Saturday night, handing undefeated Artur Beterbiev his first career loss and unifying three of the four major light heavyweight titles in a thrilling, closely contested fight at the Madison Square Garden. The judges scored the bout 115-113, 115-113, and 117-111 in favor of Bivol, handing the Russian a stunning upset victory and cementing his place among the elite fighters in the division.

The fight, a highly anticipated clash between two of the division’s most feared punchers, lived up to its hype from the opening bell. Beterbiev, known for his devastating power and aggressive style, came out swinging, attempting to overwhelm Bivol with his trademark pressure. However, Bivol, showcasing his superior boxing skills and footwork, expertly evaded Beterbiev's power shots while consistently landing his own stinging combinations. Bivol’s precision and ring generalship proved crucial throughout the twelve rounds.

Beterbiev, the former unified champion holding the WBC and WBO belts, relentlessly pursued a knockout, landing some heavy blows that visibly shook Bivol. However, Bivol’s defense and ability to recover quickly proved critical. The fight remained fiercely competitive throughout, with neither fighter gaining a decisive advantage in any single round. Both fighters demonstrated incredible heart and resilience, exchanging powerful punches in a display of thrilling, high-stakes boxing.

The judges’ decision, however, proved controversial, with some observers believing Beterbiev deserved the win based on his aggressive style and overall power punches landed. Yet the judges clearly favored Bivol’s superior technique, ring control and points accumulation throughout the twelve rounds. The scorecards reflected a contest decided by the finer points of boxing, rather than a simple count of knockdowns.

The victory marks a significant milestone in Bivol’s career. Prior to this fight, Bivol held the WBA title and had previously given Canelo Alvarez a tough fight, a performance that solidified his reputation as one of boxing’s elite. Now, with the addition of the WBC and WBO belts, Bivol stands as the unified light heavyweight champion, leaving only the IBF title remaining to achieve undisputed status. The win also extends Bivol’s undefeated streak to 21-0, with 11 knockouts.

Beterbiev’s loss, his first in 19 professional fights, brings an end to his reign as unified champion. Despite the defeat, Beterbiev’s ferocious power and relentless pressure cemented his legacy as one of the division’s most formidable fighters. The future for both fighters is uncertain, with potential rematches and clashes against other top contenders within the division likely to be highly anticipated.

The fight at Madison Square Garden was a showcase of elite boxing skills and unwavering determination, leaving fans buzzing and analysts debating the judges’ decision well into the night. Bivol’s victory, however, is undeniable and marks a significant moment in the light heavyweight division, potentially setting the stage for even more dramatic showdowns in the future. The undisputed light heavyweight championship now awaits.