Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol both welcome immediate rematch after divisive decision in undisputed fight
Artur Beterbiev narrowly beat Dmitry Bivol in a simply enthralling showdown on Saturday night in the desert of Saudi Arabia.
Beterbiev and Bivol met in a mouthwatering affair for the all of the light-heavyweight marbles, which would crown the first undisputed champion in the division since Roy Jones Jr gave up the belts in 2002.
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The pair could barely be separated before the opening bell, with the dominant behemoths carrying undefeated professional records into the contest.
But it was Beterbiev who got the best of arguably the fight of the year, taking a majority decision on the judges’ scorecards.
It was a captivating and world class contest, but after a world class display of boxing intelligence and warrior spirit, the result saw 114-114 as a draw, 115-113 and 116-112 in favour of Beterbiev.
He was crowned undisputed king and guaranteed an entry into the history books, as well as a place on the top five of the pound-for-pound list.
It was a decision which saw both outrage and agreement from the boxing world, but it seems almost certain that a sequel will be in the pipeline.
Both fighters welcomed an immediate second meeting after the final bell in their post-fight interview.
It was a fascinating affair and arguably one of the best fights that could be made in the sport, and boxing fans were barely in belief that the tantalising clash was upon them.
Beterbiev took centre ring in the opener with Bivol stalking around the edge getting his feet moving and starting to pick his shots with a crisp left hook, the highlight shot of the opener.
A superb start to the contest unfolded and started to deliver exactly what fans were promised, as Bivol appeared to be setting the pace and giving back every shot that he received.
Beterbiev continued to try to find his range with his long-term foe changing level and firing away swift combinations as a bright third round saw both fighters hit the target.
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Elite displays were being put in from both operators, with Beterbiev having a much better fourth stanza as he tried to swing the pendulum in his favour.
The relentless pace continued in the fifth stanza, with Beterbiev’s pressure matched by crisp counter punching from Bivol who was matching him stride-for-stride.
It was a traditional approach from Beterbiev who often sets out his stool and starts slower and he was certainly starting to try and seize control of the contest, not letting Bivol breathe as the midway point approached.
The seventh period saw Bivol continuing to let his hands go in response to every piece of aggressive work, but he showed signs of marking on his forehead from some crunching right hands.
It was a stanza oozing with class and technique, with both men having their successes in the best round of the contest.
Persistent output continued from both with the championship rounds approaching, as the eighth and ninth rounds drew back and forth exchanges again.
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Bivol appeared to snatch the ninth, stepping up his work rate again and showing stamina like no other, still clipping away at his rival.
The high-grade contest reached the highest point of drama, with the pair impossible to separate as the exceptional standard grasped the attention of the boxing world.
Championship rounds came and the eleventh burst into life again as Beterbiev put his foot to the pedal and unloaded in the three-minutes as he tried to slow his rival’s constant output which he did so successfully.
It was a joy to watch and fever pitch came in the twelfth and final round, and as the final bell sounded it was impossible to know which way the contest would go.
After a world class display of boxing intelligence and warrior spirit, the result saw 114-114 as a draw, 115-113 and 116-112 in favour of Beterbiev.
It was a contentious result with every fan and judge having different cards, but it sure promises to be a unique spectacle if the two warriors do battle in another classic in 2025.
