Dmitrii Bivol became the new Undisputed World Light Heavyweight Champion by defeating Artur Beterbiev by majority decision, during the exciting event called “The Last Crescendo” held at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on February 22, 2023. This victory was particularly sweet for Bivol as it avenged his earlier majority decision loss to Beterbiev last October, which had marked the first defeat of Bivol's professional career. The judging this time around leaned favorably toward Bivol, with two judges scoring the bout 116-112 and 115-113, and the third judge calling it a tie at 114-114.
The rematch was far from dull, showcasing 12 rounds of relentless action where Bivol’s ring intelligence and skill set prevailed against Beterbiev's brute strength. Observers noted how Bivol effectively countered Beterbiev's aggressive onslaught, especially with his consistent jab and footwork which kept him out of danger for most of the match.
Statistically, the fight leaned heavily toward Bivol's performance, landing 170 total punches compared to Beterbiev's 121, with power punches favoring Bivol at 85 to 78. Bivol started strong, countering the aggression and demonstrating excellent defensive maneuvers. Although Beterbiev gained some ground in the middle rounds, applying constant pressure and backing Bivol up against the ropes, it was the latter’s strategic bursts of energy and renewed movement during the fight's second half which shifted the momentum back to him.
Post-fight, Bivol expressed his satisfaction with the decision, stating, "I was pushing myself more. I was confident. I just wanted to win so much today." This victory not only highlights Bivol's skill but also secures him the prestigious titles of WBC, IBF, WBO, and his regained WBA belt, showcasing his status as the undisputed champion.
Beterbiev’s loss marks the end of his unbeaten streak, dropping his record to 21-1, but his desire for redemption was palpable as he conveyed, "Now it's my time to come back. We are gonna do third fight." This statement leaves the door open for what could become one of boxing's most riveting trilogies.
Indeed, the backdrop of this rematch had built high expectations, especially since Beterbiev, known for his formidable knockout power, came to the ring boasting 20 knockouts from 20 wins prior to this encounter. This fight marked the first time he did not finish his opponent, indicating Bivol's resilience and tactical approach were evidently effective.
The anticipation surrounding Bivol's win was magnified by the high-profile nature of the card, which also featured exciting bouts such as Callum Smith versus Joshua Buatsi and Shakur Stevenson taking on Josh Padley, filling the evening with drama and electrifying moments.
This triumph reinstates Bivol at the top of the light heavyweight division, paving the way for new challenges—even as he hinted at needing some rest to heal from injuries suffered during the taxing lead-up to these fights. He mentioned, "I'm ready for any challenge. I want a little bit of rest because I had some injuries last summer. And this time, I had some injuries. I want to heal myself and come back."
To both combatants, the rematch was not just about belts; it was personal. For Bivol, it solidified his place among elite boxers, shaking off his prior setback. For Beterbiev, it presented the chance to reclaim his former glory, making their potential third encounter all the more anticipated by fans worldwide.
The boxing community is abuzz about what’s next for both fighters. With Bivol now firmly established as the champion of the light heavyweight category, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Beterbiev plans his return to the ring following this significant setback.