Artur Beterbiev faced off against Dmitry Bivol on February 22, 2025, at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for the light heavyweight unified title, bringing anticipation and excitement to boxing fans worldwide. The rematch followed their initial encounter last October, where Bivol suffered his first professional loss. This time, he redeemed himself with a decisive win, and by the end of the bout, he left the ring as the new four-belt champion.
The bout began competitively, with Bivol establishing dominance early on. Utilizing his superb footwork and well-timed jabs, he took control of the first few rounds. Bivol, the former WBA light heavyweight champion, entered the ring with the confidence of having outclassed the likes of Canelo Alvarez previously and was determined to make his mark against Beterbiev once again.
On the other hand, Beterbiev was more than ready to defend his titles. Coming off his own successful run, he had become the first fighter to unify the light heavyweight division's four major belts. The clash was not just about titles; it was about redemption and proving who was the best fighter at 175 pounds.
According to match reports, Bivol maintained his early lead through swift combinations and effective distances. "I didn’t feel the pressure from my opponent this time, and I managed to maintain my rhythm from the start to the finish," Bivol conveyed post-match. He earned victory by scores of 116-112 and 115-113 from two judges, with one judge calling it even at 114-114.
The bout progressed to more intense exchanges as rounds went by. Beterbiev made attempts to mount his signature powerful assaults, launching uppercuts and body shots to regain momentum. Still, Bivol's ability to evade and counterattack was notable. By the seventh round, Bivol’s agility and ring awareness shined through as he dodged Beterbiev’s tight pursuit and regained his composure, executing jabs effectively, keeping Beterbiev at bay.
Though Beterbiev appeared to initiate some strong strikes, Bivol's stamina and resilience helped him respond and stay clear of major hits. Despite being caught with some fierce punches, Bivol utilized clever head movement and footwork to evade the worst of it. By the end of the fight, Beterbiev sported visible bruises around his eyes, indicative of the heavy firefight.
Exchanging punches during the final rounds, the pace never slowed down. Fans roared as both fighters threw powerful combinations, but Bivol seemed to have the edge. The final moments of the fight were tense, with Beterbiev attempting to turn the tide, only to be met with Bivol’s well-timed counter punches. “I felt strong and confident today,” remarked Bivol at the post-fight press briefing. “More than anything, I wanted this win.”
Post-fight, Beterbiev showed great sportsmanship, stating, “I didn’t expect to lose today. I was prepared, but Bivol executed his game plan well. I wish him the best, and I’d like to do this again.” Their rivalry, which has captivated fans, is far from over, setting the stage for potential future encounters. Beterbiev expressed his desire for another bout; “Even though I didn’t want the rematch initially, I am committed to facing him again,” he remarked, leaving the door open for another thrilling showdown.
Both fighters are seasoned boxers who understand the demands and expectations at the elite level of the sport. Bivol’s training included not just physical preparation but also mental fortitude, as he faced the media expressing his ambitions. Beterbiev's commitment to training was equally evident. He commented on his relentless dedication, stating, “Training hard pays off. I need to be at my best if I'm going to retake what I lost.”
The aftermath of the match spurred discussions about the future light heavyweight division, particularly where both fighters stand now. For Bivol, his victory cements his status among the elite fighters globally, being the unified light heavyweight champion holding WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO titles with a record of 24 wins, 12 by knockout, to just one defeat. Meanwhile, Beterbiev's record stands at 21 wins, 20 by knockout, and his first defeat etched on his otherwise stellar career.
With the possibility of another encounter on the horizon, boxing fans eagerly await what could be another breathtaking battle. Both fighters have proven their mettle, and the world will certainly watch closely as they train for what could be considered another irresistible chapter of their historic rivalry. Such events only add to the legacy of each fighter as they push boundaries and compete fiercely within the ring.