Dmitry Bivol solidified his boxing legacy on February 22, 2025, by defeating fellow Russian boxer Artur Beterbiev to become the undisputed world champion at light heavyweight. The much-anticipated rematch took place at the Diriyah Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and ended with Bivol winning by majority decision, making the evening unforgettable for boxing enthusiasts.
This victory not only avenged Bivol's prior loss to Beterbiev but also transformed him from contender to absolute champion, elevizing his global standing and showcase of skill. Despite the high stakes, Bivol displayed confidence and composure, solidifying his status within the sport.
After the fight, cameras caught the moment when Beterbiev refused to shake hands with Bivol. This unexpected incident became the talk of the boxing world. "After the fight, I approached him and said: 'Arthur, I sincerely respect you... I want to shake your hand and thank you for the fight.' He replied: 'Thank you for the fight. This is sports. You're a great boxer,'" Bivol recalled during the post-fight press conference, indicating mutual respect and the competitive spirit inherent to boxing.
The match was just as thrilling and dramatic as fans had hoped, featuring intense exchanges and relentless pressure. Analysts noted the fight as one of the best of recent times, balancing technical skills with raw emotion. Dmitry Kudryashov, speaking post-fight, noted, "This fight was one of the best based on technical excellence and emotional intensity. The scoring of 114–114 seemed unrealistic; 116–112 for Bivol seems more authentic to me."
The match's scorecards have drawn considerable scrutiny, particularly the controversial 114–114 score among the judges. Critics, including analysts and fans, expressed disbelief. "I was amazed by some of the judges' scorecards. 114-114 was incomprehensible. It's evident Bivol put forth more effort to deserve the decision," added Kudryashov, highlighting the divergence of opinion among viewers.
Adding to the narrative, some pundits called for immediate discussions about a possible trilogy fight between the two boxers, centering their remarks on the importance of resolution and rivalry. With Beterbiev having suffered his first defeat, questions loom over his next step, as he holds impressive statistics at 21 victories and 1 loss, with Bivol shining at 24 wins and just 1 defeat. The buzz around this spectacle lays fertile ground for future bouts, whether it’s another matchup between these two combatants or considering other contenders such as David Benavidez.
Even prior to the fight, many believed Bivol had more to prove, particularly after containing opportunities for Beterbiev’s earlier victory. With this recent win, Bivol erases doubts and demonstrates his growth both mentally and physically within the ring.
Hailing from contentious backgrounds, both fighters bring their own narrative to the boxing fold. Experts speculate the rematch's potential for both boxers might depend on their following performances and ability to maintain momentum. A trilogy could provide closure to this burgeoning rivalry.
With the boxing community abuzz after this thrilling encounter, fans eagerly await what the future holds for both Bivol and Beterbiev. The aftermath of their significant showdown on February 22 serves to ignite interest and challenge existing narratives concerning the light heavyweight division's hierarchy.