Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol faced off on February 22, 2025, at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with the undisputed light heavyweight championship on the line. This highly anticipated rematch came after their first encounter, where Beterbiev secured victory by majority decision. With much at stake, both fighters were eager to showcase their skills, but Bivol aimed to avenge his only career defeat.
From the outset, the fight proved to be thrilling and competitive. Bivol, displaying impressive agility and strategy, opted for movement and precise counterattacks to disrupt Beterbiev's rhythm. Known for his relentless pressure, Beterbiev sought to land his powerful shots early, but Bivol's tactical prowess kept him at bay, forcing the defending champion to chase him around the ring.
During the fight, Bivol's jab emerged as his most valuable weapon, allowing him to dictate the pace and control the distance. Despite being pressured by Beterbiev's body attacks, Bivol remained composed and countered with clean shots, visibly shaking Beterbiev at times. The intensity peaked as the rounds progressed, with Bivol finding his rhythm by the eighth round, connecting with sharp right hands and opening up Beterbiev's defense.
The judges' scorecards reflected Bivol's dominance, with two judges scoring the bout 116-112 and 115-113, respectively, declaring Bivol the winner by majority decision. The victory crowned him the undisputed light heavyweight champion, solidifying his status as one of boxing's elite fighters. Beterbiev, ever the warrior, graciously acknowledged the defeat, offering Bivol congratulations at the end of the match.
Notably, the fight wasn't just significant for its athletic prowess; it also reignited public interest surrounding Bivol's tumultuous personal life. Amid the backdrop of the match, his ex-wife, Ekaterina Bivol, had stirred social media controversy by publicly supporting Beterbiev. After Bivol’s initial loss to Beterbiev, Ekaterina was vocal about her joy, as she expressed on social media, "Karma caught up with this idiot. Artur, I'm happy for you. Now, my work is in the courts." This animosity continued to be a talking point leading up to the rematch.
Ekaterina’s public support for Beterbiev struck many fight fans as unprofessional. One fan stated, “That’s wrong what she is doing,” reflecting the sentiment shared by many who believed public family disputes should remain private. Even some Beterbiev supporters felt her actions were inappropriate, noting, “this tactic is out of order.” Her actions have undergone scrutiny, with some fans questioning her motives, some referring to her as a “sore loser” and others accusing her of seeking attention.
The buildup of personal drama and public sentiment surrounding the fight added fuel to the rivalry between Bivol and Beterbiev. Prominent boxing figures, including Eddie Hearn, were drawn to the spectacle of the fight, known for labeling it as potentially "a generational fight" due to the stakes and the fighters' reputations.
Post-fight reactions underscored the interest Bivol's victory had generated, with fans expressing curiosity about what would come next for both fighters. Speculation arose about the potential for a trilogy fight between Bivol and Beterbiev. Many believed the competitiveness of their matches warranted another encounter, especially now as Bivol has avenged his initial loss. Boxing fans can anticipate heightened emotions and rising tensions as the narrative surrounding Bivol and his ex-wife continues to evolve.
This rematch not only serves as redemption for Dmitry Bivol, allowing him to erase the blemish on his record but also reignites the conversations about relationships and rivalries intertwined within the sport. Bivol's victory appears to refresh his career, with the undisputed crown now firmly under his control. The boxing world eagerly watches as Bivol solidifies his legacy, grappling with the highs and lows of both fight and personal life.