Dmitry Bivol has claimed victory over Artur Beterbiev, cementing his status as the unified champion of the light heavyweight division after their much-anticipated rematch on February 23, 2025, held at Venue Riyadh Season in Saudi Arabia.
This second bout between the two Russian boxers, who now both have one loss each, was the culmination of Bivol’s determination following his previous defeat to Beterbiev back in October 2024. That earlier match saw Beterbiev take the crown by majority decision, making this rematch particularly significant.
Judges scored the most recent fight 114-114, 116-112, 115-113, awarding the victory to Bivol after 12 grueling rounds of back-and-forth action. "I was ready for this fight and I’m glad to become the unified champion," Bivol expressed afterward, highlighting his readiness leading up to the match.
Beterbiev, whose record now stands at 21 wins, 20 of which were by knockout, faced his first professional loss, which he acknowledged by stating, "Now it’s my time to come back stronger." His defeat marked not just the end of his title reign, but also the beginning of speculation about his next steps following this unexpected turn. While he remains respected as one of the strongest competitors, this bout certainly raised questions about his form moving forward.
The fight had high stakes, with both fighters battling for the WBC, WBA Super, IBF, and WBO titles, making Bivol's victory pivotal not only for his career but also for the division as he now holds all four world titles. This unification signifies Bivol as one of the elite boxers within the sport's rich history, being only the third Russian to reach such heights as undisputed champion.
Post-fight, the reactions from the boxing community have been mixed yet insightful. "The judges’ decision was fair, it was the right outcome," commented the president of the IBF, emphasizing the match’s competitive nature. Comments from trainers and fans have voiced similar sentiments about the fight’s fairness and intensity.
Kirillov, another notable figure within boxing circles, remarked, "Bivol’s victory is clear, but I believe we need to have the trilogy match," hinting at the potential for another bout between the two, considering their close rivalry. The suggestion of a trilogy has gained traction, especially as many fans and analysts believe both fighters are still at their competitive peaks and the prospect of another showdown is enticing.
With the night of boxing wrapped up, the undercard delivered some thrilling contests as well, including notable wins and performances by other prominent fighters. Shakur Stevenson, for example, achieved victory via technical knockout, showcasing the high level of talent present at the event.
Both Bivol and Beterbiev demonstrated their skills and tenacity, but it was Bivol who not only left the ring as the victor but also as the newly crowned champion, propelling him forward on the global stage. This victory is sure to echo within boxing history as it adds another layer to the legendary rivalry between these two fighters.
Now, with the titles secured and the fight behind them, fans eagerly await the next chapter for both boxers as they assess their futures and the potential for more high-stakes boxing to come. The light heavyweight division has never been more exciting, and the anticipation of what Bivol and Beterbiev will do next keeps both supporters and critics on the edge of their seats.