In a highly anticipated showdown in the light heavyweight division, Artur Beterbiev (22-0, 21 KO) defeated Dmitrii Bivol (23-1, 12 KO) by majority decision, securing his place as the undisputed champion. The bout, which took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, saw Bivol suffer the first loss of his professional career. After a hard-fought 12 rounds, Beterbiev’s relentless power and precision earned him a victory, solidifying his dominance in the light heavyweight category.
Bivol’s First Defeat in a Decorated Career
Bivol, who entered the fight with an undefeated record, had defended his IBO light heavyweight title earlier this year with a TKO win over Malik Zinad. Known for his technical skill and resilience, Bivol had previously bested big names like Saul „Canelo” Alvarez and Gilberto Ramirez. However, on Saturday night, he faced a different level of pressure from Beterbiev, whose power and aggressive style gradually wore him down.
Beterbiev’s Continued Reign of Power
For Beterbiev, the victory marked his second fight in 2024, having earlier knocked out Callum Smith to retain his IBF, WBC, and WBO belts. The 39-year-old Russian-Canadian has built a reputation for finishing all of his opponents inside the distance, and though this win came via decision, it further cemented his standing as one of the sport’s most fearsome punchers. Beterbiev has defeated top-tier opponents such as Anthony Yarde and Joe Smith Jr., and Saturday’s win over Bivol adds another prestigious name to his record.
What’s Next for Beterbiev?
With his latest win, Beterbiev remains undefeated with a perfect knockout record in his 21 previous fights. The question now turns to what’s next for the dominant light heavyweight champion. Fans are already speculating about potential future bouts, including possible unification matches or a rematch with Bivol. One thing is certain—Beterbiev continues to prove that he is the man to beat in the light heavyweight division.
