Beterbiev defeats Bivol to claim undisputed light heavyweight title

In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Artur Beterbiev faced Dmitry Bivol in a highly anticipated boxing match on Sunday morning, marking the first undisputed light heavyweight title fight in over two decades. Beterbiev, who entered the bout with an impressive record of 21 wins, including 20 knockouts, was pushed to the limit by Bivol, a fellow Russian champion with a record of 23 wins and only one loss. The fight showcased a back-and-forth battle, with both fighters demonstrating their skills and resilience throughout the rounds. Bivol started strong, utilizing his speed and effective jabs to gain an early advantage. However, Beterbiev gradually found his rhythm, particularly in the middle rounds, where he began to assert his power. The fight was closely contested, with judges scoring it 115-113, 116-112 in favor of Beterbiev, while one judge saw it as a draw at 114-114. This close scoring reflected the competitive nature of the match, which had several momentum shifts. The significance of this fight extended beyond the ring, as it was the first time all four major world titles—WBO, WBA, IBF, and WBC—were contested in the four-belt era. Beterbiev's victory not only crowned him as the undisputed champion but also marked a historic moment in the light heavyweight division, which had not seen such a title unification since 2002. Beterbiev's win solidifies his status as a dominant force in boxing, while Bivol's performance, despite the loss, showcased his skills and determination, leaving the door open for potential rematches in the future.